Nice to see Impulsive One back to winning ways there at Musselburgh. If the ground is not too soft he might be a live contender for the Fred Winter. The Dublin Chase is an interesting rematch for the 3 who ran in the Tingle Creek. Is Chacun Pour Soi just a bad traveller or has he lost his mojo? I think Captain Guinness could run a big race.
I think we have to conclude he just doesn't travel. Different animal to what we saw at Sandown (and previously at Cheltenham). I wonder if they might think about taking him over to Cheltenham a few days earlier this year, give him more time to acclimatise?
Should be a cracking QMCC with them 3 lining up. Chacun 6/1 for it - odds on last year tells you the strength of Shiskin and Energumene. Got to have a go though after that don't you... Ricci alluded to the travel thing as well Oddy, not sure if it's that or just the track he has an aversion too. Worth giving your idea a go, I am sure they will be thinking of everything to give the animal the best chance to place his best hoof forward.
15:15 Musselburgh - Cedar Hill (Tough sort who should run a good race here. Ryan Mania takes the ride for the A.M. Thomson yard. 5/1 best price at time of writing, freely-available. E/W might be a good 'saver'?) Edit: Conor O'Farrell now rides instead of Ryan Mania. Hope Ryan is OK after fall. Hmm, real shame as stand-in jockey has hardly ever done me any favours. Pre-race excuses Swan, shame on you!
Moving Birchdale from Seven Barrows to Enda Bolger certainly did the trick (got his rating down 12 pounds in 6 months). Might we see Chantry House and Champ follow suit? Shock Horror Sir Barney
Did I see Max Kendrick sneak Ratfacemcdougall into 6th there? The winner could go well in the final - nicely done Charles Byrnes - up 7lbs to 129 and sneak in the final?
Honeysuckle could win this pulling a plough. Such a shame Appreciate It, probably the only slightly credible opposition to her, doesn't run.
Not much to beat but she did it well. 14 in a row is a phenomenal record and a great achievement for all involved.
What a partnership? Main job for Rachel Blackmore was to keep Honeysuckle interested as she (the mare!) looked thoroughly bored-stiff at the finish. Not a hair out of place, looked as though she had just been for a quiet stroll in the paddock. Terrific mare.
She has an amazing record - such a shame she doesn't have more of a challenge though, to really prove how great she is. I was looking back at who Hurricane Fly used to beat when winning the race 5 consecutive years - the likes of Jezki, Our Conor, Binocular, Thousand Stars, Solwhit. You have to admire her longevity and consistency, and I am not trying to crab her - she can only beat what is put in front of her. Maybe this season's novice hurdlers can give her more of a challenge next season? She'll be 9 then of course ........
It will be interesting to see how Sir Gerhard goes here - there have been some big performances from horses at the head of the Supreme market the last few weeks so let's see how Sir Gerhard stacks up against them. On paper he ought to win easily but the question afterwards will be - Supreme or Ballymore?
Well he was far from fluent at his hurdles but nothing there screamed Ballymore to me - he has speed to burn and will come up the hill to great effect. I think he goes Supreme but he will need plenty of schooling.
Willie should be over in Vegas at the highest stakes poker table. Man wouldn't give anything away. Not sure if anyone caught the RTE interview but as usual he was non-committal on which race Sir Gerhard goes for. Was not happy with SG in the first half of the race but thrilled with how he finished it. Facile Vega the one he was the happiest with and most excited by.
I think the quicker pace of the Supreme will suit SG. I have to agree with Kevin Blake on ITV - he was wondering how these UK novices will look when they meet a proper horse. A strict line through Colenel Mustard would leave Jonbon with plenty to find.
