Hi All The jump season draws ever nearer! I cant wait as the flat really isnt doing much for me, so I was wondering if you had to make your picks now for the Big Four Cheltenham races what would they be?? I know there have been various posts in the past of similar content but I just love talking about the jumps! I'll start, still slightly undecided on a couple but I'll put these down. Champions Hurdle: Binocular Champion Chase: Channibar World Hurdle: Thousand Stars Gold Cup:Imperial Commander
If someone held a gun to my head, although I’m sure that no-one would want to do that, then at this stage my picks would be (although I haven’t wagered yet on any of them): Champion Hurdle: Spirit Son Champion Chase: Tataniano World Hurdle: Big Buck’s Gold Cup: Long Run Amazing to think that although these contests are still 8 months away in 3 of them the ante-post faves are only 5/4, 7/4 and 11/4. Only the Champion Chase can be considered to have a wide open market.
I can't be having any of those - sorry! Too early for me to be looking at specific races, but I'm interested in seeing how where and when this year's Cheltenham runners appear - particularly looking out for such as Zarkander, Sprinter Sacre, Spirit Son and Unnaccompanied.
Definitely looking forward to Zarkander, Noble Prince, First lieutennant and Bob's Worth - all looked like they could be pretty decent stepping up to either chasing or out of novice class.
Benny- Channibar probably wont even start! He is a stubborn so-so but give it to him he is a talented horse when he does acutally decide to race! Regards to the GC- Long Run will dominate for the next few years!
I may be alone in my thinking (goes with the territory) but I just wonder can Master Minded make it up into a Gold Cup contender... Please bring him over to Down Royal Mr Nicholls for the JN Champion Chase early November to test out the 3 mile theory if you're reading
Champion Hurdle - Hurricane Fly Champion Chase - Captain Chris World Hurdle - The Monster that is Big Buck's Gold Cup - Long Run
Well thats just it, when he does go he really goes! I was looking into buying shares in him. I was told he would be going for the Champion chase but whether that happens or not i dont know! I was looking into buying the share just before he was due to run in France a few weeks ago (which he subsequently refused at the second! lol) Its a shame he has the attitude problem because he does have a lot of talent which he may not realise, much like Tidal Bay. I really fancy Thousand Stars though for the World Hurdle, he will certainly give BB something to think about!
Nass: I am shocked and stunned mate, are you not worried about T4R bad record at the track? I realise they say he bled last time but to me it may be more than that? I'm not knocking as i like the horse very much indeed. GC - Long Run for me, what a prospect. CH - Wide open, could Zarkander be good enough? WH - Big Bucks but time is catching up with this majestic hurdler. Benny - Never too early to be discussing the one and only Festival mate
T4R bad course record? Suggest you look again. He bled and he hit the first, the fact they gave him the rest of the season off suggests he really wasn't right after the race. He loves Cheltenham and may be my biggest early season bet if he lines up in the PPGC.
GDC it's strange you think the CH is that wide open, as on the ante-post lists (excepting BB naturally) it's the race with the strongest favourite (Hurricane Fly) in it? Maybe you're one of those still wiping the egg from the face on that one though Also regards TFR I find it somewhat baffling you think his track form is poor? Has he not a few wins to his name there?In fact the Gold Cup would be the most open of all the championship races in my book, and the ante-post lists seem to back that up too but it's all about opinions. Some be proved right on the day but most be proved wrong
Like many people I did the big Quevega / Big Buck's double this year and can see no reason not to repeat next year, plus throw in Hurricane Fly who looks unbeatable to me if he stays fit.
Beef: No egg mate i was more than happy with my returns from the placed horse I backed ante post Hurricane Fly put in an awesome display and IF he arrives again this season will be very hard to beat but as we all know that is a massive IF. Of course if those sort of prices interest you, go for it mate As for T4R, i've supported him all season and will continue to do so, it's just the 2 big opportunities he has had he has fluffed his lines. None of you need to tell me about the horse, i was the one who put him up as the biggest danger to Big Bucks 2 years ago and urged you all to back him in the FC I maybe should have said his chase form at top level leaves something to be desired, i for one would love him to come back 100% and challenge for the Gold Cup
GDC I backed HF immediately after his win at 5s using my barrell load of winnings so no need to play at 7-4
I think Weapons Amnesty after his season out, will have something to prove. He will give long run a good run for his money, and also MM has a good chance!! but T4R, i think this season maybe too soon In regards to Big Bucks time maybe creeping up with him, but I reckon he will still win the World Hurdle this year (maybe his last tho) Thousand Stars or I really like Oscar whiskey very under rated imo, doesnt get enough credit! I reckon he Hendrson will enter him in to the CH(although would like to see him in the world hurdle! and he would be my outside bet
Benny you should have got some shares in him, I do like the horse, but I think because of his attitude, if he dont wanna do anything he wont! great character! lol
