The closing race on the opening day is the two-and-a-half mile novice chase, introduced in 2005 and with 16 fences to be jumped. This 0-140 handicap is remarkable for its dominance by English trainers over the years (only Tom Taafe has won it for Ireland in 2008 with Finger On The Pulse) and probably the most memorable renewal was the staggering victory of Hunt Ball in 2012 off a mark of 142, having started the season on a mark of 68 at Folkstone. The handicap is usually incredibly compressed, in 2015 there were only 6lbs separating the 20 runners. The winner usually comes here in good form, although with the ground having been heavy all winter, spring ground at the festival could see a horse that has been kept fresh scoring in this. There has been good support for Gordon Elliot's Killer Crow this week after the trainer confirmed this as his target and he is now a general 12/1 shot, co-2nd fav behind the Warren Greatrex trained joint-top weight Aloomomo. Latest betting from Oddschecker Entries and weights
Big question for me is - Ballyalton is he a spring ground horse or is he just a poor jumper of a fence.
I think unfortunately the latter Nass. I had him e/w in the Neptune when he finished 2nd to Faugheen but he has disappointed over fences. Having only completed 2 of 4 starts I'd struggle to warm to his chances in this.
I tend to agree but need to watch his last couple of races back. He has the scope for chasing so might just need experience
Possibly, I think you could say that about a few of these. But his price is pretty skinny, I'd rather have Killer Crow at around the same odds.
I'd rather have class than form in a race like this. Need to have further look see what else jumps out.
I havnt got the foggiest in this one but after reading the fine Chelt Preview write up on the forum I have had a cheeky bet on Killer Crow @ 12/1...
Kilronan high is one that interests me off a massive price. Twisters always has one in the background lurking and this one has a pretty good strike rate although the course form looks pretty poor and I think the step up in trip might suit. Best price 100/1 ew Cheers.
Bloody Hell Killer Crow taken out to stay home in Ireland. Maybe Gigginstown think they already have the winner in Mckinley?
Having had another look in detail I think Dan Skelton's Willow's Saviour is the one to be on here. I think he was winning the argument with Ballyalton when that one fell at Warwick (and subsequent defeat to Aso). Fortunately no one put it in the preview evening so I can't be accused of plagiarism
I also like Rezorbi but he took a few liberties on his debut at Cheltenham and ultimately fell - he jumped one or two spectacularly but at others he kept very low, would hope Jonjo has given him plenty of schooling.
Top shout on Ballyalton Nass hope you had a good dabble on him As my posts above indicate, I ended up backing both Willow's Saviour and Rezorbi, both of whom fell at the 2nd last Not sure whether Rezorbi got up, hope so
Sadly not Odddy, we lost THE GOVANESS, PONT ALEXANDRE and REZORBI today so from that perspective it was a pretty dark day indeed.
