Glad you ask. He won this last year off a similar mark and you obviously recognise that I like the horse a lot. Every time you think he is in decline he comes back with a bang and I wouldn't begrudge him victory today. Common sense tells me to have a saver. I just feel that Hannibal has been let in very lightly.
The bumper looks good today, might even stay to see it. I saw one of the owners sons prattling on about Starlight Court, who they seem to rate. Moore Tizzard Nicholls trainers for me today at Chepstow
Off to Kempton today, some decent racing. Thoughts: Backed the first three faves in a treble although Cloonacool worries me in the Pendil. I am of course with LE REVE in the Betbright. Strictly on the form of last years race he should be second best to Rocky Creek but he has been patchy this season, surely they will weight for a drop in the ratings and then land a decent prize! Opening Batsmen is my saver as he runs well round here including when winning this in 2013 off the same mark. They have the claimer on to give him the best possible chance. Very annoying as I think we will have the obligatory non runner to reduce us to 15! HANNIBAL THE GREAT has halved in price since I backed him yesterday PM and I am feeling quite smug. He is a super horse and the handlers patience will hopefully be rewarded. Had the obligatory saver on my old favourite Shammick Boy. I backed ERICHT at 13/2 yesterday for the 4.45, it was a toss up between him and De Kerry Man, still is. If you like the support to be early and late ERICHT is the one today! In the bumper I love DRUMCLIFF and will look pretty daft if he flops today. Support for both King horses as one would expect but the horse I was concerned about now does not run.
Enjoy the day stick, I am completely jealous (I need to plan these things in future - I could quite easily have jumped on the early flight from Berlin to Heathrow and be at Kempton Park rececourse before the gates open)
Enjoy your day, Stick. Interesting that you give DRUMCLIFF such a good word in the bumper. I know that Alan King thinks very highly of CRIQ ROCK and he had a smile on his face, despite getting beat, after the bumper at Huntingdon 4 weeks ago when a Harry Fry horse this lad had beaten the last time (BAGS GROOVE) bolted in. Kingy had a horse back in third that day who is being aimed at The Doncaster Sales race at Newbury, and is well thought of, whilst the 5th home has come out and won since for Dan Skelton. It looks a hot contest today
Off to Kempers myself. Will bear in mind the good advice on these pages and keep my eye out for Stick!
The Adonis opener at Kempton could well be of a high standard. Particularly interested in the two French-bred newcomers of Paul Nicholls down the bottom there. Both pretty expensive purchases. Looking forward to that race. For my Saturday dabble will go with Theatre Guide in the 15:35 at this track (9/1 generally available atm). Should give his usual good account. However, Saturday is always damn difficult! Good luck today everyone!
I think Nicholls will have a good day today at Kempton, seems to be firing right now. Ill try and go through card. Zubayr Mon Successeur Marracudja Vicenzo Mio - back to a right handed track Then Thomas Brown(thrown in here) West Wizard Follow stick with Drumcliff 3.55 Lingfield - Moonlightnavigator 2.50 Newcastle - Wyck Hill
Anyone up for a Yankee? Seeyouatmidnight at 1.17 in the 13:50 at Newcastle Wild Bill at 4.50 in the 14:40 at Chepstow Sizzler at 13.00 in the 14:45 at Lingfield William Money at 21.00 in the 14:50 at Newcastle Good luck! http://freebetcalc.com/odds-calculator/yankee-calculator?prefill=1.17,4.50,13.00,21.00
Lingield Winter Derby 3.20 Furia Cruzada 8/1 Triple Group 1 winner against own sex in South America, twice over this trip on dirt; unpenalised for those successes and interesting contender for John Gosden.
Charles 'Shrewdie' Byrned runs Not For You in 4.55 at Chepstow.Managed to get 2/1 there.Love a Charles Byrne raider!!
Cue Card looked well too I thought. If he keeps that condition for 2 weeks time he should run well. Slow Saturday today, chanced an each way double on the two easy races of the day, The Eider Chase at Noocastle and the Bet Bright chase at Kempton. Went for Rocking Blues 9/1 in the Eider, going great guns recently and hopefully can go well with the low weight in conditions. Thomas Brown at 7/1 in the BetBright.
I actually want a competitive field for Thistlecrack to destroy, don't want him being accused of beating nowt. Financially I have just a €20 liability at 20/1 so nothing to be afraid about
