I think connections with More Of That will try the GC No Coneygree and the likely defection of Vautour should mean they roll the dice!
Personally, I wouldn’t touch 6/1 re a horse who hasn’t run for the best part of 2 years, as you say isn’t even qualified for the race and, of course, is no longer barned with the great man who mastermided his ascent to the very top. I’d love to see Long Run oblige again at the Cheltenham Festival (there wouldn’t be a dry eye on the forum) but I wouldn’t go near that quote given what he has to overcome to even make ‘tapes up’. Long Run could go to Taunton next week but if the weather continues like this Mr W-C may have little option, given that he has to run at least twice quite quickly (and finish in the first 2 twice), to run the 11YO on whatever ground he is presented with if he wants to qualify him for the Cheltenham heat.
Whichever race Barters Hill lines up in will be a corker. The novice ranks look to have more than a handful of outstanding prospects this season. More of That - i'd go RSA. You have one horse that looks really good in that in No More Heroes but apart from him i'm not sure what's to be worried about and as highly as some rate him, No More Heroes will not be as tough a test at this stage in their careers as the Gold Cup field.
Albert Bartlett for my money Bob. Further he goes the better he looks and as the ground is likely to be a lot quicker come March that would be my preferred race. They may just be sizing up the opposition, I hope not though as you should be going to the Festival thinking you are the one they have to beat!
Good to see the Albert Bartlett getting a bit more attention from connections - still a very young race but has produced some very good winners. I believe Mulholland is also mulling both options for Shantou Village.
Pauling was on On The Line last night with Chappers and he said he couldnt get it out of his head that the horse had gears. I agree with Stick, he was off the bridle quite early at Newbury but did his best work at the finish. Neptune on good ground he would struggle to travel for long enough. Plus Bellshill / Yorkhill / Long Dog / Bachasson all look like Neptune horses to me so whichever one or 2 or 3 willie sends would take some beating. AB a much weaker race with Shantou Village the main opposition for me.
I'm thinking exactly the same chaps. Albert Bartlett is the weaker of the two races judging by what appears to be likely targets. Like it or not, you've got to factor into your thinking likely targets for the Mullins horses and he's very good in the Neptune and very bad in the Albert Bartlett. To me, he's always sent his best horses to the Supreme and the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett horse tends to be the ginger haired relations. It may be Pauling's only chance to ever win a graded race at the Festival so he should go for the easiest race. If his horse has gears but can stay then all the better his chance in the potato race.
More Of That has looked very nice this far. He is an 8 year old who loves the course and has jumped very nicely. I think he might be the answer if they take the chance. Has few stamina worries given his World Hurdle win and has been in very good races. I'd like one more run over fences in the next few weeks and id go to the big one. He's prime age for the Gold Cup.
It's been a concern for me all season- the complete silence around her. Otherwise I'd have had A bet on the new mares race for her. This frustrates the bollocks out of me- all that silence but not a word about any setbacks, problems, or anything. Punters get a raw deal IMO.
Any chance Stick's favourite mare in training will be re-routed and go for the race? If so the 9-1 could look massive
I've a feeling that's tosh mate. Don't think there keen on running her on the atrocious ground around at the minute, that's all.
So you think She will still be the number one runner in the race or MYSKA who obviously handles these conditions who I think may be better on better ground too will be bumped up?!
New podcast out today and i totally forgot that my highlight of christmas was how drastically wrong that toad Delargy got the King George.
Delargy annoys me . Bring back noel hayes has not been as good since he left. Heading down for gold cup day can't wait . Like the look of tombstone and shantou village- just trying to figure out the races they will participate in
Tombstone is engaged at Punchy the weekend Gaz. Likely up against Min and possibly another 1 or 2 of the Mullins brigade, Royal Caviar and Thomas Hobson also entered. Should have a clearer picture as where they go with him then.
