Sorry if I'm stealing Toppy's idea here, and I'm not usually one to go overboard about a horse but having just watched the replay of the 1.10 at Plumpton I must say I was absolutely blown away by the performance of Invictus in what was a decent contest. The way he jumps his fences is to me very reminiscent of Master Minded at his brilliant best - he clears them by miles but doesn't balloon them, he jumps nimbly and accurately. The leap he put in at the fence at the top of the hill 2nd time round was simply stunning (although Simon Holt missed it he was too busy lookng at Gift Of Dgab). I think it is significant that Alan King chose this race for Invictus as there is a 60 grand bonus if the winner can follow up by winning a chase at the Cheltenham Festival, a feat he has done previously with Voy Por Ustedes. Invictus took 5 attempts to get off the mark over hurdles, finally winning over 2m 3.5f at Ascot after some pretty moderate efforts before that. He never seemed to hurdle with any sort of fluency, which makes his jumping of a fence seem even more impressive. After his game maiden hurdle win in April he was put away for the summer and made his chase debut mid-November at Hereford over 2m 5.5f on Gd/Gd-soft in places. Here he demonstrated already his impeccable jumping as he sailed over the obstacles and coasted home by 11 lengths from a modest field. But today he really stamped his authority over a decent field and he never touched a twig all way round. Today's race was over 2m4f on soft and he sailed over 14 fences as if they weren't there, some of his leaps were breathtaking. The time was slow by 15 seconds but one would expect that for an extended novice chase on slow ground. But the way he put the race to bed was quite awesome, despite some argy-bargy amongst his rivals on the final bend. For all the exciting novice chasers we've seen this season (Peddlers Cross, Al Ferof, Grands Crus et al) this one looks the most exciting, stylish, flamboyant and just a pure natural and I would be interested in how far people think he could go? I don't see him in any of the Cheltenham lists at the moment but the Centenary or RSA would be within his scope I should think (the stable has Walkon for the Arkle). Not quite the fantastic detailed write up that Toppy usually does but maybe this could be our next spotlight horse?
I'm not quite sure wether he will have the class to be competitive at grade 1 level, yes he put in a cracking round of jumping today, and quickened away smartly, but today's race is a far cry away from G1 level. Maybe he will take his chance, in one of the novice handicaps, there's a 2m4 one on the first day of the festival
rp live reporter wrote this today about him "Invictus is the one to take the eye as a big old-fashioned chasing type who moves easily to post while both Gift of the Dgab and Maringo Bay are a bit too fresh and keen for this test" king mentioned in his stable tour that hes improved and he will start at 2m4f and will get 3 miles in time and novice handicap chasing is what hes aiming him for with him. wouldnt of thought speedy plumpton would of brought out his strengths and will probably see him best on stiffer tracks.he beat a 149 horse who was a easy lto winner out easily,so looks a interesting prospect .
Oddy, no problem mate I'm posting a big article any minute for Episode 6, so please let me clarify that it is not response to this thread in any way, but has been planned as a 3 week countdown to the King George If anyone ever wants to publish a spotlight article then let me know and we'll sort one out
Just seen Invictus is introduced at 16s for the Jewson Novices Chase by Boylesports. Betfair go 23/2 for the same race.
No worries mate, was just so enthusiastic about this fella tonight that I didn't want it to be just lost in the Daily Thread
Definitely deserved a thread mate after that round of jumping. Think he has the engine to go into Grade 1 territory?
I think Alan King has to step him up in Grade after that demonstration today, I wonder if it even surprised the trainer? Funnily there has been very little reaction in the press. I would seriously think about putting him the Feltham on Boxing day, the 3 miles round Kempton would suit him down to the ground I reckon (unless it came up very fast).
Agreed Oddy. You're preaching to the long time converted with me.I've stuck him up on both outing's this year and backed him accordingly.He is top drawer as his jumping and tactical speed showed today on a course that hardly suits a near 17 hander. G1 class without a doubt.
Oddy, the Feltham is developing into a thriller with Grands Cru and Mr Henderson’s Bobs Worth both confirmed runners. Onto Invictus and I see that he cost connections a whopping £162,000 just over 18 months ago! He’s owned by Richard Kelvin Hughes who has most of his horses with Mr Henderson (the likes of Chomba Womba, My Petra, A Media Luz and Andytown have done very well for him in the past). The first 3 of those just named are mares and he has bought a fair few of these because his aim, long term, is to breed his own NH horses. Certainly should be very near the top of the owners table in a few seasons time if this plan ‘bears fruit’. Strange though that he paid so much on Invictus and then didn’t send the purchase to Seven Barrows! I haven’t seen either of Invictus’ runs over the big ‘uns this term but reports certainly indicate that he has been very impressive in both runs. His rating was 130 prior to yesterday and that must now be subject to a substantial rise. I therefore guess that as a result he’ll be steered away from handicaps and into Graded races for the immediate future. The ‘Dipper’ at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day has been mooted as his next possible race.
I recommend you take a peek at the replays on the ATR website Sir Barney - Exhilarating with a capital E !!
