I've watched the race several times Zen and he found absolutely zilch off the bridle when posed the question by Geraghty, He was travelling like the best horse in the race throughout even turning in and approaching the second from home (I'd love to have seen his in running odds with Betfair) I wouldn't say Fingal Bay quickened away but he was alot more nimble over the last hurdle and he kept finding more on the run in, I don't think the ground was the problem either as he won at Kelso on similar ground the other day and hes won in the past on softer ground. It wouldn't have mattered either way good/heavy Fingal Bay would still have won hes adaptable as his form shows. Like I said before Simonsig travels like the wrath of god but doesn't find a great deal when put under pressure, Geraghty could afford to keep him on the bridle at Kelso because Simonsig was hardly facing much but Fingal Bay is one of the best prospects around and probably one of the best prospects Phillip Hobbs as ever had and he comfortably beat Simonsig IMO. I don't see Simonsig reversing the form at Cheltneham, Espcially when asked to stay on strongly up the Cheltenham hill when he didn't stay on that strongly at Sandown... At the prices hes an absolute no-no for the Supreme, And the only way he will win the Neptune is if Fingal Bay and Boston Bob ever fall or somehow run out! I think Simonsig will be far better when jumping a fence...
Barry geraty in his atr blog today has stated that the Neptune would be his prefered race as it would give him a little more time at his hurdles , with that in mind I'd lean towards that race if anyone wanted to place antepost bet on him , Barry seems a little more straightforward than tricky Nicky in his media usage
Betfair favours the Neptune still. Its interesing. Mono Man is suddenly scheduled to return and holds a Supreme Entry. I get the impression Simonsig might not have a distance as of yet. I think its pretty clear he holds the ability as a future stayer. But he is a novice hurdler and not short of speed. Running in the Supreme did Sprinter Sacre and Al Ferof no harm and I think if they let him stride on he has the natural enthusiasm to run in a quick Supreme. He might be suited picking off the field to a strong pace, but running on up that hill concerns me.
