so the newspaper tipsters can use the headline Christmas Cracker when napping him up one might go for Thistletoe and Wine
Headlines full of Cue Card v Thistlecrack but I'd also love to see Altior take on Sire De Grugy et al in the Desert Orchid Chase
Absolutely Nass, Hendo might go for it with Buveur D'Air also entered in the Wayward Lad. Fingers crossed
I think many will be suprised by how the King George will pan out, but I certainly won't be. I will be expecting Thistlecrack to win with ease. People say he's a novice, and his jumping will come under pressure, but his engine is so far ahead of Cue Cards, and there are only 5 runners, so this race will feel like a novice chase to him. Cue Card simply will not be good enough to get Thistlecrack out of his comfort zone and see how his jumping holds up under pressure. Cue Card always comes up wanting against the very best, as has been proven when he has been beaten easily by the likes of Sprinter Sacre and Don Cossack. Thistlecrack has jumped nicely so far over fences, and his engine is that of a very special horse, hence the way he destroyed everything over hurdles last year. So for me he's on another level to Cue Card and il be expecting him to prove that.
I concur that cue card doesn't act so well on the flat speed tracks like kemp ton , it's a real shame coneygree isn't there , as that would have put thistle under the cosh - no question - hopefully it'll appen in March
If The Crack can get within 5 lengths he will have had a satisfactory run. Cue Card is an unbelievable animal and it will take an awesome effort to lower his colours their. I can't wait for it.
Always love the Boxing Day horse racing action. My first introduction to NH racing was Boxing Day excursions to Huntingdon. Some great racing on offer no doubt but I'd quite like to see ol pro Andrew Thornton notch his 1000th winner. Admittedly he has a 'style' all of his own but it would be just reward for a grafter and seemingly decent chap. He's 2 short of the milestone and has had 7 winners from over 100 rides so far this season so the odds are probably against it happening on 26th. However he's got the luxury of a full book of rides at Wincanton for multiple trainers which suggests the racing fraternity are trying to make it happen. However it may just be that with so much racing anybody who's available gets a leg up.
