Just catching up on the replays from the earlier races. Facile Vega was superb, very slick and fast over his hurdles and clearly the engine is still purring beautifully. You'd have to think, already at this early stage of the season, he will take all the beating in the supreme. Like Sir Barney I'd love to see Henderson's filly Luccia take him on (probably won't happen though). Jonbon was equally superb - exuberant, stylish and just shaken up briefly to slam a 147 rated opponent by 8 easy lengths. He must be pushing 160 now and still with the P behind that rating.
I must say Noble Yeats was ultra-impressive in the Many Clouds Chase too. No idea where he might be aimed this season but he will be a big player wherever he goes. Amazing acceleration to pick off the leaders between the last two fences.
I felt the low key start at my local track Wexford was going to be an underwhelming reappearance and then a few more, you know the usual down the fields, pulled up and then go for the GN again hoping the assessor gave them some leeway but now I am thinking are they looking toward something of a higher grade? He's hardly a good enough horse to win a gold cup, is he?
If it turns out to be a weak year then maybe. I think A Plus Tard has to be questioned after his dismal display at Haydock. Current GC fav is Galopin Des Champs who may well hack up but he still has to prove himself at the trip and in open company. L'Homme Presse was good at Newcastle but was it any better than what Noble Yeats achieved today? Not sure Allaho will run (the trip may well stretch him), Bravemansgame might duck Cheltenham again. Protektorat is a player but he's not a genuine staying superstar for me. You are then into the likes of Stattler and suddenly Noble Yeats chances don't look that bad, especially if the ground is on the quicker side of soft. The 14/1 with Hills for the Gold Cup might just tempt me e/w if it were NRNB (but I assume it isn't).
Yeah, very true. A Plus Tard has that one or two out of sorts runs in him each season though but as you said, you wouldn't be as confident after that Haydock run. I think Galopin could be the one alright but it will be interesting to see him over the trip and then in open company as well, will likely know a lot more after the Leopardatown Christmas festival. When you look at it on the bare face of things then he would have to take his chance, I see they've cut his odds into 10/1 now as well for the race. Purely because Emmet Mullins is a bit of a lad for the plotting, I'd say it looks like they are shooting straight toward that race and would go there with a live each way chance. My own gut says he lacks that real Gold Cup quality but he will be more than entitled to go and try win it.
She's on fire recently isn't she. That Farinet and Sandown winner in the last won in a canter, very impressive. Hopefully you had a few quid on
Another very streaky trainer hit top form today, along with Venetia I think they’ll be heading my list of yards to back
Martin Pipes Pridwell brings back fond memories for me especially when he beat red hot favourite Istabraq at Aintree in 1998 through the mud.
Not yet, Oddy, and doubt if I'll be going this year. Used to go regularly every year, just loved to sip the warm Glühwein, everyone suitably wrapped-up against the often very cold weather. Fond memories indeed!
Had been meaning to reply to this - Monet's Garden was one of my favourites too, he fits into the front running, enthusiastically jumping chaser who was a flash of grey in a field of brown. A horse who should be remembered more fondly than he is. Smad Place, who has many things in common with Monet's Garden. He wasn't quite as good, but he always caught the eye and over fences he managed some great results. Neptune Collonges is the third big brave grey that I wanted to put up, and obviously his day in the sun was when winning the Grand National. He was probably unfortunate to be around in the days of Denman and Kauto Star! So I think it is fair to say that grey chasers of a certain class are a big draw for me!
