Apologies for invading the daily thread but I note that Nearby is running at Worcester today (3.40). Not entirely sure why such a classy hurdler would be making his chasing debut in August but at around even money this has to be a strong play. I hadn't realised the horse was only 7 and a good future beckons over fences. For my money this horse would have won the County Hurdle last year off 11st 1lb had it not run up Get me out of Here's backside jumping the last
Welcome Grizzly, invade as you will. That race looks a fair bit better than your average late August Novice Chase, we have Nearby who you have touted along with Pullyourfingerout, Helium and Alsaada all of which were above average over hurdles. It will be fascinating to see if he is good over fences as I don't really have him down as a natural chaser in the making being a flat bred horse (half brother to Confront) who I have noted down as a typical flat horse that goes hurdling. The problem I have is that none of these look naturals for the big fences and I would be wary backing in such a race. Nearby should win on hurdles form but will he be primed and will he be fluent?
It appears my daily thread was missed so I'll copy this over. Al Furat at 6s is good enough for me and I'll have a play
Hi Nass, all well ? Fair points, warning flags have to be raised when high class horses are out at this time of year, but I know Nearby loves rattling quick ground so maybe they're hoping to get some chasing experience in him before the weather turns then box him up until Feb ? Can't have Helium, he was outclassed last week at Southwell. the interesting one is Pullyourfingerout - being a 4yo he gets the weight allowance and a certain AP on his back, wasn't beaten that far by Sam Winner last year and is fresh from the flat, I'll still take Nearby at Evens or better.
Win Double – Nearby 3.40 Worcester (5/6 BOG) & Daffern Seal 7.00 Killarney (5/4 BOG) NEARBY developed in to a 153 rated hurdler last season and should pick up some decent prizes over the larger obstacles if he jumps them well enough. For me he is a big price at 5/6 today and despite people telling me I should leave him alone because there are dangers in the race I am going to ignore them (hope it proves to be the right decision) for me he is the class act in the field and if he puts in a clear round he will stroll to victory here in my opinion. DAFFERN SEAL looked a very smart prospect when making a winning chase debut at the Galway Festival, this is tougher but I still feel he has the potential to win races a lot better than this one and I will be surprised if he isn’t good enough to land this heat. The step down to 2m4f should be no problem as he showed plenty of speed at Galway and got in to a lovely jumping rhythm. Whilst the 5/4 about him doesn’t look great value he should win and doubled up with Nearby I am hopeful I will land this bet.
I am ok Grizzly cheers. A few quotes from the connections of Nearby which suggest that he has been somewhat of a puzzle for them! 06Nov10 Wincanton ( 16 Gd ,RPR151 ) We couldn´t win a race with him last season but he´s a different horse now. I´m not sure why, but he´s very difficult to get fit, and although he won first time out this season I think he´s improved physically each time he´s run. He´s in the Greatwood (at Cheltenham next Sunday), but I´m not sure that´s his track. - Philip Hobbs, trainer 23Oct10 Aintree ( 17 GS ,RPR143 ) He went up 10lb for winning last time so he must have. He did it very well. He always travels well and jumps well but you have got to be patient and not go to the front too soon. - Chris Davies, jockey 09Oct10 Bangor-on-dee ( 17 Gd ,RPR140 ) He may have been a shade lucky but deserved to get his head in front as he has been placed enough times in the past and it is great for Chris as that is first winner for us.-Darren O´Dwyer, trainer´s assistant. 29Mar09 Newton abbot ( 17 GF ,RPR116 ) I think the better ground has suited him today and he will now be kept going through the spring until it dries out too much as I don´t think he would want it very fast. - Philip Hobbs, trainer
mmmmm that sounds good! (On the naps, have this strange feeling it's all going to blow up in my face any minute, but must keep trying......).
Thanks Nass - interesting quotes there ! I was taken by the partnership Chris Davies struck with the horse last year, today they have Dickie back up which isn't exactly a negative but surprising nonetheless. 1.90 betfair earlier, good enough for me. GL
Lets hope Willy TD is ok after his bad fall. Reported to be having oxygen and it looks to be left leg issue. Jumps jocks are nuts
