Gutted that Captain Chris misses this. Hopefully he will be back on track as soon as possible. Apparently the Peterborough Chase is the next target but very much hope that the King George is still being considered. It would be very disappointing if he didn't take his chance at Kempton. Edit: Pleased to see he hasn't drifted for the KG on Betfair: still 8.6/8.8.
I guess Phillip Hobbs watched RPTV and realised he had no chance (Tongue in cheek, Honestly) I want to see the top horses competing so its a shame Captain Chris isn't taking his chance. I expected Master Minded to win anyway as he is obviously the class act of the field including Captain Chris. I hope he retains all his ability and puts on a show tomorrow. Hes brought much enjoyment over the past few years...
Shame that Captain Chris is out. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I believe Kalahari King is the best value bet in the race now, if he can find his form, then he will win getting 10 pounds from MM
Big ask even recieving 10lbs from MM. On official ratings hes 12lb shy of Master Minded but realistically I'd say its more. Last time of level weights around Ascot in the Tingle Creek last year he finished 22 lengths behind a cantering Master Minded. The last time Kalahari King won was nearly 2 years ago come Febuary. I can't see beyond the market leaders. Somersby never runs a bad race but as always met his measure when meeting Master Minded. Shame Captain Chris as been scratched. Captain Chris for the King George, No thanks...
Istabraq.....Watch the G1 at Ascot in January last season, when Somersby goes down a nose to MM. Kalahari King was cruising in that race, and was carried out by another horse. Had that incident not happened, he would have been pretty close behind the front 2, and that was at level weights. I know I'm taking a risk with KK, but at 7/1, I don't mind
Fair enough Shergar, I think the forecast between Master Minded and Somersby is probably the best bet of the race now unless Medermit pulls something out of the bag. I thought in the Victor Chandler last year Master Minded was going to cruise home but AP seemed to go for home way too quickly even Paul Nicholls wasn't best pleased with the ride he was given but he still got home ahead of Somersby. He either idled or ran out of gas the way he was travelling into the straight I'd be suprised if it was the latter...
Great run from Somersby, As always gives a good account of himself. But Master Minded is some horse hardly the strongest field espcially with Captain Chris out of the race but a nice stepping stone for the King George and a nice day of profit after the forecast. Looking forward to the Betfair now...
Very nicely done by Master Minded, I was as pleased for Daryl Jacob as I was for the horse. I hope Kalahari King is ok.
Also add my name to the list expressing concern for Kalahari King. Hope he is OK. Master Minded was very good today. His jumping was still not quite at its electric best but he comfortably put Somersby in his place. I am still not convinced at all that he is a contender for the King George though. I just cannot see him getting the trip. If he does stay, he clearly holds every chance, but I just don't see it personally.
