It's a travesty with what must be one of the best ever novice chases outside the Cheltenham Festival: Peddlers Cross, Sprinter Sacre, Menorah and For Non Stop. Looks exceptional. I agree with the AP argument but think it is being slightly overplayed here. There can be no doubt that the horse goes best for Ruby but it must also be remembered that the horse just wasn't right on the day. He bled (for the first time in his career) and was found to have a virus afterwards. For whatever reason he was well below par and I don't think Ruby would have won on him either. This year is a different story because he looked right back to his best in the Betfair and, with Ruby back in the plate, I genuinely think he can take an historic 5th King George on Boxing Day.
Ron , if there's been any snow, im skiing! and drinking weissbiers. I practically live for them. agreed, the 27th should be on tv. peddlers v sprinter sacre v menorah is as good as it gets. id probably rather watch that over the xmas hurdle.
Super write-up TopClass! Not quite Nass, I will continue as the probable not606 No.1 fruit-and-nut case by having a decent e/w bet on Somersby. Just a question if he can keep up in this field, big "if"? Whatever happens, we're in for a hell of a race. Just hope they all come back safe and sound, especially Master Minded. I have never forgotten years ago a really good two-miler called Dunkirk** (hope I've got the name right, not the recent American one of the same name of course, nor the one who raced in the '80s, it was before that) who arrived at his final resting place when tried at three miles (in this race, I think?). Good luck and a safe journey to all of them. **Think I've found it. Must have been sometime in the mid-to-late '60s. This Dunkirk was twice a 2-mile Champion Chase winner and for some strange reason trainer Cazalet and connections decided to take-on the great Arkle at Kempton at a distance Dunkirk had never attempted before. He died in the race, attempting the impossible. Won't say any more, invokes unhappy memories: ....................................................................................................................... PETER CAZALET Old Etonian Major Peter Cazalet trained innumerable winners on his 1,500-acre Fairlawne estate near Tonbridge in Kent for the cream of British jumping owners including Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Colonel ‘Billy' Whitbread of the brewing family and others including Lord Abergavenny and Lord Portman. If he never had any success in the Grand National, he was always prominent at the famous park meetings of Cheltenham and Sandown where he trained winners for The Queen Mother, including The Rip, Laffy, Makaldar and Lochmore. The best horse he ever trained for his life-long friend Colonel Whitbread was dual Two Mile Champion Chase winner Dunkirk, who died tragically when taking on the amazing Arkle at Kempton. .....................................................................................................................
Not sure whether this has come to anyone's attention yet but Barry Geraghty rides Diamond Harry in the King George. Paddy Brennan rides Nacarat, and the rest are as expected.
Blimey, if ever Geraghty goers and beats Long Run on that it would really stir up a storm. Diamond Harry has almost become the forgotten horse of the race here. I know he has it all to prove, but remember he was sent off a 7/2 second favourite behind Long Run in the Betfair Chase market. He also travelled as well as anything, he was ahead of Long Run in the home straight but then just tired out of contention. Jumped solidly too. I know the consensus has been that this is a horse better fresh, but could it not be conceivable that he will have come on for that run? Connections have made it clear that the Gold Cup is the target, and thatr anything here will be a bonus. Remember, we have not had much chance to judge him when not fresh as he has been a fragile horse, so he might build on reappearance. I find it interesting that he got outstayed, because they view stamina as his forte, which makes me feel like he might just see this race out better. That said, his Hennessey win was off just 10 stone and it might just be that he is a stone short of the elite here.
Intresting read from the man who knows Kauto and Master Minded best, He is also of the opinion that Master Minded will stay at Kempton... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ra...inished--Long-Run-good.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Good article. I think Ruby has it spot on- they know Long Run has the potential to run a massive race, into the 180s. That would be asking an awful lot of a horse just shy of 12 to match or even surpass. If Kauto runs and jumps as well as he did at Haydock, he'll demand a champions performance for anything to beat him. But it is a huge ask for a horse at his age to produce back to back heroics.
I remember Dessie winning the Agfa Chase just shy of his 12th Birthday, giving nearly 2 stone to Nick The Brief. It was his last career victory. If Kauto Star were to win the King George it would be a fitting end to his career. I can't see him winning another Gold Cup so, whatever the result on Boxing Day, I would be tempted to draw stumps afterwards.
Why all the retirement talk?! It was only 5 weeks ago that he was giving us one of, if not the best, moment of 2011. This horse has proven people wrong time and time again. Let him do the talking on the track and let Nicholls, Smith and those who know him best decide when the time is right. Let's just enjoy him while he's around rather than anticipating and trying to call his retirement. We will not see his like for a very very long time so let us cherish every moment that he is still around. He is a wonderful horse and nobody is a bigger fan than I but it has already been shown that the retirement decision is best left to those who know him best. Many have been made to look fools once already. Don't make the same mistake again.
Top article by the way Istabraq. I find it hard to believe that Ruby doesn't at least think he's got a chance. Seems like he's just lumping the pressure on Sam Waley-Cohen! Really can't wait now, only three more sleeps to go!
True, but he has been an iconic part of NH racing for 6-7 years, no-one wants to see him either hurt or embarrass himself, he cannot win a 3rd Gold Cup but if he were to win a 5th King George he would be guaranteed legnedary status in NH racing forever. I would prefer him win the KG and spend a happy retirement in a field as he deserves, any temptation to run the GC would be poor judgement IMO
I have to say that I hope Kauto is not subjected to another Gold Cup. I said last year that I would love to see him have a go at a 5th KG at his favourite track and then retire. I didn't expect to be treated to that performance at Haydock; that was a real bonus. As far as retirement is concerned, I don't know what to think now, after that Haydock performance. If he should win the KG it would be tempting to nurse him along for another attempt next year, all being well. But I dread him tackling the Gold Cup again.
If anyone remembers my post on race day for the Betfair Chase, the reason I backed Kauto Star was because I had a feeling that they had decided to simplify his season and go with a 2-race plan. I felt they would get Kauto 100% ready for the Betfair Chase, and then look to retire him at the scene of his historic King George triumphs. As it turned out, apparantly there was a two race plan, but it was in fact Haydock Park, and then the Cheltenham Gold Cup. However, part of me still wonders if Nicholls said that to take away any pressure. After all, if he told the world he would retire Kauto on Boxing Day, the pressure and press attention would be enormous. I felt they would stick to the two flat 3m tracks and let Kauto sign off with two big performances. I hope he gets round safely at Kempton and regardless of what happens, they retire him at the top, be it memories of the Betfair Chase or be it memories of a record 5th King George. He is already a one off, all I ask is that he retires safe and sound.
If ever there was a horse worth of a big ask though, you'd have to say Kauto Star is one to have onside.
Whilst I often take Paul Nichols opinions on his horses with a pinch of salt (I think he overestimates the average ones and underestimates the great ones), he's generally quite honest - I don't think he's likely to tell everyone one plan and then have a different one. I will be very surprised if it turns out that the plan was always to retire him after the King George. That said if they did make that decision then I think it would be an entirely respectable decision and a very fitting end to his career. But another 'and Kauto Star hits the front at the foot of the Cheltenham hill' would be a fantastic moment, and if he runs well in the KG, I see no reason he won't be on for another good performance in March.
I agree Zen, Probably abit of mind games from Ruby Walsh. If Kauto can replicate his form from the Betfair he is in with a shout. Last year in the King George, Kauto couldn't dictate he clearly didnt look like he had a chance any part through the race I don't think the change of jockey's contributed to the defeat because if I had a horse I felt could win a big race and I couldn't use Ruby I would most certainly put AP on board. Paul Nicholls and the team at Ditcheat as stated many times now that Kauto is a different horse this year and he looked tip-top at Haydock, The only concern I have with Kauto is weather the race as come a little too soon for hi, In the past its never been a problem but with him only being shy of his 12th birthday days after Kempton I doubt his constitution is quite the same. I expect Golan Way to be up with the pace with Nacarat and I think Ruby will play his cards late and stalk the leaders with Long Run on Kauto's tail. I very much doubt SWC will want to mix it with Kauto early on because that could end in disaster. Master Minded and Captain Chris will probably sit off the pace and the likes of Daryl Jacob will want to get Master Minded completely switched off and hope they have something to play at the business end (I sincerely hope so for My sake ha) Its a fascinating race whatever way you look at it... I must say I am suprised at Somersby's price half that of Master Minded. Im a fan of the horse as he always puts a shift in and even in the Peterborough he stayed on gallantly. Two miles with the best of them is too stiff for him but he is clearly crying out for a trip and if Master Minded and Captain Chris don't quite last home then I expect Somersby to have a great chance for place money... As for Kauto Star, If he manages to pull off the historic win I reckon connections will go for the Gold Cup. He could have been retired well before now but the horse is clearly loving his usual routine so why stop it, If he comes out of Kempton ok why not have a punt at the Gold Cup? His price in the market is pure sentimental money for the King George hes not expected to win but if he does win then why couldn't he pull off the same feat at Cheltenham? I know its highly highly unlikely but I reckon that will be Paul Nicholls and Clive Smiths opinion to go for Cheltenham. Its not like Paul Nicholls as another decent Gold Cup horse in his stable now Denman as retired. The Minack? No thanks...
This has to be one of the best read ups, threads done on here... Many thanks to all who have contributed... Points for and counter points against has made this a very enjoyable read...
