Toubab. Declared this Friday in the PP handicap chase over 2m. Horribly well handicapped in my opinion, jumping can be sketchy/novicey and has been a little unlucky over fences since embarking on a chasing campaign last year. On his first run, in October 2011, over fences he finished second on his first run since Feb 11, and although admittedly not a great run, he clearly got tired so I'm happy to put a line through that. He fell on his second start, when going very easily, in a race when by Nadiya De La Vega. On his third start he won easily, not the greatest of fields, but jumped well and won as he liked. He then went to the festival, and was unluckily brought down by French Opera having not yet being asked the question and seemingly going well. On his final start he took on the mighty Sprinter Sacre in a four runner race at Aintree. I was very impressed in what was a truly run race, with the way he travelled and jumped. He made a bad mistake two out that took the wind out of his sails, but finished well and I think Sprinter Sacre would have been made to work a lot harder than he was but for that mistake. With a good summer, some good schooling, being in the hands of the master, AND guaranteed improvement being only 6, he could be very well handicapped of 143 in my opinion. Good to soft ground on Friday is perfect for him, and I'll be snapping up some early prices Thursday night. Thoughts please chaps. Nam
OK Oddy fair point, I've looked a Pires and he looks nicely handicapped too. Do you know the plans? On a side note, it makes me wonder what is the point in writing a thread on here? One response from about 60 odd views.
Toubab is one I am awaiting as wel Nam. If Nicholls has schooled him plenty over summer and he can iron out the jumping errors then I think he has a great chance in some big handicaps from that mark. He was running a great race behind Sprinter Sacre that day. Another horse I am waiting to see this year is Ambion Wood, rated 150 over hurdles and won some good races last year. However I think whatever he achieved over hurdles was a bonus, looks every inch a chaser can see him being a force amongst the novice staying chase ranks. He is my current fancy for the RSA.
Nam - **** knows mate, to both questions But in a similar vein, another winner in waiting, is Bourne and I see he is entered at Cheltenham on Sunday (1.45). He made his seasonal reappearance in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow a couple of weeks ago and came readily to the front travelling really powerfully 3 out. Unfortunately he stumbled badly on landing after the 2nd last and that put paid to his chances in the race. I think he will really come on for that and he goes off the same mark on Sunday (135).
The more I look at this 2 Miler on Friday I keep seeing potentially very well treated horses. William's Wishes - Evan Williams horse has now been off for 656 days but before that absolutely hacked up on three chase starts, not even getting out of first gear. Excuse my ignorance but if he ran in 2 novice chases, before his time off, is he still classed as a novice?
Big fan of Toubab myself Nam. Very strong traveller and I will be having a decent bet on him if the price is right. Seems to go well enough fresh 1st and 2nd after similar breaks (or start of season). And as you say the ground should be perfect for him. I wouldn't be touching him if the ground was soft/heavy
Sorry Oddy I was thinking for later in the season. I'm not sure whether he'll run here, and if he didn't is he still eligible for novice chases? I'm thinkng Arkle potentially?
Nah, he would have had to run in the 2011 Arkle. I was wondering what had happened to him, I remember being very impressed by him on his last start.
Cheers mate, I'm not sure either, I've just chucked Evan an e-mail to see if he intends to run him Friday, and how he is generally! He did an amazing job with Cappa Bleu after a long break, it may be that we could see a repeat with William's Wishes!
Namned I'm off to Chelts on Friday and had picked out Williams Wishes from the early decs as one of interest. Would you mind posting up any reply from the trainer. Cheers
Ok nice one mate, might have to nail some dollar on William's Wishes in that case, and idea if he was there?
Only 5 in that novice chase. Big bet for me on Fingal Bay to beat that Pipe dog Dynaste Nice double with Dodging Bullets later on Balthazar King in the Cross Country, see if I can pick one more from a yankee
