Given the going I have focused only on those carrying under 11st, like the ground and are proven stayers.
Raz de Maree - it's been a long time since a 13 year old won but he clearly stays and will love the conditions. Seems to be in the form of his life going into this, as were recent winners ballabriggs, pinau de re and arguably many clouds. Ok he isn't well handicapped but all horses this year but you can pick holes in all the horses in these conditions.
Milansbar - Another who will have ideal conditions and will stay. He's in decent form and his handicap mark has rose as a result. Won the same race as one for Arthur did last year and is reunited with the same jockey albeit without the claim.
Houblon des obeaux - I backed this last year in the hope of getting these conditions and now that we have them I can't leave him unbacked. He's clearly not the horse he was when second in the Hennessy but even last year his weight carrying performances in distance races were good. I hope they attempt to race prominently as this was the way he was ridden when annihilating the field in the Newbury grade 2. The recent stable form is also a huge bonus.
As stated on other threads I strongly fancy Raz de Maree. I can only think his continued lack of support from some people is purely down to his age.
His Welsh National form for the last 2 years is outstanding. The Gold Cup winner, an acknowledged strong stayer, beat him 1.5 lengths and RDM was closing him down close home-behind him that day amongst others were Baie des Iles and Houblon des Obeaux. He should act in the conditions, has jumped round the course and will stay. The only negative I can see is that he will need luck in running given his running style.
I have Raz de Maree at between 60 and 43.
Second best is Houblon des Obeaux at 102
My book is also green for Gas Line Boy, Milansbar, Warriors Tale, Shantou Flyer and The Dutchman (small)
good luck all
As stated on other threads I strongly fancy Raz de Maree. I can only think his continued lack of support from some people is purely down to his age.His Welsh National form for the last 2 years is outstanding. The Gold Cup winner, an acknowledged stro
I go along with most of yours Sewter. I would throw in a couple of rogues, small e/w in Thunder and Roses and Buywise. I know Buywise probably won't stay but it acts on the going and there are glimpses i.e Cheltenham last year and Sandown this year that do give a glimmer of hope,plus it's been competitive off higher ratings in the not too distant past.
I go along with most of yours Sewter. I would throw in a couple of rogues, small e/w in Thunder and Roses and Buywise. I know Buywise probably won't stay but it acts on the going and there are glimpses i.e Cheltenham last year and Sandown this year t
Bindaree, last year before Midland National I thought Final Nudge would be suited by the trip, fell 4 out there when going well.
Think Aintree will really suit him, just a question whether he takes to the fences or not.
Bindaree, last year before Midland National I thought Final Nudge would be suited by the trip, fell 4 out there when going well.Think Aintree will really suit him, just a question whether he takes to the fences or not.
Souldancer, I see the Midlands National slightly differently. To me it was just starting to be pushed along which was still a fair way out and I have to say it really didn't power home in either the Welsh Nat or the Kim Muir. I class stayers as horses who actually pass others in the last furlong or so.
Souldancer, I see the Midlands National slightly differently. To me it was just starting to be pushed along which was still a fair way out and I have to say it really didn't power home in either the Welsh Nat or the Kim Muir. I class stayers as horse
Bindaree yeh you are doing it wrong, you should judge stayers as horses who don't get passed in the last furlongs.
In the Welsh National Final Nudge was 5th approaching 2 out finished 3rd.
Glad to help.
Bindaree yeh you are doing it wrong, you should judge stayers as horses who don't get passed in the last furlongs.In the Welsh National Final Nudge was 5th approaching 2 out finished 3rd.Glad to help.
You're dreaming Souldancer. Unfortunately under your scenario if a horse isn't leading a furlong out it will never win. Plus it was beat an ever widening 15 lengths.
You're dreaming Souldancer. Unfortunately under your scenario if a horse isn't leading a furlong out it will never win. Plus it was beat an ever widening 15 lengths.
And good luck to you. This is the only forum I come on and will be off until next year(god willing). Thanks for all the postings, bit sad it's a little dead nowadays but although I may see things differently I do appreciate the different viewpoints and selections.
And good luck to you. This is the only forum I come on and will be off until next year(god willing). Thanks for all the postings, bit sad it's a little dead nowadays but although I may see things differently I do appreciate the different viewpoints a
I Just Know Milansbar Regal Encore Houblon des Obeaux
Would have got involved with Vintage Clouds if running. Can't have almost any of the favourites mainly due to weight. Good luck everyone.
Similar to a few above, my hopes for todayI Just KnowMilansbarRegal EncoreHoublon des ObeauxWould have got involved with Vintage Clouds if running. Can't have almost any of the favourites mainly due to weight. Good luck everyone.