Coneygree beat a 6yo Djakadam 1 and a half lentghs, where as Don Cossack beat a 7yo Djakadam 4 and a half, so 3 lengths superior! You also have to factor in that Djakadam is far likely to be a better horse at 7 rather than 6. Proof that Djakadam has improved with age is that Don Cossack beat him 7 lentghs last season at Punchestown, so he's got closer this season. Beaten only 3 and a half lentghs in 3rd by Coneygree was Road To Riches, where as Don Cossack smashed that donkey 13 and a half lentghs at Punchestown last year. Also only beaten 9 lengths by Coneygree was Holywell in 4th a horse that has only won 1 of his 9 races since leaving novice company a class 2 chase at Kelso, and he couldn't even win a handicap in his last race. Where as back in 3rd in Don Cossacks Gold Cup beaten 14 and a half lentghs was Don Poli a G1 winner and unbeaten this season prior to the Gold Cup. It is quite clear to me, that Don Cossacks Gold Cup winning form is miles superior to Coneygrees form.
****ing hell Shergs just let it go! Your horse won, Cue Card fell and lost, you have to jump and finish to win, no ifs buts or maybes end of!
**** me mate they don't race on treadmills. Different tracks different ground different fitness different day.There's no guarantee Djakadam is any better this year. Don Cossack is a ****ing good horse who i rate (and backed as a novice) but the eulogising around the performance sounds to me like someone trying to convince themselves they were right all along (but the result alone should do that for you- he's a Gold Cup winner) But before we go dismissing Coneygree, and indeed anyone else, how's about we just give him chance to answer first. It would be spectacular to see them go at it in a Gold Cup or, if the owners are brave, a Hennessey. King George IMO would make Don a heavy fav as he does have tactical speed whereas I'd probably favour a galloping/stiffer track for Coneygree.
I am letting it go now as this really is just the old style farcical Arkle style of argument. You carry on blowing smoke up your own Arse and dismissing anyone else's perspective. Smug ****!
It's not me trying to convince myself of anything, just fed up with Don Cossacks doubters not holding their hands up and admitting they called it wrong. Instead trying to make excuses for them being wrong. Like Cue Card fell, and Coneygree wasn't around. End of the day Don Cossack turned up and jumped round, and seen off all challengers. So he is currently the best staying chaser around! He'll prove that once again at Punchestown!
Shergs, In Jan odddy put up "two word "Don" and "poli" to which I responded "at least you are half right"! So I am certainly not in the doubters camp. I just think that he had two big slices of fortune. Coneygree getting injured and Cue Card falling. He got there, stood up and won and that is what counts but for me there remains a "what if". That's all I was getting at but probably went about it in the wrong way. Neither of the horses that "could" beat him will be at Punchestown so it should be a penalty kick!
That's all cool Stick, I'd had a few beers last night so probably didn't put my point across as I should have too. Anyways I think there is a chance of Cue Card going to Punchestown, as he went there last season. I think that's the better route for Gold Cup runners, as the Aintree Bowl race is just to soon. I wouldn't fancy him against a fresh Silviniaco Conti after such a bad fall in the GC.
Aintree will be the easier race and if he is well that is where I expect to see him. 8/1 for this years King George. A race of "repeat winners". ;-)
Next years King George looks great on paper, especially if Coneygree comes back. No need for me to say who my money will be on though.
We really all need to meet up for a few jars and hammer this out over a few beers Lord Winemere is the best gold cup winner to ever grace cheltenham in my view
