Dex, stick - I thought Flemenstar looked massive with a capital M today - I don't think I've ever seen him carrying so much condition. Fat lad needs to get on a diet Seriously though, I read somewhere yesterday that he's been with Stephen Curran until about 6 weeks ago so I don't actually think the horse we saw today had a whole lot to do with Tony Martin. I'd like to see him strip ALOT fitter for the John Durkan.
Agree Oddy but I'm unsure how connections will camapaign him. I don't think he gets three miles with his current style of running which is his major asset tbh so not much logic in changing that.He's between stools and has SS on the radar for all major 2m events should they decide to keep him at that trip. A lot has been made that the KG might be an ideal option but I have never believed that Kempton is an "easy three miles" given how much pace the race generates. The history of this great race is littered with failed 2m'ers stepping up such as (off the top of my head) Azertioup,Remittance man,Night Nurse,Anaglogs Daughter,Chinrullah... He's a real head scratcher...but a lovely problem to have!
He is a two and a half miler surely fellas. Wouldn't you just campaign him with a crack at the Ryanair in mind? It will be interesting to see next time if he looks a lot fitter and he starts attacking his fences again!
Has to be the target stick with the Ascot 2m5f G1 'chase in February en route and then the Melling at Liverpool after the Ryan Air...It's all becoming clear!!
He is exciting when he attacks his fences...such a natural,long,short...never a problem. The two best jumpers of a fence I've ever seen were Kilkilowen and The Mighty Mac,closely followed by Dessie. Any advances on that?
Were you too young for TINGLE CREEK then Dex? Lets hope Martin thinks like we do then it will be an exciting season!
Having said that the horse is supposed to be a reluctant traveller and ran poorly on his only trip abroad so far. This horse is a bloody nuisance!!
Flemenstar ballooned his fences today- very odd sort of performance. Oddy is right, he looked way undercooked so to have travelled well and jumped big and won means there is plenty to come and they definitely don't need to rush him anywhere- just let him peak for the big events. If he is a 2 miler then let him just run 2m chases, regardless of who you have to face. Equally if he is a 3 miler, let him have a prolonged go at it! Last years Lexus suggests he is capable- its hardly an easy 3m race- being won by Tidal Bay, Denman, and Synchronised- all brilliant stout stayers. He looked like he was about to win the race easily that day and made a mistake 2 out I believe which cost him momentum at an important time. I'd go John Durkan and King George, then make a decision for Cheltenham after that.
