I had been wondering what had happened to this fella but all has been revealed by Robert Stephens this weekend that he has saved this animal for a second tilt at the Festival bumper. I really fancied this one for last years race but he was only four and found his elders marginally too good for him. He then turned in a stinker when racing far too keenly at the Aintree festival. It is very interesting that they have held him back for a second tilt at the race. He and BELTOR (Triumph Hurdle) are two very good horses to be taking to Cheltenham. Only in three bookmakers list but the 16-1 is worth taking in my view. A look at his run at Cheltenham last New Years Day should convince any doubters of his potential.
I doubt he'll be shorter on the day Stick. 16/1 for a bumper from a relatively unfashionable yard with an unfashionable jockey. There's no reason why NRNB would cripple the odds.
Interesting call Stick. One to watch closely, methinks. I note that Mr Henderson, the forum’s favourite trainer, plans to make 3 entries in the heat this term. Ailtor, 007 and Ok Corral. This is most unusual for him as he has spoken out in the past about how much he dislikes the race as it can often ruin a young horse. Traditionally, he has only ever run one if he thinks the animal is never going to be any better than he is as a bumper performer or if the owner insists. However, he has pointed out that all 3 have been in training more than a year and therefore are hardly inexperienced or don’t know what the game is all about. In a year when no standout bumper performer has seemingly yet appeared Ailtor would appeal at current quotes of 33/1. He was an effortless winner first time out before staying on most eyecatchingly, after a long break, at Newbury earlier in the month to finish 3rd. I’d be confident of him turning the form around with the front 2 at Cheltenham and he couldn’t be in better hands. Also from the county Yanworth seems to be the forgotten horse in this divsion. He’s the same price. Was a dual winner before finishing runner-up, at Listed level, in December at Ascot.
I'll be almost certainly backing whatever Gordon Elliot sends over if he chooses to unleash his best in March. I think his tactics are spot on.
JUSTANOTHERMUDDLE @ 100/1 in the bumper, although has a lot to find with the top few speaking to connections they rate him very highly and cud be their small star for the yard! Has run in 4 bumpers and have saved his last bumper run for this (had he run one more would have had to go novice hurdling)/although it's not one heavily to get involved only a small wager at that price is a good return but he does hold some fairly good form beating the likes of Exitas, Thomas Brown and coming in behind Tea For Two in a listed bumper. Has been off the track since March last year has been working well at home and could put a big run in to sneak in to the placings
