Just in the car on the way back from Cheltenham. Before I start I will just say that I have yet to see any of the races except live. I therefore reserve the right to alter my opinions once I've watched the replays if I feel I was wide of the mark first time up. In the first Swing Bill returned to form and ran out a convincing winner, despite a bad mistake at the top of the hill. The gambled Time For Spring ran well for a long way before finding it tough in the last 1/2 mile. He weakened quickly and might be worth another chance back in trip. I fancied Tanks For That at the Festival when he disappointed in the Grand Annual. I was tempted to back him here but kept my money in my pocket on this occasion. In the end he ran out a convincing winner after looking in trouble rounding the home turn. The disappointment was Crack Away Jack but I do think he is a horse worth following. He is lovely stamp of horse and I cannot help but feel that there is plenty more to come. He made a bad mistake, having jumped well, at a crucial stage and that put paid to his chances. He also looked a little outpaced but kept on in pleasing fashion. Fortunately Nicholls had said he might appreciate further so I didn't back him in the end. I must say I was very tempted because he was a lovely horse to look at. My immediate thought was that he would be one for the December Gold Cup next month. This run should put him spot on and the step up in trip should see him to better effect. He simply must have a race in him off of 142. Next was the XC race and, whether you like them or not, it cannot be denied that it provides a great spectacle. Loads of people made the trip across the course to watch the action at close quarters. The result was a thrilling finish between two Irish raiders. Garde Champetre couldn't add to his terrific record over this course but was brave in defeat. It might be that age is catching up with the old boy but there shod be similar contests to be won with him. I was really looking forward to the Novice hurdle. I was impressed with Prospect Wells at Chepstow and fancied him to make it two from two over the sticks. In the end he just went down in a super battle with Steps To Freedom. Despite the steady pace it was pleasing that the right horses came to the fore. The impression was that both could be smart and look really decent prospects for the winter ahead. I didn't pay too much attention to the following handicap hurdle but Decoy won in the manner of a Pipe horse from yesteryear, from the front and catch me if you can. They couldn't, but only just as the margin was a rapidly decreasing head. The big clash was the last race on the card. Paddock impressions were interesting. The first thing to say is that I can easily see why Twiston-Davies is so keen on Sybarite. He is a big and powerful and a gorgeous looker. However he continues to disappoint on the track. Grand Crus looks to have grown since last year and he looked far better balances than last season. Champion Court still looked a little raw, as did Cue Card. They were without doubt a decent bunch and it was obvious that this was a collection of talented animals. In the race the departure of Cue Card was a disappointment because it left plenty of questions still be to be answered. He still looks Novicey and that must be a worry for his followers. He is clearly smart but might just fall short of top class over fences too. In contrast Grand Crus looks the smart recruit we had hoped for. I admit that he jumped better than I had anticipated but I still stand by my comments. He jumped well but I still think he might be prone to be odd error. The one time he was wrong he got away with it after a guessy jump at the ditch. In the main this was an impressive display. He travelled strongly and powered up the hill as Champion Court came to challenge. He will be a force to be reckoned with but I still have her question mark in my mind. When he is tired, they are racing and he's being challenged I can see his jumping coming unde pressure. I may be wrong and if I am he and every chance of going right to the top. Champion Courr looks a good young chaser too and he will be seen at his best when he steps up to 3m. Zaynar also ran a good race and he might be recapturing his enthusiasm. I must say that I was ssurprised to see Grand Crus shortened to 4/1 for the RSA. He is a worthy favourite no doubt about it but I would still rather Peddlers Cross for the Arkle, especially at a bigger price. All in all an excellent days sport and looking forward to the weekend action. I'm not there tomorrow but hopefully will make it down on Sunday.
Grands Crus beat some very promising horse's by 10 lenghs, he made an error, and lost ground, but his engine was still so big, that he was able to storm clear. Peddlers Cross beat a couple of donkeys, by 4 lenghs. The previous winners of Grands Crus Chase today, include Denman and Imperial Commander, so it's usually a race that attracts star names, so I'm suprised you feel Peddlers Cross is a stronger favourite for the Arkle than Grands Crus is for the RSA. Grands Crus is a star, as I told you he was, just admit it
Interesting race. Both non finishers were travelling well when they exited (according to RP). Grand Crus won easily (10l) in a decent time which is encouraging for the Festival. He has now proven he acts on all types of ground, although not sure how he was beaten by Thousand Stars (bloody good advert for Hurricane Fly from what I could see from a quick look at the form). Shame Big Bucks hasn't made the transition.
Cheltenham is different class to anything else. Hoping to go back Sunday but i'm riding my own nag tomorrow so won't be able to make it.
The home of the greatest show on turf!! lol I wanted to go up for the two days but am going to ascot next week too and also I am riding a friends GG in a XC comp in a few weeks so had better focus on that over the next couple of weeks!
Cheltenhams great, great racing, great atmosphere, and a good drinking session. What more do you want
