i find it hard to imagine given his size that he could win a grand national of top weight ,but he does tend to do well in large fields,probably suffers from "small horse syndrome" and as great determination not to be bullied or left behind ,but i think even that race is beyond him.mccoy once said he didnt think he as the scope for a race like the national.
imo,i think hes just going to be a one season wonder.i dont think he is in the same league as recent gold cup winners.
i had him down as a grade 3 type,but he looks to of improved late in life,although he hasnt had that many chase runs due to mixing hurdles and chases in the same season .he reminds me in a way of rooster booster who improved late for a hurdler and had that amazing season when just previously looking like he was just below top class.the following seasons though he struggled.
we had a transitional year were we had 4 previous gold cup winners to start with,but then denman retired and imperial commander got injured,leaving kauto and long run.long run as looked a shadow of his former self then a rejuvenated kauto failing to run his race.the 2nd seasons chasers that do well in the gold cup were a poor bunch with the rsa top 3 falling short and not even taking part.arkle winner captain chris joined them by going up in trip and he seems out of sorts and didnt even take part.quel esprit a non runner on the day was disappointing as i thought he had a great chance.
next year im expecting the 2nd season staying novices to be a better bunch then this years.bobs worth,first lieutenant,sir des champs,invictus and last installment who missed the rsa through injury, as he ran faster that day when synchronized won the lexus, look to me great prospects of adding to the great record of 2nd season chasers in the gold cup.