Tongue in cheek Eddie. He isn't a favourite horse of mine,that is true,but the betting patterns in that event were most unusual...went off around 6's I think.
I didnt back Victor Hewgo but could see the case, the form with Hollywell etc, which is why I found it strange that it was layed with such nonchalance all day long. After keeping an eye on the betting I was not at all surprised with how the race went, didnt go a yard. I did back Hinterland for a decent amount and I was robbed like everyone else who backed it, was 9/1 after the tape went up which is just completely absurd. Beaten out of sight. We assume everything and everyone is 100% for the big meetings and I doubt Nicholls knew anything about it but something dodgy went on with that on the biggest betting day of the year. Had he been reasonably solid in the market and ran like that you just say, one of those runs, too bad to be true, it happens, had he been beaten 5 or 6 lengths you accept he wasnt good enough on the day. But the betting suggests that someone knew for 100% the horse wouldnt raise a gallop, backers had lost their money before he got to the start, stolen by crooks.
I did Stenson e/w at 28's Bob with PP paying 6 places...his fairways hit and greens in reg stats are good recently even if his record in the event is moderate. Had a few quid e/w on Matsuyama @ 70's and Oleson @ 125/1 for an interest also.
Seems to have come on a bundle since that first run over hurdles. Another run in one of those mares races and you might just get a fair handicap mark. That shows how experience can help an inexperienced horse.
Don't remember Masterson Holdings,owners of Balder Succes etc,ever owning horses in Ireland..thye have one running under Adrian Maguire in the next. Big outsider mind you.
Nice run stick. You must be very pleased with her. It will be interesting to hear Charlie's view and how she ran against his expectations.
Next at Taunton. Purple bay is the biggest improver in the field, and best run on good ground, will probably win but 15/8 is too short. Maybe Brinestone, returning to the scene of his last win is better value at 11/2. His best run was on this C&D on this ground.
Brinestone blundered* his way out of contention and never recovered. Purple Bay needs to jump better. Would never have selected the winner.* * hampered and almost unseated rider 6th, soon lost place * but I know an uncle who did
