Rock On Ruby @ 10/1 is a cracking bet. Ran a superb race on ground he obviously hated. On good ground he'll turn the tables on Grandouet & Zarkander. Montbazon @ 100/1+ is a speculative outside bet, but a good value punt if he wins his comeback in good fashion.
Just on the side, Countrywide Flame won't run in the Xmas hurdle, he's going to Leopardstown instead to take on Hurricane Fly. Disagree with you GGW, I think this is a brilliant little horse, but I suppose we'll find out just how good he is when he takes on the Fly in his own back yard. Take your valid point re Grumeti though, however he managed to beat CF at Aintree, which did not suit him, and I'm led to believe that CF has trained on beyond belief this season. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't reached the level of form anywhere near those above him in the Champion Hurdle market, but I just think he'll be a live contender at a decent price, and I hope he continues to go under the radar
You only have to look at his flat rating over the last 18 months to see how much he's improved - he proved beyond doubt last NH season that he is a battler, and whilst one of the strongest trends in racing is to oppose 5yo horses in the Champion Hurdle and I'm not about to discard it, this horse is more battle hardened and physically tough than any 5yo I can remember (Celestial Helo possible exception) having already run 9 times over timber and 18 times on the level. Two horses I'll throw into the ring at big prices: Darlan - had a horror prep for last years Supreme and wasn't beaten far, need decent ground and has excellent turn of foot as well as stamina Cotton Mill - had everything bar Simonsig on the hop in the Neptune last year before inexplicably ducking out, Hardy Eustace, Istabraq and Rock on Ruby are among those to have taken on the Neptune before a Champion hurdle tilt and whilst something clearly spooked this one at Cheltenham last March a strong run 2m may just work for him. At 10/1 and 40/1 I think they're value
Monksland still has just the one entry over christmas and that is in the Istabraq hurdle, so maybe he will get a crack at the top 2 milers to see where he stands. Fingers crossed from my point of view. Cotton Mill and Monksland would have been closer to Simonsig than it finished and for me Simonsig was the single best novice hurdler going last year- by a distance, and as Grizzy points out the Neptune form often stands up well in a Champion Hurdle, therefore I think they deserve consideration. I do not rate the Supreme Novice form of last year whatsoever, and for that reason I just cannot have Darlan or Cinders and Ashes. Darlan looked to hold a chance in the Betfair Hurdle but that was against a below par Zarkandar, and in any case I don't see Zarkandar winning a Champion Hurdle. He was flattered last year because his steam train finish was actually because he had no final hurdle to jump as it had been knocked down! That said, Nicholls says he never had him right last year so he will definitely improve on last years run. Big talk about Peddlers going the World Hurdle route especially with the Big Bucks defection, but his only entry at the moment is in fact the Istabraq hurdle, so maybe the Champion is not quite off the radar just yet. If Grumeti wins the Champion Hurdle I'll be utterly amazed. Seriously interesting renewal on the cards if they all turn up.
BINOCULAR please log in to view this image I shall be keeping my faith my antepost bet of 14/1 ew- shall be like printing money!!
Toppy - Zarkandar has the potential to reach the absolute top over 3m for me, the only thing previously stopping him targeting longer distances was Big Bucks but now he (appears to be) out for the year I'd love to see Nicholls step this one up in trip, brave call but I don't see him having the speed for 2m on decent ground, he won his Triumph by outstaying (very good) rivals, never had the speed to get near Rock on Ruby last year but was finishing better than anything, the horse is crying out for further....
Good old Binocular. Lovely looking animal but blimey, his beating of Kyber Kim really does look strong on paper Agreed Grizz- Zarkandar looks like he would stay.
I knew I would bring this argument up again , you can only beat what is infront of you, he did that BOOOOM!!
Haha I always enjoy the Binocular debate too Wooly. He was held by a below par Hurricane last year, cannot see him making the frame this year either.
One of the forums favourite debate!! lol He too was below par that day, not only that was given a terrible ride from AP too tried to stay side by side where the fly was last year and was just too late! I cant see him being out the 1st 3! His seasonal reappearnce (which usually he needs a run or two) will just confirm that and will halve in price too
Nicholls didnt mention Zarkandar as a possible for the World Hurdle today. After Saturday I'd be amazed if he ends up anywhere but the Champion Hurdle this season
