I know you like the horse top class but I really don't see it that way. Bobs Worth was always going to catch him regardless, had SDC gone earlier he would of just fallen apart even more than he did up the hill. Bobs Worth did beat him 8 lengths in the end, as he was flying up the hill were as SDC was running up and down on the one spot. I'm really struggling to understand how you believe different tactics would see SDC beating Bobs Worth. I didn't back either in the Gold Cup, so would like to think my opinion is pretty neutral. SDCs form is not great in Ireland, there form over there is 2nd rate, yes he beat a past it horse ridden by a dentist, but what has he really achieved? Champion Court? (Not G1 class) Shop DJ (Really?) Flemenstar eventually after losing to him twice (19 lengths behind Cue Card) Couldn't beat First Lieutenant (Another of Cue Cards victims) A 12 year old Tidal Bay (Oh wait, he couldn't beat him either) Top Class? I don't think so. Perhaps 2nd class if your lucky!
Watch his Arkle victory again, he jumps impeccably, and barely touches a twig. He can jump as well as any horse at times. I have never seen a better chasing display from a novice on debut, he is a better jumper than his last 2 starts have shown. Still, it doesn't make alot of difference aslong as he stands up as his engine is that of a Bugati Veron
Shergs I think you crab Tidal Bay too easily, he's one of the most talented chasers (even if he is a bit of a nutcase), that I've ever seen. He won an Arkle, and has won top 3m hurdle races, and top 3m chases, including a 2nd to the eventual GC winner Bobs Worth, giving him weight (8lbs?). Sprinter Sacre is the best horse I've ever seen at this stage of his career, I hope he stays clear of illhealth, and goes on till he's 12/13. He'll definitely have to be considered as the best of all time if he continues in this vein! Still stand by my opinion that I've seen miles better jumpers!
Have to agree with you on this point, KS. There is just no way SDC would have beaten Bobs Worth on that day. Am repeating myself, as I already told TopClass MHO directly after the race, if my old memory serves me correct. SDC was beaten fair and square in the GC.
Not crabbing Tidal Bay just pointing out how old he is. He did run well behind Bobs Worth, but Bobs Worth will only ever do enough. Tidal Bay has run in the Gold Cup a few times, and look where he finished? If these horses in Ireland are getting beat by him, a few days shy of 12 then it really is a poor era of staying chasers over there
