It's raining here now and I m not too many miles from the course.. persistent drizzle I would say and been raining last 10 mins or so. I would work on basis of good to soft minimum. 4 mile race will take some getting..
Lot on this a few years back. One view is that it gives the filly a boost. The other view is that it has no effect. A few years ago Dick Hern was struggling to train a filly as she kept coming into season. Discussed it and decided to have her covered and be sent back into training. Her form after getting in foal was nothing like her form before. She was a maiden and won the Newbury Oaks trial at 100-8 (said it was some years ago) then ran 5th in the Oaks before winning a Gp2 in France.But that is a specific case and they don't tell you why they've been put in foal. I wouldn't worry about it.
Yeah, thanks Bustino… Just asked as a saw it in the notes and just thought that's interesting, why put it in...? They all have going days or not regardless of what's happening biologically...
well,yes,my choice too.i can imagine,that the top three might have it between them here,as they all drop into handicap company for the first time,and HARDLINE just shades it for me,as he has had a very productive season so far,apart from a blip last time out,but this looks considerably easier,and with the riders claim,should go very well today..
quite a solid run. punchestown,4 55: this is probably not as competitive as it looks at first sight,as many have to prove a point here,including my choice SYNOPSIS,but if she is back to her form from december,where she won a cheltenham handicap in good style,she can be a player,but,as i said,plenty of guesswork involved..
punchestown,5 30: i am a big fan of APPLES JADE,always have been,and i have nothing but admiration for this tough,little mare,so i hope,she can get back on track here,and show,how good she is.
I've developed a bit of a theory that Gordon Elliot is not very good at training top, top animals to be at their peak each race. If you look at the best animals he has had, none of them have shown the consistency of a Hurricane Fly or a Douvan or a Vautour (with maybe a possible exception in Don Cossack). To that end I think Apples Jade left her best form behind before Christmas and can't have her here. Buveur D'Air is clearly on the downgrade and makes no appeal whatsoever and I just hope that today, finally, might be Melon's day in the sun. Not a race to be betting on but hopefully Melon can do it.
One angle that does interest me is Davy Russell on Buveur D'Air - the best jockey currently riding IMHO
Davy makes it look easy - he felt he was on the best horse, kept it simple and won readily. Might JP be thinking about his retainer with Geraghty?
JP not as ruthless as Gtown but he must be thinking it's time for a change. Interesting to see if Mullins keeps Townend as his number one jockey, maybe Puppy Power will get the leg up on a few rides.
well,not sure,what to make of APPLES JADEs effort there.she didnt accelerate in her usual style,but if there are any positives to be derived,she ran on again in the end,so not all is lost,id say..and as shes only 7,there are surely some good seasons ahead of her.. punch 6 05: i think,city island will be very hard to beat here,but this race represents a nice e w value,in EASY GAME.has to make loads of lengths up on cheltenham running with city island,true,but i like this gutsy and tough performer,and if he runs into a place there,i d be more than satisfied..
Apples Jade is an early season soft lead bully, she runs all out every time and looks impressive in 3 furlong sprints against half fit 3 milers, thats why she was the lay of the meeting at Cheltenham and its no coincidence her worst form is at the festivals when she finally races against tuned up rivals at a proper gallop In season
Salvatore 3rd.. Other bets: Done Virak to beat the hot pot Twist on Hinge 50/1 each way Village Vic each way.
Interesting they put Derek O'Connor up on City Island. I think City Island could be a player in next year's Champion Hurdle if they decide to stay over hurdles rather than go chasing. Should win well here.
