Hi all, In a week where old timers have seen a renaissance, with Tango Du Juilley (13), Midnight Mustang (14) and Central Flame (13) all winning races, we have also seen a renaissance for old timer Stick (age to be determined) on the forum. The return of Tango Du Juilley is a lovely one, owned by the stable staff at Venetia's yard and returning this season after a monster lay off. He is a classy individual and he outpointed a modest Hunters Chase field over the 2 mile trip! We have had the annual will they or won't they run at the festival week, and this week it has been Thyme Hill and Enurgumene who have failed to get to the festival fit and well. A massive blow to their supporters and both would have added much needed intrigue and competition to what is fast becoming a farce of a festival. I just hope we get through the week without fatalities or more negative racing stories. A few big name winners would be a massive bonus! We have seen small fields for the Tuesday, with just eight runners in the Supreme. We have a modest field for the Ultima and whilst it is sad to say, the Fred Winter is looking the most competitive and probably interesting race on day 1 for betting. We have also had a good week of racing, with Sandown on Saturday showing the importance of not reading the official going report in the paper!! It was heavy horrible ground on the hurdles course and yet they were declared on spring ground!! Some odd results and plenty of excuses allowed for those that did run poorly. Review Dingo Dollar lit up the early week racing with an imperious round of jumping for his new trainer, and yet another rejuvenated by a switch to Sandy Thomson. Rumours are that this is the reason Stick has improved recently, he has been seen walking up the gallops at Sandy's. Blaklion ran in the race too. Espoir De Romay won in good style at Leicester on Friday, showing that he is one to be with for big handicap chases and he might still develop into a graded performer. Then on Saturday we had the Imperial Cup, but without a Pipe runner, because his horses got stuck behind an accident and didn't make it to Esher on time. A shame for the yard but it might mean Leoncavallo could turn up at the festival on nicer ground and without the exertions of a run on heavy ground. Riggs was a massive eyecatcher in the EBF final behind Beauport, where both were held up at the back throughout the race before staying on past tiring rivals. Riggs travelled like a good horse and on better ground he should continue his upwards progression. Langer Dan hacked up in the Imperial Cup, showing that his trainer does know how to fiddle on to get a good mark! He is so well handicapped, but it could be that he won a very poor race in the end. Eyecatcher Very seldom would I do this, but I agree with the Racing Post when they put forward Dolly Mcqueen. She has been running in novice hurdles behind decent horses and now should get a handicap mark. She is a keen going horse who perhaps will be suited to being ridden differently. Hopefully she will get to see better ground next time too, and who knows, she might run well for the Don't Tell The Missus syndicate. And Finally It is Cheltenham week, and between the frustration of not being able to attend, the lower quality of fields and the annoyance of racing shooting itself in the foot (Oisin Murphy this week showing this), I am still really looking forward to the four days of racing. I wish everyone on the site good luck for the week, but especially if any of you are with Shishkin, Abacadabras, Envoi Allen and Easysland antepost!! It is the great week of jumps racing, and lets hope we see some special horses and performances. Let the fun begin!!
How would you rate Langer Dans chances of following up in the Martin Pipe this week then whippersnapper?
Won't get in. If he does then he will be ridiculously short price given his form on a completely different surface. I'd be happy to be against him.
