Thanks all. Must admit Big Jim was a little disapointing, expected him to come up the hill better than most in the conditions.
Not easy with those youngsters on such a testing track in the prevailing conditions. The McManus is obviously smart but they didn't exactly give us many clues by steaming into it now did they. Well done with the winner. What a way to start!
Thanks Stick, must admit it's nothing compared to the many winners you have given the forum over the years, I'm sure I'm not the only one who looks out for your tips.
Oh Liverpool really do love fecking up my weekends don't they On a brighter note, here's a Rich Ricci interview I came across. For a banker he actually comes across as a decent enough guy. Must say there's definitely worse to listen to him... [video]http://www.racinguk.com/news/article/31503/vautour-makes-chasing-bow[/video] Vautour wins whatever he runs in at Cheltenham I think! Can see why they sent him chasing today. Very accomplished at them I thought.
Haha thanks but I am definitely on the cold list these days. To be really honest I have stopped studying. I don't seem to have drive these days, too many other things going on. I bet if you asked Boris to explain this phenomenom he would tell a similar story to me. Plenty of cracking tipsters on here mind. Must be confusing at times for the many onlookers to decipher who to follow at times! It was good of you to share the proper info today, very generous!
I unfortunately missed your tip Todell as I have just got in for the day, but as Stick has remarked, it's very generous of you to pass it on within the forum. The more we have throwing their knowledge or info into the pot each day the greater chance we all have of getting the best out of a card.
Vautour was very neat. Not sure he struck me as a horse who would be a cert at Cheltenham. Won as he should have but I look forward to bigger tests
Anyone else see Hobbs and Skeltons stable tour on ATR very interesting indeed! Especially the Skelton yard
Not a cert on what he's done today obviously but take a look at the form of that Supreme! Its working out freakishly brilliant! People saying Josses' Hill would be main danger in an Arkle (outside of UDS who he won't race anyway), I'd agree, but sure Vautour beat him hollow in March. And he looks like fences aren't exactly a hindrance based on today. I'd say Vautours the Festival banker at this very, very early stage! One horse I wouldn't look to 'take on' that's for sure!
Was very impressed with him today and agree he is banker material. Problem is which race. He's 7/2 for the Arkle and 3/1 for the JLT. Ruby said either trip wouldn't be a concern, Mullins won't confirm which one until a couple of weeks before (even though In his book Ruby reckons the trainer is a master at picking out the right races for his horses from a long way out). Could back him in both for a bit of profit but no fun in that for me.
The Tullow Tank is winning the intermediate chase Chan so Arkle looks the obvious route to me. It's also the more prestigious race and I'd be sure Ricci would rather go there. I think this horse is potentially the equal of Sprinter Sacre over 2 miles. Big shout but you simply can't deny the performances thus far over small and large obstacles.
True Chan. As my signature suggests I've backed him fair bit for Arkle since he won last years Supreme but been backing him for JLT since September. Can see Un de Sceaux getting dibs on the Arkle, which pushes Vautour to JLT. With big doubts over Sprinter would the Queen Mother be completely out of the equation?! I just wonder... It potentially could be a weaker race than the Arkle. Let's be honest last years renewal was pretty dire and if Sprinters ain't back..
I think his hurdling was wonderful last year and a key behind his impressive Supreme performance. My concern, if I was a backer at 7/2 (other than Mullins leaving you guessing over which trip he faces in March)would be whether he will make up lengths at fences like he did hurdles. His jumping was good today but I want to see him again before being 100% sure about him. Form is excellent but chasing doesnt always translate literally. Un De Sceaux will be interesting too but as you say theres no chance of them clashing.
Mullins could have an insane Day 1 if they all stay fit and sound. In fact as someone pointed out to me, its probably 99% chance he'll have the favourite in every novice event at the Festival! That is just ridiculous
Has a very unusual gallops- is 6inches above the ground (based on th surface at the Olympics at Greenwich ) apparently gives the same completely consistent surface across the whole width of the gallop, whatever the weather, The loop itself is 2 furlongs around and is treble width on the straights, allowing them to use the inside two thirds for the jump have also have put in a 3 furlong round gallop in their neighbouring stables (Bradbury farm) which has deep sand on it meant to get the horses ready for heavy ground so could be interstitial to watch how his horses do, also they showed the race of Shelford beating Abusson which has nothing to do with the tour but that form is definitely been franked and also he is going to keep the elite 2nd Bertimont handicapping who in his opinion is still on a very good mark and the handicapper has been quite lenient and should have a couple of handicap wins in him
Would totally agree that the Arkle is the obvious route for Vautour but Un De Sceaux clouds the issue. Hadn't considered the Queen Mother BOS. Crikey imagine that, hedge your bets on the 2 novice events and he romps home in the Champion Chase. Master Minded won it as a 5 year old, though I don't think he was a novice. 14/1 with paddy power if you want to cover that option as well!
