Love a grinder. The 14:15 at Catterick over 30f on a track with a bit of give, in places, looks a real test of courage. Just thought I'd post a quick thought on the race and invite others to have a shot at it. As usual I started at the bottom. I'm not too keen on the chances of heavily weighted horses over these extended trips. They do win, but most of them just can't get the job done. I liked the look of both Posh Bird and Dermatologiste, but ended up going against then on the grounds of sex. I'm one of those dinosaurs who believe a good male will usually beat a good female. A case can be made for a host of chances, but I ended up going against my instincts and selecting the favourite Shaking Hands. I don't like them carrying weight. But he did a grand job two runs back, lumping 11.7 over four miles at Exeter. He was on the pace that day. Around Catterick, where on pace is the go, I thought he'd run a mighty race. Add Pipe and Scudamore to the mix and he looks a healthy chance. Shaking Hands. Posh Bird. Dermatologiste.
I looked hard at Cerium George. His age is against him, but he finished just behind the place getters in Mon Mome's in big National. I'd love to see him win.
Shaking Hands to win, pure stamina and should make the others go for a long slog, hopefully he will outstay the lot. I actually think Cerium could also run a big race, he is getting to a nice handicap mark, whilst Heez A Steel could also plod on into the places.
I like Pegasus Prince, won last time over 27f on Gd/Sft and that form has been well advertised by the 2nd, Wistow (who was favourite that day and getting 7lbs from Pegasus Prince) hacking up in a beginners chase at Uttoxeter. The Reveley's are also in cracking form at present. Dystonia's Revenge is also interesting, having been raised only 3lbs for winning over 25f at the track in December. He came with a rare old rattle to catch Eighteen Carat in the last 50 yards and looks like the longer trip will suit. The 3rd placed horse, Definite Appeal, followed up with a win on New Years Day so again the form looks solid. At a bigger price, Ferdy Murphy's Hennessy has tumbled down the weights and, with Lucy Alexander taking 5 off, runs off an adjusted mark of 110 which could see him squeak a place. Pegasus Prince Dystonia's Revenge Hennessy
Wilson has no probs after his unseating yesterday and tells me finger crossed Apache Blue wins Stay Frosty
Cyc - good morning mate. I was just reading on the Racing Post website that Sepoy will run at the Dubai World Cup meeting (in the Golden Shaheen) before transferring to Godolphin for a "European Campaign". I assume this will take in Royal Ascot - should be interesting
Yeah Oddy, he's England bound. He's an interesting prospect. He has loads of ability, but I've never really been a fan. There's a bit too much hype about him. They seem desperate to make him a hot stud prospect. The Golden Shaheen will test him. If he goes well then he's a chance in the UK. He's no Black Caviar though.
Morning all. Interesting race Cyc, I take your point about weight carrying on bad ground but it's good to soft, strong breeze and no wet stuff today, the ground may be a little tacky but it should be OK. I give Pegassus Prince a real shout here, raced exclusively over shorter distances until a try at a 3m 3f Novice chase at Sedgefield last time where he looke dto be outpaced but when asked for an effort he responded for his rider and got up to beat Wistow who subsequently won a Novice chase at Uttoxeter in convincing fashion over Christmas (on very bad ground I seem to remember). Obviously experience is an issue for Pegassus Prince and I'm not sure what record Novices have in this race but I think Reveley's 8yo is heading the right way now they seem to have found the right conditions for their charge, 6s or thereabouts looks an outstanding each way bet for me...
Good morning Champ... Lets see what we can do in the North Yorkshire Grand National then... Got it down to an initial list of 6... Pegasus Prince, Shaking Hands, Star Beat, Dystonias Revenge, Apache Blue and Dermatologiste... And now ive trimmed that down to three its putting it into some kind of order... So i will go with... 1st - Apache Blue 2nd - Shaking Hands 3rd - Dystonias Revenge Cheers Cyc. I will look forward to watching the race now...
'Cheers Cyc. I will look forward to watching the race now...' I must admit I prefer it when individual races are given their own threads, if you're late into the Daily thread you may not want to trawl through 100+ posts to get peoples views on one particular race...
Shaking Hands - Prominent, led 7 out, stayed on, saw trip out gamely. Wins by 12 lengths. You read it here first
Like your confidence Nass. I thought he might lead throughout as well, but dunno about the 12 lengths bit. Despite the half decent going, I think they'll be strung out between one and two furlongs at the end.
How many "National" races are there in total? Let's start a list (with courses): Grand National - Aintree Welsh National - Chepstow Scottish National -Ayr Irish National - Fairyhouse Midlands National - Uttoxeter Scottish Borders National - Kelso North Yorkshire National - Catterick Sussex National - Plumpton I'm sure there are more .................
Southern National - Fontwell (Suggestion for the Royal Norfolk toffs: Norfolk National - Fakenham).............
