Had a good day at Punchestown yesterday despite the obvious demise of the Fly. Hard to argue now that age hasn't caught up with the old boy. You might get away with it over staying trips but 2 miles against horses 4 years your junior just isn't possible at the top table. I was hoping for a retirement announcement tbh but sadly this was not forthcoming. Hard to see what more they want him to do, don't be greedy lads, please retire him in the summer! Vautour brought his B game and still got the job done against decent animals. He was quite unimpressive but I'll forgive him that as I've a theory he's much better going left handed as seen at Leopardstown and Cheltenham. In his previous run at Punchestown he only scrapped home against Western Boy whose definitely not the new Go Native Also how good was Nina on On the Fringe?! Excellent horsemanship and she can certainly put plenty of her male colleagues to shame. Onto today and I've plumped for the same combo as OTF with Be Positive 2/1 in the 3.40. Tiger Roll 2/1 in the 4.20 looks a decent bet as well. Only 2 runs under his belt over jumps I'd be surprised should he not oblige today. Slight concern is I think some of Gordon Elliot's have been coughing, but if that's the case I trust he'll not line up. Good luck with Regal Encore's race lads, that's a lottery I'll happily sit out! Also happy birthday Ste
Couple of interesting little facts today. Ernest Hemingways full brother runs in the Punchestown bumper! (Mainline) Christophe Soumillon flies off to Saint Cloud after the Guineas to ride Prince Gibraltar.
Both Aidan O'Brien and Clive Brittain are bullish about the chances of Australia in the 2,000 Guineas and Rizeena in the 1,000 Guineas. Australia should excel when tackling middle distances later this season, but Aidan is reported as saying "he's the best we've ever had". As for Rizeena, a few people might've seen Clive Brittain's interview on Channel 4, saying he was confident before both Pebbles and Sayyedati won the 1,000 Guineas, and he feels the same about Rizeena. But her record at Newmarket is offputting despite being a Group 1 winner. However, I think Rizeena has a better chance of winning than Australia.
When Ryan Moore had to switch the horse round the field, I thought he wouldn't win! But he was the best horse in the race, won well in the end.
Oh dear. Oxford down to 10 men. That lets Northampton in. And we just missed a sitter. But just saved a cert goal. I can't stand this and it's not even half time.
Im on Outstrip for the big 1. 28/1 looks massive, thought for sure this would have halved in price but not complaining.
Any of you lads and lasses out there know a bit about video streams? Take a look at this ATR stream link: http://bliner-planet.info/attheraces.html and tell me how I get the bloody thing to stream in the normal aspect ratio, instead of all squished. Do I need to adjust some settings somewhere??
I hope this Annie Power race goes off on time, don't want to miss the Guineas. Great planning by all concerned
