He's a bit like Irelands NH equivalent to Clive Brittain...seems to overface his horses but when the ground is bad/others run below form,his pick up the pieces. Not to say he can't train or place horses.
VLV is not really at her best this early and really who would play 1/6? What do we think about Flemenstar later? I really rate Realt Dubh but he is better at 2 and a half miles than 2 and hence he has very few options. He ought to run in a King George.
I thought if Flemenstar jumped round he would win and was surprised he was as big a price, but hes going to come on alot for the run and Realt Dubh is no mug, he was about 8 seconds faster for his Irish Arkle on similar ground to Flemenstar and even faster over the same course and distance in the Bord Na Mona on heavy ground, plus you get the feeling that today could be Big Zebs Gold Cup! Hes starting to look a very fair price but if hes going to be beaten it will be today, I wont be getting involved in the race, ive lumped on him at better prices for easier races when you knew he was tuned to the minute for them. Realt Dubhs second to Sizing Europe in the Champion at Punchestown is top class form, if he were to run to that he would take an awful lot of beating today but hes ran over 3 miles just last week which is slightly off putting, I think a strong run 2 miles is perfect for him.
Flemenstar impressive to considering not fully wound up. What do we all think of his Gold Cup chances? The more than likely faster ground at the festival his undoing? Extra distance his undoing?
Flemenstar is the best jumper I have seen for a while. He will have more severe tests but that was very impressive, not fully wound up and not asked for his maximum. He looked better at 2 and a half than 2m last year, so there is every chance he can improve up in trip and jump them all ragged. Impressive.
Lord Windemere is my only bet today. Purely because I dislike Dylan Ross with a passion. Edit: having a saver on Savello as well.
Thank you Chief for this clip. Am late in commenting as I could not get this where I live, but managed to get 'Brothers In Arms' on YouTube, in which Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits performed it at the Mandela Concert in 1988. Superb, brought tears to my eyes. Mark is a great songwriter and musician extraordinaire; makes a guitar 'sing' like no one else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vUDmFjWgVo Thanks again, we will never forget those who gave their lives for us..................
Evening all How is everyone- not been on for awhile fell off a couple of days ago broke my arm So is quite hard and slow to type. Cant wait for cheltenham next week, was meant to be going but will have to see! Cant believe I missed a trick today Le Beau Bai 25/1 only course I would back him is Ffos las! He loves the course and loves the ground what a huge price! Didnt have a chance to look at the cards today! Oh well live to fight another day- On another note be intresting to see Cappa Bleu out tomo0rrow- backed him the national last year very talented horse and its got to the aim again 7/4 atm will wait to see what happens in the betting 1st tho!
Cheers guys <ok HAHA! Just have to get the other half to help (or if she wont someone else that will )
The ground won't do him - he handles soft and heavy but doesn't need it. He won the Powers Gold Cup in April over 2m4f on good ground, here the Sporting Life assessment: "Raced in 2nd, close up 4 out, led next, clear into straight, stayed on strongly, impressive opened 11/10 touched 11/10". He is by Flemensfirth (sire of Imperial Commander, Tidal Bay, Pandorama, Time For Rupert, Joe Lively et al) out of an unraced Beau Sher mare. Dam sire Beau Sher's best known offspring is Rathgar Beau so not a stamina guarantee, but wouldn't put me off either. I think he'll piss 3 miles, the key facet for me being he travels well and jumps impeccably. My idea of the Gold Cup winner this season and what a story that would be - small stable, little known owner just living the dream. I wish them all the best
Very impressed with Flemenstar today, just watched the race, he jumped and travelled brilliantly, despite needing the run apparently. Would definitely be in with a chance in the Gold Cup, but Ryanair also an option. Never mind RV, could be worse, at least you don't have to watch the drivel Leeds are churning out every week!
All the best for a quick recovery Woolly BTW that was Le Beau Bai's first run at Ffos Las, but he isn't half bad at Chepstow too
Well said Oddy and just to blow my own trumpet, (Wooley you could try that until your hand gets better!) I flagged him up last year before he ran over the big 'uns. He has it all...travels effortlessly,jumps like a stag,going short or long,and more scope than any horse I can remember for some time. Love to see him at Cheltenham but he is such a free traveller that I doubt his stamina over an extended 3m2f and unsure he wants all the contours that Presbury Park provides. I'd also love to him see race SS over 2m on easy ground..something like the TG where the island fences may well be key and an uphill finish...What a race that would be!! Is anyone actually still serious about Sanctuaire going to top over fences?...
