I wasn't comparing any horse with Quevega to be fair, If you actually read the last sentence I was merely trying to make the point that its not necessarily the case to presume she'd be shorter than 7/2. Would you have not expected Big Bucks to be shorter than 6/1 that day he beat Punchestowns in the World Hurdle? When winning the Cleeve in his race before destroying Punchestowns? Lets be fair aswell is it really that much of an achievement beating Sparky May and Kentford Grey Lady at Cheltenham in a Grade 2? Shes obviously better than the standard she faces year in year out at Cheltenham yet she continues to race in that Mickey Mouse race every year. I don't think Voler La Vedette is that much worse than Quevega either, I think that result flattered Quevega today espcially when you consider it was Quevega's 2nd start of the season unlike Voler
I don't agree mate. In hindsight he was too big on the day because he's turned into a wonderful horse. He wasn't that on the day though. He was a failed chaser. Quevega has proven herself year in year out at Cheltenham. She's won grade ones over 3 miles and she's destroyed VLV much more easily than Big Bucks did at Cheltenham. VLV has run very well on heavy in Ireland plenty of times in the past and being totally honest I don't think any horses like ground as wet as that so i presume it hindered Quevega as much as the second. Willie says constantly that her mum only peaked at 9 which is how old Quevega will be next year. I'm not foolish enough to say she'd beat BB but I've said for a long time she's the biggest challenge to his streak and her price would reflect that.
Big Bucks is a machine though imho. I wouldn't be surprised if we haven't seen him beyond about 80% of his ability since he reverted to hurdles. VLV was so flattered by her proximity to an idling Big Bucks at Cheltenham and the race could hardly have been run any worse for him to boot. Quevega is a top, top mare but Mullins is no fool. He's had some good horses absolutely battered by Big Bucks.
And as Willie Mullins as just said after Quevega bolted in today... '' I've no problem tackling Big Buck's and if he gets into the mares' hurdle next year we'll take him on, Why change what's not broken? ''
I'd still like to see Quevega in the Champion Hurdle. I reckon she would have murdered Rock On Ruby & Overturn this year. Mullins obviously wouldn't want to because of Hurricane Fly but I think Quevega is simply a very, very extraordinary horse. She travels so beautifully and pings every hurdle, and certainly has a deadly turn of foot.
Have to disagree with that - watch the interview with Ruby post-race, he deliberately kicked on because he knew he had speed horses like Oscar Whiskey behind him (he obviously didn't know OW wouldn't stay). If they had run at a dawdle and sprinted the last half mile then yes I would agree, but Ruby had BB in the firing line all the way and dictated the pace. He decided to quicken it up at the top of the hill to try and draw the finishing kick out of OW et al.
Her form over 2 miles isn't up to much Oddy... 2m4/3m at Punchestowns looks her optimum as form as shown. Mullins looks reluctant to ever change that routine
But Mullins says: ""She pinged the last - not like here last year - and as we would never have minded taking on the best over two miles with her, we knew she wouldn't be found wanting for a change of gear." To be fair Istabraq she was only 5 when beaten by Solwhit in the Rabobank on her last run over 2 miles ................
I am in love with Bilbao. I want half of their players but really I'd prefer it if they stayed in tact. Fab team to watch and incredible support.
Best football club in the world Quel. 11 locals being cheered on by 40,000 locals...that doesn't happen anymore.
