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The week that was - 22nd to 28th February

Discussion in 'Horse Racing' started by NassauBoard, Feb 28, 2021.

  1. NassauBoard

    NassauBoard Well-Known Member

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    Hi all,

    In a week where a trainer pictured sat on a dead horse with a victory salute has made the news headlines, we have seen a moderate week of racing in terms of quality, but pleasingly a full week of racing for the owners and trainers who are wanting to run their horses.

    As this is being typed, we don't have confirmation of the Gordon Elliott story, but it seemingly has more legs than we all had expected and wanted. So rather than commenting on that -

    Review

    Saturday at Kempton was the highlight for most, with the Adonis being won by the very impressive Tritonic who has now gone short in the Triumph market as a result. He is a thoroughly likable horse and showed an impressive turn of foot to go clear of his field. He looks a potential star for Alan King and the McNeill family and I hope he gives the Irish plenty to think about in the Triumph. I am still in the Zanahiyr camp, but that performance was impressive and it adds further intrigue to the Triumph hurdle.

    Tamaroc Du Mathan won the Pendil in fine style. He was well beaten behind Shishkin last time but once again showed how good Paul Nicholls is at targetting horses at weak graded races! This was a good performance, but to me I think this was just him winning a weak race. I would be very surprised to see him being a grade 1 horse, but he has time and opportunity to prove that incorrect.

    Cape Gentleman showed how weak racing in the UK is by winning the Dovecote, outbattling the errant Calico close home. He is clearly a battler who tries hard, but he went off at 8/1 last time when he pulled up. Calico is an odd horse, he is either very babyish or he is a complete rogue. We will see more next time (and the time after that etc).

    The handicaps were run at good paces with the Eider producing a cracking finish at Newcastle and the Close Brothers at Kempton setting up for the finisher in Clondaw Castle. We then saw My Way finally come good with the blinkers on for the first time. Given that he didn't jump that well he could improve again if the headgear works a second time! Interesting on a speed track.

    We have seen Grand National hopefuls take the courses this week, however despite all of Ron's suggestions, I couldn't get excited about seeing Blaklion run poorly again.

    Eyecatcher

    One Grand National entry did catch the eye, Burrows Saint who had to run in a chase to qualify for the race, and did run a big race yesterday at Fairyhouse. He is being primed for the race and if the ground is better than it has been most of the winter I think he is one that has to take a lot of beating in the Grand National. Guess who beat him? Yes, it was another horse from the same stable!!

    And Finally -

    Mot A Mot, simply the best ride I have seen due to equipment failure. Worth a watch if you haven't seen it, it was a sublime effort and I wonder if the Henderson yard have another really useful horse on their hands with this boy. It for me is the ride of the season, inspired stuff.
     
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  2. NassauBoard

    NassauBoard Well-Known Member

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    Glad I didn’t wait for the confirmation, this post would have been treble the size and full of expletives. What a ****ing moron.
     
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  3. CaptainPops

    CaptainPops Well-Known Member

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    Just posted on the daily thread regarding this..very distasteful and doesn't align at all with horse welfare...
     
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  4. OddDog

    OddDog Mild mannered janitor
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    I normally say "tread with caution" with Adonis winners - so many have flattered to deceive (I remember Solo going quite short for the Triumph after dotting up last year, only to finish 8th at 4/1). I've come to the conclusion that it isn't really a good trial for the Triumph (where the emphasis is much more on stamina). Whilst Tritonic was visually impressive, the time of the race wasn't anything to write home about compared to the other races on the card, and with hindsight it was probably a bit of a stop-start affair rather than a true end-to-end gallop. He did beat Casa Loupi further than at Ascot but I suspect that was due to the former not getting so far in front this time. I can see him getting outstayed up the hill and still think this year's Triumph is going to Ireland.

    Have to agree with you Nass on the other graded races at Kempton. It was nice to see Brewin'upastorm take the National Spirit at Fontwell and I think he can prosper back over hurdles in Grade 2/3 races - perhaps the Scottish Champion Hurdle might be on his agenda?

    I don't know what to make of the Elliot photo story. As I said yesterday, the horse doesn't look like a racehorse to me, looks almost emaciated (which makes it somehow more shocking). Truly horrible. No idea what he was thinking of but I'm no keyboard "judge, jury and executioner" and I expect due process will be followed.
     
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  5. NassauBoard

    NassauBoard Well-Known Member

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    Not sure if you’ve seen the statement from him, but it’s disgraceful and for me he has made it so much more difficult for the sport than he needed to. I hope they throw the book at him and then some.
     
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  6. OddDog

    OddDog Mild mannered janitor
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    No one is bigger than the sport and this just puts racing back years in many people's eyes. Let's see what the authorities decide.
     
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