Little punt landed on tricksofthetrade in the last there. Hunters Belt found nothing when asked for an effort. Thought he would go on to win it nicely. So ending the day with a second place. Study time for tomorrow now.
Only one person has asked me don and I told them my early shouts willingly. I am on Grumeti at 16's to win the Triumph Champagne Fever at 20's in the bumper Universal Soldier in the NH Swincombe Flame at 20's in the Coral Cup Bog Warrior in the RSA and Mount Benbulben in the Neptune With my ante post record though I will just be glad to get runners!
She has gone on my ATR tracker which means I will waste more money on her. Not sure she appreciates the kickback. If Jamie Spencer gets the leg up next time it would be interesting.
Wouldnt be surprised if Bog Warrior didnt end up in the Jewson either. Two others I am adding to my list are Wedger Pardy ay 20-1 for the Cross Country and Somersby for the Champion Chase...if there is a better value 14-1 shot at Cheltenham this year than Somersby then I would like to hear it. Two years on its about time for a rematch with Sizing I reckon.
I tried to be a smart-arse and back Mount Benbulben after he won on the 27th November in the hope of laying off. All went swimmingly until the post race interview when Gordon Elliott said he was more likely to go for the Albert Bartlett, cue a big drift in the market. Needless to say I had backed him for the Neptune! You win some and you lose some.
I think the 14/1 NRNB was fair too. I haven't backed it but it definitely struck me as a decent price. Would fancy him to finish in the money, maybe 2nd, if he took his chance.
Definitely Zen, he will finish in the money. The most maligned and under rated horse by this forum. Class animal with form in the book against the very best. Has a very decent Festival record too! I bet if you asked Sizing Europes connections he would be the one they fear!
Funnily enough I am chief amongst his maligners and underraters Stick (see Arkle thread). Unless that is that you agree that he is a 160 horse, almost regardless of circumstances it seems?! However, the Champion Chase is so weak that I think he must have a decent chance, Sizing Europe aside. I see no real reason why Finian's Rainbow should necessarily reverse the Ascot form and he's half the price. Big Zeb looks on the decline (both in the Tied Cottage and before) to me and there is very little else to shout about. Hold Fast might find the necessary improvement but will need to.
I should hate him more than most Zen as he turned over a huge punt of mine when winning his bumper. I think he is one of the most consistent NH horses we have ever seen. He has run Master Minded to a short head, Sizing Europe to 1/2l and beaten Finians Rainbow at level weights. How anyone can crab his form is beyond me and I actually believe that he is better than ever this year which may have something to do with his yard faring better than they have in recent seasons! One or two on this forum will look very sheepish if he lands the spoils in March ;-)
I will, that's for sure! I would say that Master Minded has been overrated when Somersby has been running him close, and consequently Somersby is overrated. Sizing Europe was nothing like the horse he is now in his Arkle. I think he has taken time to get over his setback in the Champion Hurdle but now looks better than ever. Finian's Rainbow looks a shade below the top level to me. I am sure you disagree with all three! Cannot wait for March because win, lose or draw, it will be great to see the big questions answered. Cannot wait.
Thats not my understanding NASS and has been backed this week for the Coral Cup! ZEN I have read bits of the Arkle thread and think I am getting off lightly here at the moment. I dont see why you would think MM didnt run to form at Ascot last year. Look at the ratings achieved by Somersby in all his runs and you see a pattern. The handicapper must love him. I agree that Sizing is a better horse than when winning the Arkle but I also think that Somersby is too. Dare I say that Sizing did only win a two horse race recently from a horse whose form is far more questionable than Master Minded. PS; just gone on and doubled him(Somersby) up with Peddlars Cross EW so you better not let me down and McCain better not bottle it and take the easy pickings ;-)
Rangers about to go bust, Thatcher on her last legs, Paisley in intensive care...Celtic fans...the treble is on! apologies if that offends anyone
Evening all! For the first time (not) I am going to state that SE will not be beaten in March ��.
Catchy Tune is interesting in the 5.00 Kempton tomorrow. On pedigree the trip looks way too far but first time in a handicap having been very green on all three juvenile starts. If the Fretwell millions come flooding in we should pay heed. Currently 7-1.
Stick, after her run at Exeter they nominate the Mares races at the festival and/or Newbury as targets, so I am surprised if they go down the handicap route at the festival, and would she even get into the Coral Cup off 129? It would be really touch and go (think it was around that mark last year)
