Punchestown Cork Kelso Warwick & Lingfield all race today. Only one bet for me, Punchestown 2.00 SIR DES CHAMPS 7/4 which I think is a massive price to win this race. Best Of Luck All
I'm in the SDC camp also I was out all day Saturday and had recorded the racing to watch when I came back (about an hour ago - midnight) Couldn't wait to watch it, so a late night, late morning hopefully! Can I just say that the performance by Sprinter Sacre was breathtaking. I never thought I'd see anything again, to match Arkle's achievements in the 60's but I think I just have. Allowing of course the caveat that "himself" did similar things giving lumps of weight away - but not at 2 miles I don 't think. And also - what a fantastic race by Hello Bud There is talk of him retiring now - I hope they do, at 14 years of age and with some very good races behind him, the old boy deserves his retirement. He can do what I do with mine - sleep till midday and watch telly until bedtime!
Morning all, I am also in the Sir Des Champs camp, his record makes the price of 7/4 look massive, and I am not quite sure about Flemenstar still, I am not sure why but I don't think that his last run quite adds up. I have doubled him up with Waaheb who is on my novice list to follow (many thanks to those who put up horses for that list, they are doing very well) who I can see winning with a degree of ease today if he runs to form. I have also backed a few Lucinda Russell horses today, I have blogged about the yard today, and I fancy big runs from She Will Rock You (11/2), Devotion To Duty (13/2) but my nap is Lucky Sunny in the 1.25 who at 13/2 looks a very fair bet. The horse was coming into the race last time out when unseating Peter Buchanan over the big fences, and now he reverts to the hurdles off a lower mark, and I expect that he is well handicapped on this mark and I think he can improve on his record for the yard (411U). If he settles he has a brilliant chance.
Morning all. I'll be backing the 2 Sue Smith runners e/w today (12.25 Kelso - Swindy, 11/1 and 1.55 Kelso - Douglas Julian, 9/1) as she looks to be coming into form (2 winners and 2 second from 4 runners yesterday) and usually does well this time of the year. Over at Warwick, George Nympton should go close in the 1.40 at around the 7/1 mark - he is a previous course winner and was aimed a little high behind Golden Chieftain last time. This is more his level. With the Twiston-Davies team in such fine form, I'm going to give Goat Castle (Warwick 3.10) one last chance to open his account. E/W Lucky 15 on that little lot. Biggest bet for a while on Flemenstar who I think will take our breath away again today, having just got it back from Sprinter Sacre yesterday. Really hoping he can put one on the board for the small yards against Gigginstown / Mullins. Best of luck everyone
1:45 Cork - Blazing Tempo 6/5 2:00 Punchestown - Sir Des Champs 7/4 2:15 Cork - Tarla 2/5 2:30 Punchestown - Mikael Dhaguenet - 8/13 Picked these four out of all Mullins runners today so gone for accumulator
KATTANGA KATTANGA all you good good people was on the lash with my pal CHIEF VAMBO last neet,spiced rums were flowing and stayed up right thru to cheer home red cadeaux this morning and the cricket lads in india---BARMY ARMY,BARMY ARMY. any ways ,CHIEF VAMBO Informs me his only bet today is on a trainer that likes a sunday touch.CHAS MANN has a 1 in 4 strike rate at warwick hunt----THE CHIEF reckons the 25-1 ABOUT BALLYMURRY 2-10 should be snapped up for at least a place. looking forward to flemenstar today.
The word on the street is they were **** scared of having to cut back the 30 length lead that Rory OMoore will inevitably have 2 out.
Ive never backed a loser in the John Durkan in my short career and I dont intend to start today, some of the most confident bets of my life have been in this race, Noland, Joncol and Rubi Light. I wouldnt waste my money on Sir Des Champs today, I remember the day he got going late to beat a sick Hidden Cyclone over 2m5 at Leopardstown, and once a horse goes 3m1, I have to worry about them dropping back to 2m4, especially first time out. Flemenstars form is exceptional, he is probably the best young jumper in Ireland, this is probably his best trip, and he has race fitness. To win the John Durkan you have to quicken after 3 out and if you are leading going to the second last all you have to do is jump. I think Sir Des Champs is a serious Gold Cup contender but I dont think he is suited to the test today, this isnt 2m5 at Cheltenham on good ground, today is all about Flemenstar and I wouldnt be surprised if it was Rubi Light who gave him most to think about, although I expect him to win comfortably.
Afternoon all Cannot wait to see Flemenstar hopefully come out on top today. It'll be a tactical affair now with just the three runners. Aside from Flemenstar, just the one for me today. 1.55 Kelso - DEVOTION TO DUTY @ 7/1 Was staying on stoutly over the minimum trip when 4th behind Kumbeshwar(who was 2nd to you know who yesterday)and i expect there will be vast improvement from the step up in trip today. Since the beginning of December Lucinda Russell & Peter Buchanan have teamed up four times winning three. Good luck all
this Pride Of The Parish looked a really nice prospect last time, hopefully he takes another step forward and demolishes this lot.
12:45 SHAMAR- Will improve for a summer with Mullins and can make up into a smart hurdler this term. Should have been a Triumph horse last year but ran out of time. 1.45 REALT DUBH- Ran superbly on comeback when looking all over the winner until a mistake. Forgiven latest given the standard of Flemenstar. 2.00 FLEMENSTAR- I am Sir Des Champs biggest fan but head rules heart here. Flemenstar looks a monster over 2 and a half miles and his pace and accuracy will edge this. Much closer in he Gold Cup. 2.30 LORD WINDERMERE- Will have learnt loads from chase debut and is a horse who will go from strength to strength over the larger obstacles for Jim Culloty.
One of the most interesting runners today for me is Days Hotel 4/1, he looked a serious chaser in the making last season, going to be tough today but it will take a nice one to beat him.
Hello lads. Great days action but watching only for me....knackered..like the Chiuef I've been up watching the Cricket after the pub these last couple of nights. Redundant Man,topical tip for me, runs in the 3.30 at Punchestown...these colours have been carried by a Cheltenham Festival winner but who? GL all.
