Hard to believe that before even after he had his 1st run of the season when he won The champ was 25/1 for the Champion hurdle as big as 33's with some people!! I very nearly put a couple of pound on him but it was the time that there was talk of the world hurdle, as Toppy said if the ground comes soft in March the old guard might show the new how it is really done! Although I have Faugheen in a singles a few doubles etc I wouldn't really begrudge him beating him (did have a bit on him @ 10's ew before he ran yesterday)
I am looking forward to the Champion Hurdle now. Now that it looks like Hurricane is throwing his hat into the ring, it looks a much better race overall with the depth. Faugheen clashing with his stablemate and double Champ, the current Champ, and the prior Neptune winner before him really is a good race. The only issue left to resolve now is pace- will anyone bang a pacemaker in or are they going to let Faugheen crack on? A dangerous tactic!
It is testament to Hurricane Fly that he has won 2 at a track where he clearly doesn't show his best form, as much as I love the horse he has absolutely no chance of winning this year
Probably true. But he’s not that bad at Cheltenham either. 2/4. Plus in fairness to the horse you could say that in the 2012 Champion Hurdle he was never put in the race and given a chance to race on his merits. Noel Fehily totally stole that race, a wonderful ride, whilst in comparison Ruby and THAT man rode like conditionals as they spent the first mile and three-quarters watching each other rather than everyone else and what was happening in the race as a whole. Off point but another Champion Hurdle that the latter messed up on Binocular.
think Jezki can retain the trophy and will improve again for good ground. Here's a speculative one from me to stick in the antepost locker: UPSIE 40/1 e.w -Mares Hurdle. In the unlikely event that Annie Power does not run, I'd make Upsie an 8/1 shot. Her engine is fabulous- her resolve as of yet has not been so fabulous. However, in a truly run race she will cruise into contention and then it's a case of hoping she hits the frame up the hill.
Any amateur meteorologists tempted by William Hill’s latest quotes. (i) 7-1 that any day of this year's Cheltenham Festival is abandoned due to adverse weather conditions, or (ii) 25-1 the whole meeting falls to the elements. My mole at the Met (Office not ropolitian Police) says he expects many meetings to succumb to Mother Nature between now and then but that the Festival itself should be safe.
Cor blimey, old boy Paddy Power has just priced up Mr Henderson at 10/1 to be ‘top trainer’ at Cheltenham. Have they not heard of his genius or his ‘magic hands’?!? The great man may have suffered a few reversals this term but no-one does it better on the biggest stage of all. He still has leading claims in several Grade 1’s at the meeting whilst many of his string, following these reversals, are now very leniently treated re the handicaps. To use a chav expression I am genuinely ‘gobsmacked’ by this quote. In fact I’m so shocked I will shortly need to go and lie down in a darkened room.
Some good news for my slim antepost portfolio today in that barring a leg falling off Rock on Ruby in the next 6 weeks it would appear I'll be getting a run for my dough at a whopping 50s. This horse has been consistently underrated throughout his career and given some nice spring ground he must have a decent chance. Of the principals in the market the favourite is still under a cloud and his comeback was hardly inspiring. Saphir Du Rheu is no Big Bucks and it looks like Fanny Power will be aimed at the horse racing equivalent of the Vauxhall Conference. The bad news for me is that ROR is the smallest of my 3 single ap wagers. The other 2 are widely available at much larger odds than when I shrewdly got on in September. I suspect neither of them will even line up.
Cheltenham form and record on good ground stands Rock On Ruby in great stead. Having said that, he has to prove he stays the 3m- a little similar to Oscar Whisky in that he is Champion Hurdle class, but peaks at 2 and a half. Would never write him off though. I get the impression More Of That will peak on the day, but will he have a prep beforehand?
Rock on rubys form with Cole Harden leaves him a long long way behind Saphir, Un temps and Zarkander...
There are very, very few horses with much value left in the antepost lists but there's one in NH Chase that might well be. Thunder and Roses is a standout 25/1 with Bet365 and that seems very fair to me. The current favorite Don Poli, will most likely go for the RSA, where he'd be the one to beat, so that paves the way for the rest of the market to considerably shrink in price. Trained by Sandra Hughes I'm sure everyone on the forum would agree it would be very poignant should she find herself in the Cheltenham winners enclosure in March.
Very interesting shout Beef. Don Poli should be nailed on RSA really. Massive fan of Mala Beach for the 4 miler, looks right up his alley.
Some odd stuff on Betfair at the moment- Valseur Lido seems to be strenghtening a little for the RSA with no money for him for the JLT. A little all over the place as usual at this time of year.
Why is this year there is hardly any value left in the markets and a lot of horses have been off, not lived up to expectations and not been the same as they were years before so logically a lot of the races are wide open but the bookies have other ideas
I think there is plenty of value out there as most markets have a Mullins horse which is way too short. I think I'll take screenshots from oddschecker today and, after the festival, post up what the winner of each race was trading at on Jan 31st. We only think there is no value because we get sucked into fancying those at the head of the betting
I suppose that is true oddy, good idea will be very interesting to see, i reckon here will be more big price winners than ever the races as statesd seem very open! Could be a festival for the bookies hopefully I'm wrong tho
