I was quite impressed by Bat Masterson in the Minsk race yesterday - got squeezed up at the last and had to be switched around 2 runners but finished with a rare old rattle and would probably have been in front in another 100 yards. Quite interesting if they throw him at one of the handicaps, looks a very resolute type. Quick edit: he's entered in the Fred Winter, anywhere between 12/1 and 20/1 at the moment
He was the horse to take from that race yesterday Oddy Al Ferof 7/1 on Betfair at the moment. That's a fair price but it is also bigger than he has been for some time, and I do have a slight concern. I wonder if he has been affected by the cough outbreak? I hope he goes to the Arkle though, a race between him, Peddlers and Sprinter is a real headline affair and regardless of the winner, we need them to clash at Cheltenham. DARLAN the new 17/2 joint favourite for the Supreme on Betfair, with a little bit of money for Prospect Wells, Agent Archie, and for some odd reason- Monksland.
How about an EW L15 with the JP McManus: Darlan -Supreme at 10s Binocular - Champion Hurdle at 5s Quantativeasing - Fest Chase at 10s Get me out of Here - Coral Cup at 12s Could be a nice bet that lads
Gary - I keep hearing that GMOOH could be the plunge, 12s could be a cracking price but as with all handicaps you always worry about something at the bottom that's slipped under the radar....
Nice article here from one of the official BHA handicappers reflecting on some of the top action from "Super Friday" at Newbury and the following days action from Ascot & Haydock. Most interesting is that he rates Sprinter Sacre at 169 now ........................ the highest rated novice chaser for years http://www.racingpost.com/blog/hors...m-pointers-aplenty-after-busy-weekend/990792/
Can't access RP from work oddy, will take a look tonight, 169 is a serious rating for a novice chaser. I see Hold on Julio got clipped over the weekend, best price 6/1 for the 3m h'cap chase. Are people unconvinced by this one, there seems to be little mention of him/his chances...
Grizzly: Agreed but this lad deserves a piece of luck and possible Maurice Linehan could work the oracle! He will go off less than 6s in this race as he loves the course and the trip will be no problem! I like him a lot mate. Have also hoovered up all the 11s about my other banker for 2012 WEIRD AL in the market without Long Run and Kauto Star, have also backed him EW at 33s and 25s and 20s but main bet is at 11s Moving from a good handicapper Ian Williams to the top Northern trainer of Donald McCain was a master stroke by the owners and Mr McCain has already realised he needs a massive break between races. Wasn't beaten all that far behind the big 2 and that came a few weeks after his win in the Charlie Hall, get on and enjoy the ride, his price cometh the day will be less than 11s with LR and KS ;-)
I think the bookies have been very skinny with his price Grizzly, I think 7s is the biggest I've ever seen him. I have him in a small double with Fingal Bay but that looks down the drain. I wouldn't back him AP now because I don't think the price represents the risk of him not making it (he was withdrawn from big races at Doncaster and Kempton recently and, whilst I think King is aiming him at the JLT Handicap, I'm happy to wait until the day if they're only offering 6s now. I might have been interested at double that AP..........................
GDC - isn't Weird Al's target the National? Thought I heard that somewhere.... I perosnally think What A Friend is the AP value in the Gold Cup.
NamNed: No mate, the Gold Cup it is As for WAF, he is an old fav of mine and I have him in the without LR and KS also!! However Mr Nicholls has stated he will do well to get 3rd this year! But good luck
Oddy - I agree 6s is skinny but he has to be the most unexposed horse ever to go for this race Gary - yep, I can see him being a 3/1 shot on the day which for an ultra competitive handicap is ridiculous, but he could still be so far ahead of the h'capper. What price all 7 favs go in day 1 ?
Grizzly - Think favs could have a very good year ;-) As long as Sizing Europe wins I will be extremely happy
Gary - I remember it happened at York a few years back (all 7 favs went in day one of the Ebor meeting) but it just can't happen at Cheltenham, at current prices it equates to about 3500/1 and I reckon I've had worse pound bets in my life.... Sizing Europe looks to be one of about 8 very solid favs this year...
Cheers Gary, not sure where I heard that then. Definitely worth a dabble at the prices, that 3rd place spot could end up being a right battle with about 4 or 5 genuine contenders. I liked Captain Chris but looks like they fancy the Ryanair over the GC even if he runs at the Festival at all!
Namned: I wouldn't go counting any chickens for the 1st place in the Gold Cup yet let alone 2nd or 3rd! As much as i love Kauto Star he surely wont be able to perform yet again but I hope I am wrong!! Long Run will without doubt make his customary mistake, just a matter of whether he makes it early allowing him to recover or late on and no chance to!! Midnight Game could get them all going this year and that could just set it up nicely for an 'in the wings' waiting type like Al
Midnight Chase you mean mate! Yep I too can see a big upset this year. Can't make my mind up on Long Run, I personally think Kauto could run a massive race mate, especially if Nicholls comments about his recent well-being are to be taken seriously. Still like What A Friend, Diamond Harry could be up to a place if his wind-op has worked well, but NW is not too bullish about his chances. China Rock anyone? Running a big race last year, will he go for this?
4 days booked off work as usual and just complete and utter horse racing for 4 days...the kings of the sport! CANNOT WAIT BRING IT ON!
