Layers seem keen to take the mighty Big Bucks on tommorow, last week he was a general 1/2 shot, but tonight he is available at a tempting 4/6.* I don't know why this is, maybe it has something to do with Nicky Henderson's 5 winners so far, and the fact he trains 2nd favourite, and arguably biggest danger Oscar Whisky. Or are the layers just feeling super confident, after getting Hurricane Fly and Sizing Europe beat.* Big Bucks has done nothing wrong this season, if anything he's been as impressive as ever, surely 4/6 is far to big for a horse who has won his last 15 races.* Thoughts?*
They've got cash in their satchels and balls as big as watermelons. I have doubts about him tomorrow. I expect him to win but I think it's his sternest test to date. there's a huge amount of quality in there. plus nicholls hasn't fired yet and as you pointed out, Henderson has.
Nicholls did manage to win the Champion Hurdle Quel I can't see Henderson mopping up tomorrow again .........
Nicholls never realy had many good chances over the first days anyways, the shortest priced chance was Al Ferof, and jumping let him down, not fitness. Rock On Ruby won the Champion Hurdle, and Prospect Wells was only beaten 4 lenghs in the Supreme. So I wouldn't be atall concerned about the form of Nicholls. I know It could be the kiss of death, me saying this but I'm not sure these are the best horse's he's faced. Grands Crus looked to have stronger hurdles form than Oscar Whisky, from what he did in the Cleeve Hurdle, and Thousand Stars has disappointed in his last 2 runs. Dynaste and Mourad have already been well beaten by BB previously, and Voler La Veddettes form is pretty similar to Mourad's
What do I know Nass - I've got Rock On Ruby & Bobs Worth in my 10 to follow and didn't back either of them this week
I think Thousand Stars, So Young, and Oscar Whisky stack up as pretty serious opposition. But I hope Big Bucks will answer them with an emphatic, defiant performance to win a 4th World Hurdle. He definitely has horses with some gears this time, but Ruby is adamant that Big Bucks also has the speed to run in a Champion Hurdle, so I think he has the class to see them off- I don't think quick ground is an issue for him.
Big Bucks could be beaten this year. VLV could be better this year Dynaste has been getting closer to BB and wears a tongue strap for the first time today. Maybe changed tactics could catch out the master. So Young and/or Oscar W might improve over 3miles Might, could, maybe. That's all I've got. But this year there are 4 of them (at least) whereas I believe there was only one last year. The chances of a surprise are greater than ever.
PS. That customary flat spot might just allow something to go beyond recall, if they are good enough to take advantage of it.
Another great victory for Big Bucks, Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars didn't have enough left in the tank to give him any problems! What an effort by the mare, I felt she could be the biggest danger and she was. It makes you wonder wether she would have beaten Quevega in that form, I fancy she might have
lumped on him at 5/6 and he saved my festival following a terrible first 2 days. Also had Houblons Des Oubeaux placed at 40's and Exmoor Ranger in the last at 33's. Onwards and upwards now and hope to have some luck with these. My picks for tomorrow are 17:15 GRAND ANNUAL HANDICAP CHASE 2m 1/2f Kumbeshwar @ 14/1 (GP) 16:40 MARTIN PIPE HANDICAP HURDLE 2m 4 1/2f Oscar Nominee @ 12/1 (GP) 15:20 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 3m 2 1/2f Weird Al @ 10/1 (GP) 14:40 ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES' HURDLE 3m Brindisi Breeze @ 10/1 (GP) 14:05 VINCENT O'BRIEN COUNTY HURDLE 2m 1f Raya Star @ 10/1 (GP) 13:30 TRIUMPH HURDLE (GRADE 1) 2m 1f Grumeti @ 7/1 (GP)
Good luck tommorow Tidal Bay. Big Bucks was my get out of jail card today also, having done my bollocks yesterday, and early on today. Im back level with the bookies going into tommorow
After a fantastic day at Cheltenham on Tuesday I decided I wouldn't have another bet this festival. I knew I couldn't have another day like it so I thought I'd get out while I was nicely ahead (plus I need the money for a couple of things). That plan went out the window today when Big Bucks went 5/6 this afternoon. Oscar Whisky was never going to stay past Big Bucks and the rest of the field weren't ever going to be good enough. I actually think that the Fly and S.Europe getting beat, coupled with the respective form of messers Nicholls and Henderson, got us all the most ridiculous price. VLV ran a huge race and I actually thought she was going to win at one stage but I think in the end Big Bucks has her well held. What a fantastic horse and what an unbelievable price.
Why would you lay this thing- you've got the punters under control at 1/2 and then suddenly you dangle 5/6 and give us all BOG as well. They've tried to beat him every single way. Theyve tried to burn him off, they've tried to stalk him, and many have travelled imperiously behind him but as always, he finds that hill like a machine. Unbelieveable that he keeps finding more when asked. What a price and as you say, without Hurricane and Sizing Europes defeats, we would not have seen such a price.
