Kauto Star for me, to come back and beat Long Run in the King George was awesome and i must admit i was expecting nothing from Kauto but he really put up a couple of excellent displays and showed how tough and geniune he is, a true legend. Big Bucks a close 2nd, what an animal and a real cash machine for connections and punters, excellent stayer and hurdler. Honourable mention for Hunt Ball, what he did was amazing and gave everyone around him so much joy, hope he can give a good account of himself again next season.
I don't think the calibre of opposition faced by Big Buck's is inferior to that faced by Sprinter Sacre . . .
I think that's pretty harsh on the likes of Thousand Stars, Oscar Whisky, Grands Crus, Time for Rupert and Punchestowns, all rated 160-171... Sprinter Sacre, for example, has only ever beaten 2 horses rated 160 or above at the time: French Opera (162) and Al Ferof (160). Pretty much what I thought.
Perhaps I'm being harsh on Big Bucks, but I just can't get excited about a 3m hurdle race. Big Bucks may be the best 3m hurdler there's ever been, but I can't raise much more than a surly "so what?" in response I'm afraid. Now if he took on and beat Thousand Stars or Oscar Whisky over 2m4f, or Time For Rupert and Grand Crus over fences, I might be impressed. Sorry if that offends anyone. Sprinter Sacre, on the other hand, left me with a feeling of exhilaration bordering on drunkeness. So I'm being entirely subjective I suppose.
To be fair Archers any horse that goes unbeaten 17 straight is worthy of every superlative possible. How many times in recent seasons as that happened? Yes Big Bucks may only race in hurdle races and no he hasn't competed in the races as prestigious as the Gold Cup (Even though if he could tackle a fence like he tackles an hurdle he'd be a Gold Cup winner by now) The fact that He's stayed sound throughout that time and seen off all the worthy challenges of good horses without being totally bottomed IMO is an impressive record. You'll be waiting a long time to see his record equalled... Sprinter Sacre is probably the best novice I have ever seen, But that is all He is... A novice. I've seen potential superstars in there novice season come back the year after and dissapoint or not even see the track. I hope he stays fit and well because he as all the potential to reach the very very top of the National Hunt game!
