I notice on Harry Fry's stable tour that Rock On Ruby's next appointment is the Relkeel. He also said he would not make further plans in terms of spring targets until after that race. I don't think he'll go back to Cheltenham for the Champion Hurdle and wonder if they'll step up in trip and have a go at the World Hurdle like Nicholls did with Celestial Halo. He's got a very decent hurdles record at Cheltenham up to 21 furlongs and maybe up to the extra 3 at this stage of his career especially on good ground. I reckon the majority of the current market leaders won't line up so there may well be a bit of each way value in the 50/1 Bet365 are offering. Without doubt it is far better value than the 50s they're offering for him in the Queen Mother.
Like I mentioned I reckon Antepost betting is essential for cheltenham to get really quality prices. A couple of years ago I had Mytentoryours at 20s in the supreme but he went off 2/1 granted he lost by a neck! but the stake to win ratio can be huge. Here is what I have so far (naturally antepost betting has its risks). Arkle God’s Own 1pt win 18/1 betfair Arkle Josses Hill 1pt win 9/1 PP Champ Chase Simply Ned 1pt ew 33/1 PP Neptune Tell us More 1pt win 20/1 Coral Ryanair Ballycasey 1pt win 16/1 Coral Supreme Douvan 1pt win 12/1 Coral RSA Southfield Theatre 1pt win 16/1 Coral
Taken a small slice of 33/1 e/w about Don Cossack for the Cheltenham Gold Cup this morning. Whilst the John Durkan won't tell us much about his ablity to get the Gold Cup trip, I do think he will win today and the bookies never miss a chance to shorten any beast for Cheltenham. The Lexus will be his real test, but he is a horse I have fallen in love with so betting with the heart rather than the head (I know - a quick way to the poor house ). The Cheltenham Gold Cup looks a very open race this year though, so worth an e/w poke at 33s.
I think as far as speculative punts go mate that is a very fair price for the Gold Cup. I'm very interested in him being in a King George, but as usual we won't know until the last bleeding minute.
Just watched the replay of his last win Toppy, he is a big fecker of a horse, lovely build for a chaser and he just sails over the fences. I don't know whether they'll entertain the King George as I think the Lexus is the obvious race for him over Christmas, I guess it depends what else Gigginstown aim at the race - although THEY have no qualms about putting several of their top horses in the same race (unlike others I could mention).
Don Cossack wins the John Durkan and is as low as 14/1 for the CGC, although there are bits of 20s still available. Lord Windemere shortened as well as he stayed on really nicely after the last.
20/1 still after today Jumps beautiful, decent cruising speed, battles and stays all day, will devour that hill. Gold Cup horse of the future
On Don Cossack Elliott said: "That's great. He deserves that, in fairness to him. He's always gotten plenty of stick and people have said he's been disappointing, but he's a dual Grade One winner now. "I'll have to talk to Michael and Eddie (O'Leary), but if I had my way he wouldn't run until Cheltenham and go straight for the Ryanair. I have to discuss it with the owners as they have a lot of horses. He won't go to the King George. "He's a year older now, which makes a difference, but he was never a bad horse last year and things didn't work out for him. He might have had a bit much last year and we'll try and train him differently. "He had to do it the hard way today. They all came to beat him, but he picked up and galloped all the way to the line. "I'd said he'll go any trip once he relaxes. It was a good performance today and we're happy." RaceBets quote Don Cossack at 8-1 for the Ryanair at Cheltenham in March.
On Mala Beach Robbie Colgan was always to the fore on the Beneficial gelding and he kicked on turning for home to settle matters. The 11/8 shot stayed on well in the closing stages to post a 16-length winning margin over 20/1 shot Sumos Novios. Un Atout was sent off the 5/6 favourite on his return to action but made a bad blunder at the sixth fence. He faded tamely in the home straight to finish fifth. “He's a fair horse this fella and I've always liked him. I think he'll be even better on soft ground,” said Elliott. “He's in all the novices over Christmas but I'll have to chat with Chris as he's away for Christmas. “He's a good big staying horse and the further he goes the better. Something like the four-miler at Cheltenham would do me nicely. “I know Willie's horse made a bad mistake but I think our fella is a nice horse.” He doesnt even know what he has yet! Mala will show them at Christmas he is real deal.
If Gordon Elliot says he would send Don Cossack straight to the Ryanair then I am even happier with my Gold Cup bet You know for sure one race he won't be going to now is the Ryanair.
He is a big beast Oddy but quite narrow,rather than barrel shaped robust...Merry Gale like. I'm not sure he'll run over Christmas after today. Who are the "others" who shirk the issue!?..Go on..spill the beans..!
Well ........................... stick and Nass never seem to have 2 horses in the same race just kidding lads.
Un Atout didn't really advertise himself. Jumped real quick at some of them but also took a dive at one or two, including the big error. Hopefully he comes on a lot from today.
Dropped a sneaky win bet on Sprinter Sacre at 4/1 for the Champion Chase (half of it was a free bet from my bookie). Also dropped a sneaky win bet on Lord Windemere for the Gold Cup at 12s A slice of 25/1 e/w on Sign Of A Victory for the Champion Hurdle-
At Mullins press day yesterday he said Pont Alexandre was doing fast work again and would be seen around February. Does anyone know what they will be doing? A world hurdle shot i would presume because surely he has enough novice chasers/late in the season to start. The form of his Neptune 3rd is obviously decent.
Twardy I wouldn't have thought he'll go if he's not racing again until February. Mullins is usually quite happy to keep some of his armoury for the later festivals. Couldn't have him over hurdles and he won't get enough experience in time for a crack at any of the novice chases.
