Back to Cheltenham Festival Previews - Index This race was run for the first time last year with Noble Prince getting the better of Wishfull Thinking. The intermediate trip and its current Grade 2 status can lead to it being considered a bit of a consolation race but I think that is a little unfair, even if there is an element of truth in it. If it gets upgraded to Grade 1 status then I can see it becoming a prestigious heat with the demands of the RSA very taxing on young and inexperienced horses. There are plenty currently quoted who look set to miss the race, especially those at the head of the market, which hopefully leaves the race ripe for some antepost value. Peddlers Cross (6/1) - I have covered him in depth in the Arkle preview and that is his target. I'd be surprised and disappointed if he came here. Grands Crus (7/1) - Connections are considering running in either the Gold Cup (70%) or the RSA (30%). A run in this seems unlikely. Al Ferof (8/1) - He is another with the Arkle as his primary target, and the Champion Chase looks a more likely alternative than this. Silviniaco Conti (8/1) - He is shorter in the betting for this than for the Arkle or the RSA. I have backed him for the latter heat at 20/1 so am hoping that he goes there. Trainer Paul Nicholls suggested in the aftermath of his 2nd place in the Feltham that he might even miss the Festival this year. At that time Grands Crus looked to be headed for the RSA Chase, and Nicholls was keen to avoid a rematch. However, with Grands Crus seemingly more likely to run in the Gold Cup, and Sonofvic disappointing in the Dipper, I am very hopeful that Silviniaco Conti will be allowed to take his chance in the RSA. Would have a strong chance in this but I think he will bypass it. Cue Card (10/1) - Was favourite for this race for a time but after his win at Newbury he looks set for the Arkle. He has always promised to be better for a step up in trip but I am not so sure. He was weak at the finish in the Supreme, weak when beaten by Bobs Worth at Newbury over 2m4f, and being closed down all the while when winning last time over 2m3f. He does not find a lot off the bridle in my view, he jumps poorly and I would be keen to oppose him wherever he goes. Sir Des Champs (12/1) - Unbeaten since switching to jumps. That run has included two hurdle races, a handicap hurdle win at the Festival and two chases, jumping well on both starts. However, he looks sure to benefit from a step up in trip. He was a long way back in the Martin Pipe before staying on really strongly. I don't think that was a strong race and I suspect he got away with it at the trip. The RSA looks the more obvious target but Gigginstown do have other contenders for that race so he might come here instead. Worthy of respect but think the 2m5f on good ground will be a quick enough test for him. Solix (12/1) - A smart hurdler last season but was just biding time until he went chasing. Made an adequate start at Ascot but his jumping left a little to be desired and it was the same story back at Cheltenham next time. However, he jumped much better in defeat behind Champion Court last time and looks to be getting his act together. This looks the ideal race for him, a comment which applies to very few of the others. Bog Warrior (12/1) - Also a possible for the Arkle and the RSA and I should think one of those will be his target if he comes across from Ireland. Very talented but suffered a fall last time and reportedly took a bit of time to get over that. Back on the go now but a doubt for the Irish Arkle which may come too soon. Trainer thinks he needs soft ground. Walkon (14/1) - Really good first time at Exeter but disappointing last time at Newbury behind Cue Card. Questions to answer now and likely to be stepped up in trip for a tilt at the RSA. If that doesn't come off then he might come back in trip for this. However, his form tailed off last season and it might be the same story this time around. For Non Stop (14/1) - Yet to win over fences but has twice run well in defeat, finishing 2nd to Al Ferof and filling the same spot behind Cue Card last time. This looks the ideal test for him as he has been staying on strongly on both occasions over shorter trips, plus he showed his best hurdles form over 2m5f too. He seems to jump well enough (though did make mistakes in the home straight at Newbury), and he already looks a better chaser than he was hurdler. One worrying statistic is that he has won just once in 13 starts. Not certain to run at Cheltenham. Hidden Cyclone (14/1) - Always held in high regard and his only defeat remains a very close 3rd behind First Lieutenant in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle. He made a pleasing start to his chasing career with a comfortable victory at Leopardstown. The RSA is a more likely target but he is by no means certain to travel. Mossley (14/1) - Beat Champion Court but behind Join Together at Cheltenham and I must say he was a little disappointing. His jumping has been nothing better than adequate on both starts and he might just fall a little short of the top level over fences. He did find only stablemate Bobs Worth too good in the Albert Bartlett last season and the staying test of the RSA looks more likely. Champion Court (16/1) - Only 3rd behind Join Together but seemed to relish the drop back in trip and a return to forcing tactics when a good winner of the Dipper. Trainer stated that the RSA will be his target if Grands Crus does not run but if he does then he will go down the handicap route. That seems a perplexing choice with this race, the obvious target in my opinion, not even mentioned. I would like his chances in this and 16/1 is a very good EW price if he were to run. Trainer apparently has other ideas. Zaynar (16/1) - A one time top class hurdler and he was favourite for the Champion Hurdle at one stage before that infamous defeat at odds of 1/14. Made a fair start to his chasing career and signs that he was returning to something like his best. Those signs were confirmed with an impressive all the way win at Ascot. This trip will suit and if returning to his best (rated 168 over hurdles) then he could go well. Invictus (20/1) - Started his chasing career with two impressive wins, most notably at Plumpton when he quickened impressively to leave his rivals for dead round the home turn. Slightly disappointing when only 3rd in the Dipper but he was found to have lost a show after the race which might explain that effort. It was no disgrace and that might be as good as he is. He was only rated 122 over hurdles so he has already found significant improvement for the step up to fences. Minella Class (20/1) - Second to Peddlers Cross at Bangor which was a pleasing effort and was then travelling well when an unlucky slip on landing unshipped David Bass at Newbury. I fancy he would have gone close in that race won by Cue Card. A Grade 1 winner over hurdles and not disgraced when 6th in the Neptune at the Festival. Just suspicion that he might be trip-less with him lacking the toe for 2m but not quite seeing out the 2m5f round Cheltenham. Notus De La Tour (20/1) - Won two minor races before finishing only 3rd to Walkon at Exeter. A good second to Blackstairmountain in an Irish Grade 1 subsequently but looks to appreciate soft ground. Eligible for the big bonus having won at Plumpton and a handicap may be the chosen route. His current mark of 146 looks fair enough given that he looks set to make a better chaser than he was a hurdler. Poungach (20/1) - Stays over hurdles for the rest of this season with chasing the aim next term. He is a lovely individual and will make a cracking chaser next season. First Lieutenant (20/1) -Winner of the Neptune and looked sure to take high rank in the staying chasers this season. Things have not gone entirely to plan with only two wins from five starts. Still shown some very decent form and set to go straight to the RSA when the good ground will suit him better. An unlikely runner here. Lambro (25/1) - Second to Flemenstar last time over 2m and this 2m5f trip would be more to his liking. A decent horse without looking exceptional and no idea what Mullins' plan is for him. Suspect he might find a few too good here. Call The Police (25/1) - Very strongly fancied for the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival and was sent off the 7/2 favourite. In the end he trailed in 11th, beaten 25 lengths and was then pulled up at Punchestown. Got back on track with an easy win at Gowran on his fencing debut and looks capable of better. He looks more the type for a handicap. Kumbeshwar (25/1) - Winner of two from 3 over fences and another eligible for the big Plumpton bonus. Trainer has suggested that the Grand Annual will be his target. Solwhit (25/1) - Yet to be seen over fences but was very near the top level over hurdles, with only Hurricane Fly too good in Ireland. Also has the Arkle as a possible target but will need experience.
Conclusion - An open looking race and one that is difficult to assess with so many doubts about who will run. I would be keen on Champion Court at 16/1 EW if he were a likely runner but his trainer Martin Keighley has said it will be either the RSA or a handicap for him. Therefore, I think the best bet lies with the horse that was second to him in the Dipper, and came off best at the weights anyway. That horse is Solix. He looks the one ideally suited by the likely conditions and remains open to improvement with his jumping getting better with each start. He has course experience which will stand him in good stead for this. At 12/1 he looks a good EW price seeing as he looks a certain runner barring mishaps. The same cannot be said for many of the others (if any, remarkably) and he seems certain to go off a far shorter price on the day, if not favourite. There is still time for other candidates to emerge, either stepping up in trip from the Arkle or down in trip from the RSA but he looks to hold a strong form chance on current evidence. At the price the risk looks worth taking.
Zen this looks a really trappy one at this stage mate with so many likely to run elsewhere. I do like Invictus though and think he is quite likely to go for this so if I were forced into a small e/w ante post it would be on him. In all likelihood I will wait until the day though.
Oddy - always the case and one of the problems with the (relatively) new novice event, good novices will be aimed at RSA or at the Arkle but if stamina proves a problem for RSA fancies or speed for Arkle hopefuls, this race provides the perfect answer, from a punting point of view that means a minefield. I had a serious play on Captain Chris for this last year thankfully after NRNB concessions were implemented, 5/6 days before the festival when I placed the bet CC appeared all set to compete this. Not a race for ante post investment IMO
But the very fact that there is so much uncertainty means you can unearth a good value bet. My selection, Solix, seems sure to run in this (no Arkle or RSA pretensions), he has good form, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he were favourite come the day. I understand your concerns though.
Have to agree that this race is ill conceived,like so many at the modern day festival. I still reel and squirm at the ridiculously titled "World Hurdle"...what was wrong with the nomenclature of the Stayers Hurdle?..aaaaagggghhhh!! For example,the Fred Winter has compromised the Triumph to a massive extent.The latter used to be a 30 runner extravaganza and fabulous spectacle.Not any more,which is a retrograde step imo.The Cross Country race has no place at an elite venue and should be scrapped,like the conditionals race.These can be run at prior or future dates. All we need now is to shoehorn in a seller to completely dilute the experience of winning a festival event. Three days of concentrated high class racing will always supercede the dross that is gradually creeping into the schedule,compromising and eroding the quality of the meeting. I remember the menu thus as a kid (1980!) and think it was much more competitive,practical and enjoyable; Tuesday: Supreme Novices Arkle Champion Hurdle Stayers Kim Muir Grand Annual Wednesday: RSA Hurdle Champion Chase 3m1f H'cap Hurdle RSA Chase National Hunt Chase Mildmay Of Fleet *would add Champion Bumper here as a positive development. Thursday Triumph Foxhunters Gold Cup National Hunt/Ritz Club h'cap Chase County Hurdle Cathcart (now Ryanair) Apart from the addition of a 2m4f h'cap hurdle,with a high upper weight threshold,maybe 155/160,I see no reason to amend this perfect model. I'm a 42-y-o dinosaur!! The thought of five day festival running into Saturday is abhorrent...four days is already a disaster. Anyone else any views on 4/5 day festival?
Zen - if you have knowledge on connections thinking I agree there will be value in there somewhere, but I doubt any of the first 5 in the market will line up in this. Dexter - I completely agree with much of what you say (I have to confess to being a XC fan though) and I remember the above schedule, though by the time I started attending (1989) I'm sure the Stayers had been moved, can't remember which day though, maybe the Wed ? In fact looking at that scheudle is a reminder of the fence over hurdle bias that existed - if you had a horse that wasn't good enough for the Champion hurdle or Stayers hurdle you only 2 other options, a 2m handicap (County) or a 3m 1f handicap (Pertemps)....
Would agree totally with Grizzly’s view on this race as an ante-post proposition and also Dexter’s re the 3 day Festival. I certainly would have the meeting as 6 races over 3 days with only the very best of races scheduled. Some of these new ones have no place at the meeting. I’ll tell you what though as the meet now has 27 races they are only 3 contests away from the big 3-0 and when this happens (which I would be confident about being within 5 years) Cheltenham will almost certainly go 5 days (Tuesday – Saturday, 6 races each day) with the CGC ran on the final day. Will in my opinion be a very sad day when this happens. One final point on this topic I could never understand why they moved the County Hurdle from being the meetings ‘lucky last’ as to my eye it was the ultimate ‘getting out stakes’!
Imagine the Cheltenham Festival 2020 - or to give it it's full name "The British Festival of National Hunt Racing - sponsored by Dayglo (or substitute your favourite sponsors name)" - a week long spectacular of star-studded racing kicking off on Monday with the following breath-taking programme: 1.30 The Dayglo British Novice 2 mile Hurdle Championship 2.05 The Dayglo British Novice 2 mile Chase Championship 2.40 The Dayglo British Festival Handicap Chase 3.20 The Dayglo British Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 4.00 The Dayglo British Cross Country Chase (in association with Glenfarclas) 4.40 The Dayglo British Mares Hurdle Championship 5.15 The Dayglo British Novices Handicap Chase 6.00 The Dayglo British Floodlit Mares with Blinkers and a white blaze only Bumper for Amatuer Riders "Hands and Heels" Championship
Not sure if the choice of sponsor was deliberate Oddy but any race finishing beyond 6pm will require vision assistance !
SCB - I think it is inevitible, sadly, both the 5 day festival and the 6 races per day. I do understand the marketing benefits from a Sat Gold Cup and the increased revenues from overseas sales and sponsorship at a weekend as well as the boost to the local economy, but they've messed about with this so many times already the 'festival' is in danger of losing some credibility. As for the County - this has confused just about every NH fan whose memory stretches back more than half a dozen years.
Oddy. Have to agree with SBC and Grizz re the County Hurdle scheduling.In 2002 and 2004 it produced my only winner of the meeting with Rooster Booster and Sporazene and is a great climax to the festival.
Entries are out: THE JEWSON NOVICESâ CHASE Class 1, Grade Two, £90,000 Total Prize Fund. 1.30pm Cheltenham, Thursday, March 15, 2012. For novice 5-y-o+, two miles and four furlongs. Weights: 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 24, entries revealed January 26 (56 entries), scratchings deadline February 21, six day confirmation stage March 9, final declaration stage 10.00am, March 14. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, January 23. May not include some overseas form. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 06-1323 AIKMAN (IRE) 8 J D Gordon James Ewart 111-113 AL FEROF (FR) 7 John Hales Paul Nicholls 2-0111U ALASI 8 Shully Liebermann Paul Webber 60-1321 ASTRACAD (FR) 6 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies 1-35 BAGBER 6 Allan McLuckie Willie Mullins IRE 114-01F BISHOPSFURZE (IRE) 7 Mrs C M Hurley Willie Mullins IRE 20-2611 BLACKSTAIRMOUNTAIN (IRE) 7 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 1F1-11F BOG WARRIOR (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 10-2211 BOLD SIR BRIAN (IRE) 6 A R Trotter Lucinda Russell 4/210-P1 CALL THE POLICE (IRE) 9 DD Racing Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 1/134-03 CARRIBS LEAP (IRE) 7 Equis Charles Egerton 312-1 CEDRE BLEU (FR) 5 Paul Barber & David Johnson Paul Nicholls 4-U1231 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 7 Mark Boothright Martin Keighley 2121-21 CHARMINSTER (IRE) 6 Tim Leslie Donald McCain 16250-1 CRISTAL BONUS (FR) 6 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls 4/-114 DAFFERN SEAL (IRE) 8 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE 50-221P DUKE OF LUCCA (IRE) 7 Mrs Lesley Field Philip Hobbs 3/4023-1 EASTER METEOR 6 Simon Willes Emma Lavelle 001-3F2 FAR AWAY SO CLOSE (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Paul Nolan IRE 3121P2 FIRST LIEUTENANT (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE F0-F222 FOR NON STOP (IRE) 7 Jared Sullivan Nick Williams 331-41P FRISCO DEPOT 8 Dessie Hughes Dessie Hughes IRE 2-5012U GIFT OF DGAB (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 231-03 HARPSY CORD (IRE) 6 Alan & Ann Potts Partnership Jim Dreaper IRE 400436 IMPERIAL SHABRA (IRE) 8 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE 301-113 INVICTUS (IRE) 6 Richard & Lizzie Kelvin Hughes Alan King 001212 KUMBESHWAR 5 McNeill Family & Nigel Bunter Alan King 21-1012 LAMBRO (IRE) 7 Byerley Thoroughbred Racing Willie Mullins IRE 0-3113U LANCETTO (FR) 7 R J Gambarini Evan Williams 1-3P111 LAST INSTALMENT (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Philip Fenton IRE 60-1124 LUCKY WILLIAM (IRE) 8 Garden Kingdom Syndicate Thomas Cooper IRE 0-02231 MAGGIO (FR) 7 M Deren Pat Griffin IRE 621401 MICHEAL FLIPS (IRE) 8 Martin Tedham Andy Turnell 1126-2U MINELLA CLASS (IRE) 7 Deal George Kelvin Hughes Nicolson Nicky Henderson 152P-12 MOSSLEY (IRE) 6 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson (3)0-511F MR CHOW (IRE) 8 Malcolm Denmark David Pipe 0330/0-2 NINETIETH MINUTE (IRE) 9 Dermot Cox Tom Taaffe IRE 5-21132 NOTUS DE LA TOUR (FR) 6 D Bradshaw, J Dale, P Deal, J Smee, W Walsh David Pipe F-53111 OUR MICK 6 K Benson & Mrs E Benson Donald McCain 021-15 PACHA DU POLDER (FR) 5 The Stewart & Wylie Families Paul Nicholls 120-112 PEDDLERS CROSS (IRE) 7 Tim Leslie Donald McCain 564111 RED TANBER (IRE) 9 Hugh Redhead Bruce Mactaggart 1-02524 SAINT ARE (FR) 6 David Fox Tim Vaughan 11PPP0 SCHINDLER'S GOLD (IRE) 10 Dr Richard & Laura Newland Dr Richard Newland 133-141 SHOT FROM THE HIP (GER) 8 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE 134-312 SILVINIACO CONTI (FR) 6 Potensis Limited & Chris Giles Paul Nicholls 61/11-11 SIR DES CHAMPS (FR) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins IRE 405-112 SOLIX (FR) 6 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson 1-2 SOLL 7 Derrick Mossop Willie Mullins IRE 2022U1 SON AMIX (FR) 6 Whitechurch Stud Syndicate Thomas Cooper IRE 1F/-6 SOVERIGN 7 Gigginstown House Stud Tom Taaffe IRE 136331 ST DEVOTE (FR) 7 Dubs V's Culchies Syndicate Eoin Griffin IRE 154-F12 STATE BENEFIT (IRE) 7 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson 0/20-431 TRENCHANT 7 Peter Harding & Stephen Williams Bob Buckler 1//200-13 WALKON (FR) 7 McNeill Family Alan King 033214 ZAYNAR (FR) 7 Men In Our Position Nick Williams 56 entries 23 Irish-trained
Latest entries after scratching deadline: THE JEWSON NOVICESâ CHASE Class 1, Grade Two, £90,000 Total Prize Fund. 1.30pm Cheltenham, Thursday, March 15, 2012. For novice 5-y-o+, two miles and four furlongs. Weights: 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 24, entries revealed January 26 (56 entries), scratchings deadline February 21 (34 remain), six-day confirmation stage March 9, final declaration stage 10.00am, March 14. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 20. May not include some overseas form. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 06-1323 AIKMAN (IRE) 8 J D Gordon James Ewart 111-113 AL FEROF (FR) 7 John Hales Paul Nicholls 0111U1 ALASI 8 Shully Liebermann Paul Webber 0-26115 BLACKSTAIRMOUNTAIN (IRE) 7 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE F1-11F1 BOG WARRIOR (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 0-22111 BOLD SIR BRIAN (IRE) 6 A R Trotter Lucinda Russell 210-P12 CALL THE POLICE (IRE) 9 DD Racing Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 134-032 CARRIBS LEAP (IRE) 7 Equis Charles Egerton 4-U1231 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 7 Mark Boothright Martin Keighley 121-214 CHARMINSTER (IRE) 6 Tim Leslie Donald McCain 16250-1 CRISTAL BONUS (FR) 6 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls 4/-114 DAFFERN SEAL (IRE) 8 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE 50-221P DUKE OF LUCCA (IRE) 7 Mrs Lesley Field Philip Hobbs 3121P2 FIRST LIEUTENANT (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE 0-F2221 FOR NON STOP (IRE) 7 Jared Sullivan Nick Williams 5012U2 GIFT OF DGAB (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 1-0321 HARPSY CORD (IRE) 6 Alan & Ann Potts Partnership Jim Dreaper IRE 043630 IMPERIAL SHABRA (IRE) 8 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE 01-1131 INVICTUS (IRE) 6 Richard & Lizzie Kelvin Hughes Alan King 012122 KUMBESHWAR 5 McNeill Family & Nigel Bunter Alan King 1-10123 LAMBRO (IRE) 7 Byerley Thoroughbred Racing Willie Mullins IRE 3113U4 LANCETTO (FR) 7 R J Gambarini Evan Williams 214012 MICHEAL FLIPS (IRE) 8 Martin Tedham Andy Turnell 1126-2U MINELLA CLASS (IRE) 7 Deal George Kelvin Hughes Nicolson Nicky Henderson 211323 NOTUS DE LA TOUR (FR) 6 D Bradshaw, J Dale, P Deal, J Smee, W Walsh David Pipe 120-112 PEDDLERS CROSS (IRE) 7 Tim Leslie Donald McCain 411121 RED TANBER (IRE) 9 Hugh Redhead Bruce Mactaggart 02524U SAINT ARE (FR) 6 David Fox Tim Vaughan 11PPP0 SCHINDLER'S GOLD (IRE) 10 Dr Richard & Laura Newland Dr Richard Newland 34-3124 SILVINIACO CONTI (FR) 6 Potensis Limited & Chris Giles Paul Nicholls 1/11-111 SIR DES CHAMPS (FR) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins IRE 405-112 SOLIX (FR) 6 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson 0/20-431 TRENCHANT 7 Peter Harding & Stephen Williams Bob Buckler 332144 ZAYNAR (FR) 7 Men In Our Position Nick Williams 34 entries remain after February 21 scratchings deadline THE FOLLOWING 22 ENTRIES HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED: ASTRACAD (FR), BAGBER, BISHOPSFURZE (IRE), CEDRE BLEU (FR), EASTER METEOR, FAR AWAY SO CLOSE (IRE), FRISCO DEPOT, LAST INSTALMENT (IRE), LUCKY WILLIAM (IRE) , MAGGIO (FR), MOSSLEY (IRE), MR CHOW (IRE), NINETIETH MINUTE (IRE), OUR MICK, PACHA DU POLDER (FR), SHOT FROM THE HIP (GER), SOLL, SON AMIX (FR), SOVERIGN, STATE BENEFIT (IRE), ST DEVOTE (FR), WALKON (FR)
Sir Des Champs runs and will win. Gigginstown have First Ltn for the RSA and will target this race with SDC. I've had several wagers at 7/1 and a few doubles and trebles as well.
I think you are right Wuby. I backed SDC at very nice odds for the RSA, as I am convinced and will always be convinced that this horse is a 3 miler waiting to step up, and he has a very handy crusing speed to boot. Everything he has shown screams he will stay but Gigginstown are a ****ing nightmare and seem to be keen on First Lieutenant, who has been largely disappointing IMO.
Surely surely surely this is the race for Peddlers Cross? A Neptunes winner over hurdles, he'll love the trip and there's no Sprinter Sacre in this either! I know if he was mine I'd be taking a Jewson winner over a place in an Arkle...
No way does Peddlers line up in this. McCain has extrodinary faith in the horse and sees him as a potential superstar, in much the same way as the majority of people see SS. Whether this is massively misguided and his faith delusional, well we'll have to wait and see. Personally I'd much rather he take SS on again on a track he loves and we find out if McCain is kidding himself or he was right all along.
