Now this horse is a big favourite of mine, pretty much all the time he runs I have a little punt on him. He is a horse with a massive heart and alot of talent, who always gives 100%. He has had some fantastice performances this year for example at chester, ran from the front beginning to end (as he likes to do) also ran a good second behind binocular in the re-scheduled xmas hurdle. I think the in northumberland he was going well and just ran out of steam. Same with at goodwood just found a few too good. But this is my main worry for the forthcoming jump season! Imo he is a better jump than flat but the same there will always be some too good e.g. Hurricane Fly & Binocular. And now in todays Racing Post McCain said he will probably follow PC over the fences. But anyway going back to my worry- This horse has not had alot of time off to freshen up and just get 100% ready to the forthcoming jump season! As I said he does a lot of heart which will carry him through but compared to some of the fresher horses I feel he may just become to fatigued towards the end of the races. What does everyone else feel.
I can't see them running him very often, they will probably try and get two or three early season novice chase wins and then put him away for the spring.
My major worry would be that they test him at the very highest level over staying trips and then bottom him. He is certainly a favourite of many and he is a good horse to watch when going about his business
He's a fantastic little horse, the sort that nobody could possible dislike. I think it's strange that McCain is sending both novice chasing because you'd have thought that their targets would be similar at least. Nevertheless it gives him two very strong contenders for the novice chase prizes next season. I think if he's given a break before the jumping gets underway he should be alright. Certainly makes you look forward to the jumps season though!
Indeed it does Zenyatta, am going to plumpton the 1st meeting of the new season on the 18th September and cant wait! Before we know cheltenham will be just round the corner- already ordered my tickets for the thursday and friday!
You're keener than me! I won't start planning until a little nearer the time. Definitely hoping on going to all 4 once again though. Hopefully i'll be able to persuade some of my University friends to come along too. I persuaded a few to come for the Tuesday last season and they all enjoyed it and are keen for a return trip. I can't wait already - the roar when the Supreme Novices start can't come soon enough.
Top of the ground horse so won't have a big winter campaign. He's not quite Grade 1 material but the way he lumped the weight around at Perth the other day I would aim him at some of the big Handicap Hurdles from 2m to 2m4f. Maybe an autumn campaign with the Greatwood as a target and then a spring campaign.
No I think he will be fine, racing keeps horse's fit and healthy, and it's not like there over running him on the flat. I remember when Desert Orchid was racing, he would have had 10 miles+ on the clock even before it came to the KG some years, and he would still bolt up in that. If they are planning to put him over fences this season, then I fancy he will run in atleast 2 novice chases before Xmas. As Oddy says he does prefer top of the ground, but they can't be fussy with the ground, as they will need to get plenty of experience into him over fences so he is ready for some top Novice Chases at the bigger meetings in the spring. He is a horse, who is maybe just short of being Grade 1 standard over hurdles, and he is a top handicapper on the flat. So he does have ability, so chasing could prove to be the making of him. he could be worth a cheeky few quid antepost, for the Arkle or Jewson, for those who bet Antepost, I reckon you would get a pretty big price at this stage
Im suprised they dont offer multi day discounts really! Im tempted to do all days next so was hoping there would be a discount but there isnt! There used to be for 2 days but dont even have that any more! : (
Can't see then both going for the same targets? Captain Chris & Wishfull Thinking paths from last season could well be the way to go perhaps?
