Trigger finger becoming itchy; 6/1 would give a small profit for second or third. I do however agree with comments about ground conditions affecting Vautour's chances. Likelyhood is he wins or is nowhere!
World Hurdle is a shoddy antepost market. Funny old race, that. Been there got that T-Shirt! As for Gold Cup, Vautour might end up odds on fav if he obliterates the King George field but it will still bring us no further to the truth about whether he would stay 3m 2f around Chelts, although course form is in his favour. You take 6/1 knowing that it could look a good price but you will feel a massive mug if he defects to the Ryanair, gets injured, or doesn't stay whilst Don Poli and Coneygree whizz up the hill. It might make more sense to take the short price on the day knowing he is going there fit and well (and knowing the ground conditions) than risk it all 300 days before the off!
I remember Champagne Fever being all the rage for the King George after his narrow defeat in the Arkle
Absolutely agree with Vautour and the King George. Seems a big big chance. However, I'd argue that there really shouldn't be any movement in that market till early Winter now so is there any point? Probably not. The Gold Cup is potentially the best since Denman, Kauto and Imperial. Vautour will run if he's fit but there will be massive stamina doubts irrespective of what Mullins et al say in the build up. He'll have to be ridden from off the pace if Coneygree turns up and sets brutal fractions and I'd be very negative at this stage of him winning. When you think about major threats in that race you have Coneygree, Djakadam (with another summer on his back), Don Cossack, Road to Riches and Don Poli. It could be an epic race. No stamina doubts about any of that bunch. 6/1 is a shocker of a price. Don't do it lads.
Just dug this out, some interesting views - I considered The New One for the Arkle and Call The Cops for the World Hurdle!!
Fell in love with YORKHILL and 5/1 for the Arkle could end up massive considering Willie quoted Ruby after winning the other day "He will win next years Arkle with his mouth open!!"
What does look massive for Cheltenham next year is CONEYGREE at 14/1 for the Gold Cup. Convinced none of those today would have laid a glove on him had he got there. Carries risks as he is a frail beast but that is a monster price if he lines up next time round.
Is this the same Coneygree who was all out to repel Djakadam, a horse Don Cossack has beaten far more convincingly both times he's raced him? Coneygree beat a 6yo Djakadam too, where as Djakadam was probably a better horse today being 7, a better age for Gold Cup horses. Only one 6 year old has won since Mill House in the 60s. You would have thought after today's performance that you doubters would finally give the Don the credit he deserves. He's a far classier horse who wins with a lot more style than Coneygree, look at the races both horses have won, I know which one I'd rather own.
Agree with you there Stick and hope he comes back as good as he was. Having not jumped a fence in public, this will sound bonkers, I think THISTLECRACK will be an exciting chaser to keep on side but the 10/1 on offer for the GC is ridiculous!!
