the Cheltenham thread has been very quiet, any thoughts on anti post after boxing day and the Leapardstown runs?
I really like Parlour Games. Very classy there. I never thought it would lose from a long way out. Blacklion and Vyta are both good horses and he's dealt with them very easily. The Neptune looks tailor made and i think it will take something decent to beat him up the hill. Taking 4/1 about Sprinter on the basis of one racecourse gallop where the jockey said afterwards that he went easy on him is ridiculous.
I don't think Skelton is sending a horse to Ireland for a laugh so at 8/1 I've backed this Fairytale Theatre each way.
Blaklion is surely set to go for the Albert Bartlett, dont think he would have wanted to set the pace today either but it was the only way they would have went a decent clip. Parlour games impressive though travelled so well.
Carigmorna Rock was brilliant then. Very tidy indeed. Mares Race at Cheltenham here she comes. Mine fell unfortunately.
Brilliant race and must be strong form, id never really taken to Don Poli but have to say that was impressive, should be nowhere near the 4 miler and must be a big danger to Kings Palace in the RSA although he will need to go some to beat that one. With Conygree there as well, looks like we have some nice staying novices who could take over that woeful Gold Cup division over the next few years. Shanahans Turn and The Tullow Tank were disappointing but neither are 3 milers, Mala Beach just outclassed I think, he owes me nothing and there will be other days for him again.
Thought Apache had come to claim Don Poli but that thing is a proper staying chaser. He's very similar to Sir Des Champs.
If Don Poli goes for the 4 miler then that is a disgrace. He would have the class to win it easily but then again if we started skipping the 3m championship division we might as well not bloody have it.
No complaints about my two getting turned over, beaten fair and square. I certainly won't be deserting Blaklion should he turn up for the Albert Bartlett.
Those 2 day were a beautiful icing to the delicious cake of racing that Leopardstown provided today Horse of a lifetime and Don Poli is a horse who just keeps so much in the locker. He loves that Cheltenham hill, he'll simply devour it. Absolutely made for the RSA with that lazy style of racing. Had a right good punt on it last night. A very good Leopardstown Festival Vigil won a wee bit of a sprint today, but I'm pretty sure Willie has at least 4 better than Bellshill lads so I'd be giving up on that one now. Must go make a hot whisky, got slightly hoarse roaring the Fly home
Well done BOS that must have been some day. My racing was limited to a very small 5 minute window whilst waiting for the lasses to stop fannying about before we went out for the afternoon. My absolute good fortune was that I was kept waiting for 5 minutes at 1.25 p.m. and got to see the Fly deliver another Grade 1 in magnificent style. What a great horse he is. And, in the unlikely event that it came up on the heavy side of soft in March, would ol boy Rupert desert the 21 time grade one legend for the fat cat banker's young upstart?
Had a great day at Leopardstown, not from a punting perspective, purely on the thrill of the racing today, Hurricane Fly look's like a 40 year old man who hasn't shaved, washed or brushed his teeth for several months but what he lacks in physical appearance he makes up for in abundance with his huge, huge heart. Nobody can knock the horse it's as simple as that, I had a lump in my throat and was left frozen watching him rally home today, I heard cheering and roaring but I was numb to it, in awe watching him and at the same time appreciating the greatness that I've been fortunate enough to see in the flesh several times win his 100th Grade 1 (it seems that way), a terrific horse and one that we should all feel glad to have witnessed for his heroics on course, whether a fan or not if simply for what epitomises National Hunt racing ,(don't worry, I like the flat too) a true great. The Novice chase produced a good winner in Don Poli, travels and stay's well and will be a huge threat in the RSA and future Gold Cups. Apache Stronghold held every chance but couldn't stay with Don Poli, travels so well though perhaps a little good in the going will aid future chances. My selection Shanahan's Turn didn't stay and will no doubt be dropping back in trip whilst Mala Beach held every chance too, just faded out of it when thing's were getting going, Lots Of Memories put in a good showing and can hold his head up high, plenty of ability and all is not lost for him by any stretch. Very Wood and TTT were disappointing and it's back to the drawing board for them. Carrigmoorna Rock was visually the most impressive winner and I look forward to her wherever she heads next, although I'm not sure she beat much it was still taking and she's one to follow.
