I’ve long been in ‘Team 11th richest man in Wales’ re this heat (and I’ve got the scarf and matching bobble hat to prove it) but an interesting latecomer to proceedings could be the 5YO gelding Fast Buck. One run over timber to date saw him finish a 3.5 length runner-up to Fakir D'Oudairies (when giving young Joseph’s horse 16 lbs) and that one franked the form next time by dotting up, by 13 lengths, in Grade 2 company at Cheltenham. Fast Buck is due to have his 2nd run over hurdles, over 16 furlongs, at Naas on Sunday. You can get 40/1 (and this is NRNB ) re Fast Buck and the Supreme and he has to be watched with keen interest at the weekend. The same price also available (with the same concession) for the Ballymore incidentally but Saturday’s race and his previous one over hurdles were both over 2 miles. Is actually owned by the same connections as Laurina so potentially they could have an awesome Tuesday of the meet. Have never heard of Fast Buck’s trainer but as a keen supporter of the underdog I hope he does well for the old boy. Not discarding my scarf and bobble hat yet but look forward to Fast Buck’s next run with keen interest.
Fast Buck does indeed go in the card commencer at Naas (12.30) of the morrow. The Townend boy rides. A huge field of 23 set to go to post and Fast Buck is forecast to be very short for this contest. I guess the next 24 hrs or so could potentially see a big shake up in the market re the Supreme. But time will tell…
On the face of it his second behind the Fakir looks pretty hot but the third that day, Discordantly, hasn't really boosted the form in 2 subsequent runs (both admittedly over half a mile further). I agree he is an interesting prospect but let's see what tomorrow brings. He has the obligatory Gigginstown & JP runners to contend with plus, and most interestingly for me, Dr Lambe's 8 year old (!!!!!) debutante Dashing Major (by Oscar out of a Teenoso mare) who was sold for €50K as a 3 year old and makes his debut 5 years later
As I mentioned earlier in the week ELIXIR DU NUTZ has the best form in the book and yet was still 14/1. The win for Southfield Stone franked the form yesterday and the price has contracted to a best of 10/1 but that for me is still very good value. Watch his C&D run earlier in the campaign if you need convincing.
Just been going through the race and for me fakir D’Oudairies for Joseph looks a shoe in. I like Thomas Darby but doubt he will like the ground angels breath not for me mister fisher maybe. The selection will like the ground and his trial was quick and he jumps efficiently and he powered up that hill like a festival winner.
Forgot to mention al dancer, his trial was quick and the form is solid but I just think Joseph is gonna have a good festival and his horses will be ready just like the old man. I half expect Donnaca to turn up with a jumps license.
