A few punters will have this win accumulator tomorrow at Aintree: 2.00 My Tent Or Yours 2.30 Rocky Creek (Dynaste has the best form but Rocky Creek will develop into a better chaser than Dynaste next season IMO, who knows he might run in the Hennessy). 3.05 Sprinter Sacre 4.15 At Fishers Cross (will he stay over hurdles next season or go novice chasing? Won't be surprised if he's aimed at the World Hurdle).
please log in to view this image Timeform's View Melling Chase: Sprinter Sacre 17lb clear on Timeform ratings The Melling Chase deserves its billing as the race of the National Hunt season, but it still looks a one-horse race, according to ratings experts, Timeform... Since Timeform began publishing its jumps ratings in 1962/3, only 37 chasers in that time have been rated higher than Flemenstar and Cue Card, who both figure on 175. Last year’s Melling Chase winner Finian’s Rainbow, who also lines up, was 174 at his best. Yet all three are put in the shade by Sprinter Sacre. Timeform’s Chief Correspondent, Jamie Lynch, put Sprinter Sacre’s standing into some context: “Flemenstar and Cue Card are exceptional chasers, and their rating is higher than any winning performance in the Melling Chase, bar Moscow Flyer in 2005, in the last 15 years. That pair, and Finian’s Rainbow, have won nine Grade 1s between them, but the phenomenal Sprinter Sacre is as much as 17lb clear on Timeform ratings. “Sprinter Sacre’s rating on the racecard – adjusted to Timeform weight-for-age and to 12-7 – is a monumental figure of 203p, the ‘p’ denoting further improvement to come. As such, it’s conceivable that Sprinter Sacre can increase his master rating of 192p, to move closer still to Arkle and Flyingbolt, the only two jumps horses rated higher than him in Timeform’s history. “Going up in trip, and with horses of the calibre of Flemenstar and Cue Card in opposition, Sprinter Sacre has a rare opportunity to show just how brilliant he really is and perhaps break through the 200 barrier in bare form terms.” Melling Chase (all ratings weight-adjusted) 203p SPRINTER SACRE (FR) 186 FLEMENSTAR (IRE) 186 CUE CARD 180? FINIAN'S RAINBOW (IRE) 174 FOR NON STOP (IRE) 149$ MAD MOOSE (IRE) Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More! please log in to view this image
Whilst I admit cue card has a great chance tomorrow, I love Flemenstar and I will not be suprised if he upsets the apple cart. Cracking race, may the best horse win.
I have decided to have another lump on over 9 lengths at 7/4. What I can see happening, is Cue Card and Flemenstar going like the clappers, and perhaps taking each other on abit, whilst SS will be say on there heels getting a nice toe into the race. With a few left to jump, CC and Flemenstar will be flat to the boards, and SS will effortlessly ease alongside, and as if he's just having an exercise canter he will pull further and further clear to score easily on the bridle
CC and Flemenstar are very good horses,but SS is in a different stratosphere.And Its crazy to think that SS hasnt even had his preferred ground all season. Flat track,better going,this could be a performance that will live in everyone's memory forever.
King Shergar - I can see something like that happening too. one thing that has maybe been overlooked is that Sprinter Sacre has not yet run on his preferred ground this season - he will today and that means the others are in trouble! Cue Card was impressive in the Ryanair though and should get 2nd
