another observation from me lurking in the wings---was wondering if THE TRAINER/BRICKHEED is that craig again.
Morning Mech dont think so The Trainer seems to know what he is talking about the other two were complete WUMs I seen you in the new Arriva advert with your new metal detector looking fine Mr Mech, mighty fine
Sometimes Tamerlo I will read a thread, appreciate it but have nothing to add. As I stated earlier, I am amazed at the depth of knowledge on here from posters such as yourself, Zenyatta, RV and several others who really all must spend an extraordinary amount of time studying the sport. Just because a thread doesnt receive a hundred replies it doesnt mean there is a lack of appreciation, in fact quite possibly the opposite. The Daily Thread however is the place to swap tips, information and generally show appreciation or commiseration. I personally dont like seeing it used as a battleground. Thats what it became on the BBC with sides being taken and childish displays (I was guilty too) of mud slinging and name calling. If this forum goes the same way it's days will be numbered.
Here my thoughts on the 4 Grade 1s at Leopardstown today - had a yankee on these 4: 1.05 - Spring Juvenile Hurdle: Willie Mullins will have a line on most of these and it will be disappointing if Ut De Sivola can't take this on the way to the Triumph. This impeccably bred gelding has been imperious in his 2 victories to date, easily accounting for Bat Masterson (who hosed up at Naas yesterday) before winning a Grade 3 at Punchestown from Hisaabaat, whose last flight mistake cost him any chance. This will, however, be no walkover for Willie Mullins charge and he will need to have improved again to take this - but it is more than reasonable to assume he has. There are several other unexposed horses in the race including Shadow Catcher (who beat Mullins Darroun on hurdling debut), Sportsmaster (beat Hisaabaat a length LTO after being brought down on debut) and John Ferguson's Asaid (1 run 1 win and the second has subsequently won really well). I have it between these 4 whilst Countrywide Flame will give us a nice tie-in to the English novice form, but Ut De Sivola gets my vote. 2.10 - Deloitte Novice Hurdle: Despite RV trying to convice me otherwise I think Cash And Go is the one to be on here. He quickened smartly past Sous Les Cieux last time out before arguably idling a little in front, allowing Dylan Ross another crack at him. But he responded well and found a length and I am struggling to find reasons for the Mullins horse to reverse the form today. I'm sure Ruby won't want to make it on SLC but even so I can't help thinking he lacks a turn of foot and is vulnerable. Lord Windemere merits respect for coming back to beat Dylan Ross once headed but I would have Cash And Go in front of him based on their running against the Meade runner. Captain Conan is certainly an intriguing runner and Nicky Henderson is to be applauded for sending him over BUT he ws very fortunate to win the Tolworth and I don't actually rate Colour Squadron that highly in the grand scheme of things. Captain Conan is clearly a chaser in the making and I just think he will get outpointed by some very smart hurdlers today. 2.40 - Dr. P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase: For me Last Instalment wins this hands down and the EVS available this morning looks a steal. He was imperious when winning the Fort Leney last time out, never touching a twig the whole way round and drawing readily clear from a very decent field. I've backed him for the RSA and hopefully he can take this well today to put him bang on course for the festival. Chief rival looks to be Lambro who is upped in trip after finding Flemenstar too good last time out and he is certainly respected, having won a grade 2 novice hurdle over 2m4f. He was a very willing partner for Ruby Walsh against Flemenstar and I think the better ground today will help him but Last Instalment looks a potential star in the making and I will take him to prevail today. 3.45 - Hennessy Gold Cup: Much like the English version last November, this race looks to be lacking a real top class horse and it is disappointing for e/w punters that only 7 go to post. The one I like at a backable price is China Rock who would have found the ground plenty soft enough when finishing 4th (beaten 12 lengths) behind Kempes (RIP) in this last year. His run prior to that, when finishing a close 3rd behind Kauto Star and Sizing Europe at Down Royal, surprisingly only earned him a rating of 158 and I think he is better than that. He ran no sort of race due to injury in the Gold Cup and was put away afterwards. He had a nice pipe-opener over hurdles a month ago and I'm sure Mouse Morris will have him spot on for this today. Of the others, Bostons Angel continues to disappoint and Quel Esprit feels very short given what he has achieved to date over fences. The others look to be running for the minor honours. Great to have some top class jumps racing back on and best of luck to everybody
Whitney Houston dead She formed the musical backdrop to some of my earliest sexual fumblings (with lasses before anyone starts making cheeky comments about hand lotion or sheep)
Oddy, good morning. Good write up. I like all your selections today but Sportsmaster could be a big danger in the first. I think China Rock will run very well, but we haven't been able to fully assess Quel Esprit- he's hit the deck too much but tended to win when he's stood up. Some really interesting racing there today.
Tam I suppose this and any forum capture all aspects of life. I love the articles you and Cyc, in particular, post on here. You both have the ability to transport the reader out of the mundane daily routine and into a completely different world - a true talent Many of us are obsessed with the punt and I guess that is reflected in many of the threads. But whatever aspect of the sport is being debated it is paramount to respect the opinions of others and discuss fairly and objectively. The inability to do that is what made Mr. SA on the other forum so intolerable, despite his obvious knowledge of the sport.
Because it is Southwell - 1.15 Grand Shift - Yard love winners on this surface and I think he has enough in his pedigree to suggest this is going to be a good race for him. 20/1 EW
HEISSY----i dont need these new fangled detector things---the shovel is like one of those weedger stick things----in trained hands it could find the left knacker off the trojan horse
Morning CHIEF - I'm finally about to embark upon reading "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" - looking forward to it, just have to finish a Flashman book first Any good reads lately (apart from the Spear & Jackson catalogue)?
Warning to anyone using Firefox - I think I just picked up a virus from the Sporting Life website - wrote itself into config.sys startup menu to run when firefox is opened. Just doing a cleanup now ................
Oddy: Good day!...............and I just recently got an email recommending Firefox10 telling me it was ultra-safe. Luckily didn't change browsers...........Hope you get a good cleanup............
Sorry to see certain posters going back to the bad old days of 606, anyone know where Ron is these days? Nass, isn't Southwell a Bumpers for Jumpers meeting? You must need your head looking at, especially after your comments on Friday
