God yeah - must've been years ago. I remember having had a really crap week betting-wise at Royal Ascot (nothing new there then ) and then at the Ascot Heath I think I had 5 out of 7 winners - so the more crap the better for me (although I'm not as bad as Nass with his Polytrack propensities)
What do people think will eb the final field in this race come next tuesday? i presume the top five of SS,AF, CC, Menorah and BSM will run? what of the others? Cristol Bonus must be doubtful? Kid Cassidy?? The other 3??
Aber,I would have thought Foildubh would be the only additional runner to the five you mention. Cristal Bonus is Jewson Bound whilst HTP holds an entry in the novice h'cap. Astracad has been well supported for the Grand Annual and will almost certainly run there as will Kid Cassidy,whose trainer will no doubt have informed JP that he has no chance of beating SS. JP landed a touch in the Grand Annual in 2005 with a novice,Fota Island,and looks like trying the same again with Kid Cassidy. He has a nice weight and NH will probobly run French Opera to ensure that the weights don't go up.
Thanks Dexter. i agree with what you say as id be surprised if Cristal Bonus or Kid Cassidy go in tjhis and like you said, Astracad has been well backedfor the Grand Annual.
After a second sparkling display in two starts has Nicholls missed a trick with Sanctuaire? I would be hugely surprised if he isn't a better 2m chaser than Al Ferof, and whilst Cheltenham might not be ideal, he would be second favourite for the Arkle in my book. He has been so impressive on both occasions. He's gone off quick, jumped like a stag and has not been stopping at the finish either. He might not have beaten a great deal but today he had a 130 rated horse legless and 41 lengths back in second without coming off the bridle. After his first win I said that he should go to Aintree, which is what they are doing. I think that's the sensible decision but I suspect Nicholls must be wondering whether he deserves his chance in the Arkle though. If Ruby employs the same let him go and hold on tight tactics at Aintree then he will take some catching. He seems to go fast, jump well, and doesn't seem to stop either. He looks some tool over the fences that's for sure. Really looking forward to seeing him up in grade.
Still looks a decent race Oddy, shame about Peddlers I must admit. I think it's turned into a watching race to be honest. Might take a chance on Menorah.
I'm going to be there so am sooooooooooooooooo excited. I have this as a 2 horse race between SS and AF. I've got a nice ante post voucher at 6/1 on Al Ferof so will probably hedge my bets on SS if I can get some EVS on-course Can't see the others getting into it
Awesome horse Sprinter Sacre is! Who's gonna back him for next year's Queen Mother at this early stage?
He is some horse that's for sure. The race was already in the bag with 3 to jump. Everything else was being scrubbed along and Geraghty hadnt even moved a muscle. They should realy have gone for the Champion Chase though, Sizing Europe and Big Zeb aren't in this ones class
Yeh i definitely thing they missed a step by not going for the QMCC. This fella is in a different league in the 2 mile chase division.
After watching today's QMCC, I think it's quite obvious Sprinter Sacre would have thrashed FR and SE, and I'd imagine Geraghty and Henderson would be of the same opinion. Amazing that they have SS as a top price 6/4 for next years QMCC, that is incredibly short for a race a year away. Let's hope it doesn't, but as we all know anything can happen to a horse in a year. But if he stays fit and well he will be almost impossible to beat next year
Agree with you there Shergar. Let's hope he stays sound for a few years and is our next superstar as Kauto moves on.
Ive not heard how BG rates SS in relation to FR.I would imagine he rates SS quite a bit higher. NH is a very lucky man as he will have SS,FR and after today Simonsig tearing up all the 2 mile chases.
Nicky Henderson has so much talent in his yard at the moment, il be amazed if Nicholls can keep him at bay in the trainers title
A year's a long time...Spirit Son, Granduoet just a few examples from Nicky's yard in the last few weeks
I just looked up the pedigree to see if it gave any clues as to what the future may hold. Couldn't make head nor tail of it myself.
