Not sure why but The New One reminds me a little of Dawn Approach - bloody good but unlikely to improve at the same rate as later developers. It wouldn't surprise me if, come March, he will find something a bit too strong at Cheltenham. But I think he is such a battler that I couldn't call it.
Urticaire could be a big price at 3/1, doesnt seem to be much between her and Upsie on the french bumper form, how much that is worth over hurdles in Ireland I dont know but she is getting a bit of weight and it could be closer than the market suggests. Two good mares I think and Jennies Jewel, Theatre Bird and Caoimhes Delight arent too bad either.
Money was down for Shanahans Turn today. "It may have well happened that those in attendance at yesterday’s Muskerry Foxhounds point-to-point meeting at Birch Hill witnessed the successful debut of a potential top-notch performer for Eugene O’Sullivan’s Shanahan’s Turn left many racegoers searching for previously unused superlatives following his stunning victory in the first division of the five-year-old geldings’ maiden. On an afternoon that unfortunately witnessed Derek O’Connor sustaining a suspected fractured leg in a first fence fall from Massinis Adventure in the confined hunts maiden, the well-supported Shanahan’s Turn (7/1 – 3/1) disputed the running with Hard Hitting until setting sail for home on the ascent to three out. It was soon plainly apparent that the winning son of Indian Danehill was gone beyond recall and he duly sauntered home by a distance from Paurick O’Connor’s Le Feu Garde. “This is a right horse, but I was worried about the good ground here. He will probably now go to the sales later this month,” reported handler O’Sullivan of Shanahan’s Turn, owned by Co Kilkenny-based stallion master Nicky Teehan. "
Afternoon lads Taken some 5/4 on the Fly, better than 1/4 or 1/5 that we usually get for him in Ireland.
Well how wrong was I to knock Hurricane Fly! He'll be 10 in January but won decisively in the end. Cannot be discarded at all for the Festival now!
So what do we make of that folks? Our Connor could have needed the run, Jezki was finishing fast; but the Fly put them all in their place today. Is there an argument that gives anything a chance of reversing the form in the Champion?
What about Jezki being blocked in right at the crucial moment? He is still around 8/1 at the moment and tht could look massive with his stamina proven up the hill
He will need to to have any chance against the english horse. Kempton race looked much stronger to me.
FROM ONE CHAMP TO ANOTHER WELL DONE HURRICANE. It's so easy for him. Our Connor ran an excellent race if he's only 80% fit. Jezki has no chance over any trip at any course. You all know my thoughts re the New One and the strength of the Neptune form and Jezki's just told us the Supreme, albeit a strong renewal, isn't anywhere near strong enough to beat this absolute superstar.
I just don't get why people are getting so excited over The New One. Hurricane Fly wouldn't even need to be at 100% to beat it and the 6/1 that was on offer for the Fly at Cheltenham is massive!
Just my opinion, the Kempton race looked stronger to my eye than what I just watched, Jezki and Our Conor wouldnt get within 4 lengths of My Tent round Kempton, and My Tent wouldnt get within 4 of The New One at Cheltenham. No need to be a ****
