Cheltenham Festival
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24 Dec 11
16:01
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10 Nov 07
Cracker this...
Grand Cruise out to keep unbeaten record in tact over fences. The likeable Bobs Worth putting his unbeaten record on the line. Silviniaco Conti promises to be a top class Chaser.. all the ingredients needed for a cracking race...
Grand Cruise is out to find out whether any Gold Cup aspirations are realistic but going right handed for first time and that has to be a slight question mark...personally think, he won't have a problem..he looks high class to me and beat a future Gold Cup horse giving weight...a worthy fav for this...
You have to love Bobs Worth very genuine this fella just keeps finding and won't give up... the step up to 3 miles will suit but he will have to improve on his debut run when he took an eternity to pick up after Cue Card bumped him 4 out and almost catapulted Geraghty out the side door..Geraghty though gave him time to recover and he really stuck his neck out on the run in...not entirely convinced this track will suit although he has won here...really hope he keeps going the right way as his attitude is second to none.
Silviniaco Conti form tailed off a little after looking like going right to the top over hurdles but Chasing was always going to be his game and he showed at Wincanton what a good jumper of a fence he is...he is a strong traveller but has shown before he also finds so 3 miles should suit and I can see him going very short in running in this...track likely to suit he has a solid chance..
Tea for three is a nice horse but he will want further in time and softer ground will also suit...
the others won't win although Mr Moonshine is a nice horse who ran well against seasoned horses last time...
I have to say I took the ew a pleasure first 3 on Silviniaco Conti at 9-2 as think he is uncomplicated ride and think the track will play to his strenghts...that option no longer available however after a couple of late defections... Grand Cruise still sets a high benchmark and you can guarantee we will have to go right through the ringer to win the candy...
What does everyone else think??
Grand Cruise out to keep unbeaten record in tact over fences. The likeable Bobs Worth putting his unbeaten record on the line. Silviniaco Conti promises to be a top class Chaser.. all the ingredients needed for a cracking race...
Grand Cruise is out to find out whether any Gold Cup aspirations are realistic but going right handed for first time and that has to be a slight question mark...personally think, he won't have a problem..he looks high class to me and beat a future Gold Cup horse giving weight...a worthy fav for this...
You have to love Bobs Worth very genuine this fella just keeps finding and won't give up... the step up to 3 miles will suit but he will have to improve on his debut run when he took an eternity to pick up after Cue Card bumped him 4 out and almost catapulted Geraghty out the side door..Geraghty though gave him time to recover and he really stuck his neck out on the run in...not entirely convinced this track will suit although he has won here...really hope he keeps going the right way as his attitude is second to none.
Silviniaco Conti form tailed off a little after looking like going right to the top over hurdles but Chasing was always going to be his game and he showed at Wincanton what a good jumper of a fence he is...he is a strong traveller but has shown before he also finds so 3 miles should suit and I can see him going very short in running in this...track likely to suit he has a solid chance..
Tea for three is a nice horse but he will want further in time and softer ground will also suit...
the others won't win although Mr Moonshine is a nice horse who ran well against seasoned horses last time...
I have to say I took the ew a pleasure first 3 on Silviniaco Conti at 9-2 as think he is uncomplicated ride and think the track will play to his strenghts...that option no longer available however after a couple of late defections... Grand Cruise still sets a high benchmark and you can guarantee we will have to go right through the ringer to win the candy...
What does everyone else think??
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I have backed Mr Moonshine for the Feltham and the RSA. He lacked the speed to beat high class 2 milers last time but won both of his novice chases very easily.
Personally feel it's between the front 2 in the market as it often is in these type of races. It would not surprise me if Silviniaco Conti won but I thought he was beaten pretty convincingly by Cue Card. The value for me lies with Bob's Worth. He will come on for the race at Newbury & you will have to think he will enjoy 3 miles around Kemton. Obviously Grand Crus is going to be hard to beat.
I think 3 miles round Kempton will be more to the liking of Grands Crus than Bobs Worth. I think Grands Crus is the speedier, I wonder if SC might be his biggest rival in this race.
I've backed Grands Crus already for the RSA and think he is the classiest novice this year. I think Bobs Worth will run him closer there with the test of Cheltenham more in his favour than Kempton IMO
I've backed Grands Crus already for the RSA and think he is the classiest novice this year. I think Bobs Worth will run him closer there with the test of Cheltenham more in his favour than Kempton IMO
I don't think this race has any relevance for the 2012 Gold Cup. I also think BW may turn out to be the best of these in the long term. He's very likeable. Good staying chasers tend to be tough rather than flash.
Good write up Harry. I kind of agree with Resnar here. Whilst i imagine Bobs will run well, i think they almost have nothing to lose knowing almost certainly that he will improve in the RSA. I think the way Silviniaco handled Wincanton (admittedly that race fell apart) suggests this may suit an an alternative.
I am a massive Grands Crus fan and although I rate the other two perceived big guns pretty highly I think they will be handed a lesson here. I would love to the see GC blow a good field apart over fences and win like he did in the Cleeve last year. Just watched that race again on youtube and it remains one of the most striking performances I have seen for many a year.
Thanks Mr Carver..
Agree with what you said about the Wincanton race but feel this is Silviano Conti's Gold Cup and he will be trained to the minute for this as I feel he is always going to be better this way round...agree with you as well Tom but if Grand Cruise is going to get beat I just think racing right handed for the first time and the likely good ground he will encounter may just count him out...
Being honest though he will take the beating and could win easy really and I also think he is a machine...if he does win on the snaff by 10 will they go the Gold Cup route?? People must be warned that the Pipes aren't the biggest fan of the RSA... If he does win by 10 against these potentially decent Novices will they have any choice, after all they (martin probably) have touted the race??
I have to say as much as I am massive fan of Bobs Worth I fear for him here...he needs to improve and is Kempton the place to find out?? We will really find out a lot about him here...his chasing career that is... I will never knock him however as he is the one horse that says so much about the game and reminds me a lot of Persian Punch, don't know why...lets hope he runs well...
Agree with what you said about the Wincanton race but feel this is Silviano Conti's Gold Cup and he will be trained to the minute for this as I feel he is always going to be better this way round...agree with you as well Tom but if Grand Cruise is going to get beat I just think racing right handed for the first time and the likely good ground he will encounter may just count him out...
Being honest though he will take the beating and could win easy really and I also think he is a machine...if he does win on the snaff by 10 will they go the Gold Cup route?? People must be warned that the Pipes aren't the biggest fan of the RSA... If he does win by 10 against these potentially decent Novices will they have any choice, after all they (martin probably) have touted the race??
I have to say as much as I am massive fan of Bobs Worth I fear for him here...he needs to improve and is Kempton the place to find out?? We will really find out a lot about him here...his chasing career that is... I will never knock him however as he is the one horse that says so much about the game and reminds me a lot of Persian Punch, don't know why...lets hope he runs well...
^ All pertinent points, and I agree especially about Bobs Worth. He is a real trier and exactly the sort of horse that I warm to. Hard not to really, even though he scuppered what would have been my biggest ever win in the Albert Bartlett last year. Fancied Mossley big time (excused his no-show on desperate ground prior to Cheltenham) and had a fair sized bet at nearly 33s on here, only to see Bobs Worth outpoint him up the hill. Oh well...
If the ground was softer I would be all over Grands Crus with a max bet but expect him to still get the job done on this surface. And yes, the Gold Cup would surely come into the equation if he does hack up. Especially if Long Run was to disappoint later on and something like Diamond Harry or Somersby won the King George. A lot of 'ifs' there I know, but it is another interesting piece of the ante-post puzzle at this point in time!
If the ground was softer I would be all over Grands Crus with a max bet but expect him to still get the job done on this surface. And yes, the Gold Cup would surely come into the equation if he does hack up. Especially if Long Run was to disappoint later on and something like Diamond Harry or Somersby won the King George. A lot of 'ifs' there I know, but it is another interesting piece of the ante-post puzzle at this point in time!
Yes a lot of questions will be answered at Kempton on boxing day...
This looks an intriguing race...definitely a cracking renewal of the Feltham... Grand Cruise in particular will answer a big question I need answering if he wins...not telling what that question is however...but a nice piece of jigsaw will fall into place lets say.
Interesting looking at how the race should be run with Mr Moonshine a front runner as is Teaforthree and Silviano Conti likes to be prominent...Bobs Worth also races quite prominently in his races...interesting..
This should allow Grand Cruise to get the pace he desires and I'd imagine the race is actually going to be set up for him...aww if only the rain would of come...it really would be the time to get the cannon out!
This looks an intriguing race...definitely a cracking renewal of the Feltham... Grand Cruise in particular will answer a big question I need answering if he wins...not telling what that question is however...but a nice piece of jigsaw will fall into place lets say.
Interesting looking at how the race should be run with Mr Moonshine a front runner as is Teaforthree and Silviano Conti likes to be prominent...Bobs Worth also races quite prominently in his races...interesting..
This should allow Grand Cruise to get the pace he desires and I'd imagine the race is actually going to be set up for him...aww if only the rain would of come...it really would be the time to get the cannon out!
Well interesting stuff today with the News the owner wants to run Grand Cruise in the Gold Cup....
I have to say on a personal point of view I think it is the right decision...I think he should not be underestimated either and adds real spice to this years Gold Cup with Long Run still not entirely convincing me and Kauto Star being 12 come the race...this young pretender to the crown, will be ridden for the place and has a potent turn of foot, he is very exciting to my eyes...
People will argue that he should go for the RSA but for me the staying Novice division is looking extremely hot to me and I think this fellow in the Gold Cup is just going to jump and travel as shown off of fast fractions in the Feltham...the owner is correct to go this route and I for one see his logic although others with vouchers for the RSA will not...the perils of trying to second guess trainers and owners I am afraid...
I have to say on a personal point of view I think it is the right decision...I think he should not be underestimated either and adds real spice to this years Gold Cup with Long Run still not entirely convincing me and Kauto Star being 12 come the race...this young pretender to the crown, will be ridden for the place and has a potent turn of foot, he is very exciting to my eyes...
People will argue that he should go for the RSA but for me the staying Novice division is looking extremely hot to me and I think this fellow in the Gold Cup is just going to jump and travel as shown off of fast fractions in the Feltham...the owner is correct to go this route and I for one see his logic although others with vouchers for the RSA will not...the perils of trying to second guess trainers and owners I am afraid...
If we are going to keep discussing this horse please can we learn to spell its name? Or at least half its name?
We seem to go through this every year, to name a few over the last couple of years Time For Rupert, Cue Card, Dunguib, Long Run and/or Punchestown. As it turned out none of these were even good enough to win their novice race. To me the owner is seriosuly misguided if he truly believes that his horse will be safer or better off long term in the Gold Cup. How many novices that have run in the Gold Cup have gone on to have long successful careers? I can't think of any.
Its no surprise when you look at the top trainers Nicholls, Henderson and Mullins that they ALWAYS use the novice routes properly to let their horses develop and give them the best grounding for their assaults on the championship races in their second season.
Its no surprise when you look at the top trainers Nicholls, Henderson and Mullins that they ALWAYS use the novice routes properly to let their horses develop and give them the best grounding for their assaults on the championship races in their second season.
The reason top trainers avoid it with novices is because the Gold Cup is one of the most grueling races for any type of horse. Year after year horses don't perform the same after the race. It is a ridiculous ask for a novice who is still learning no matter how old they are or how much they have learned over hurdles. The race takes any horse out of it's comfort zone but I honestly think it's a step too far for novices even if they are deemed to be good enough. I personally think it's no dead cert he will win the RSA.
I concur Master, a very worthy fav he'd be but far from over the line.
Barnesy I see where you are coming from...but one must also take on board how gruelling the RSA is also...It takes a huge amount out of them as well, Brief Gale, Nahthen lad, Hanakham, Hussard collonges, Cooldine and a host of other young horses who have contested the RSA haven't gone on, from the race...it is a proper test of a young horse...
I personally think Grand Cruise is quite a seasoned horse who will be put to sleep at the back and ridden for a place...yes it is going to get tough over the last 3 gruelling furlongs but it is for them all...one must also remember long run was 6 when he won this years gold cup...Grand Cruise will be 7 and is a seasoned non backward 7 year old at that...
I personally think Grand Cruise is quite a seasoned horse who will be put to sleep at the back and ridden for a place...yes it is going to get tough over the last 3 gruelling furlongs but it is for them all...one must also remember long run was 6 when he won this years gold cup...Grand Cruise will be 7 and is a seasoned non backward 7 year old at that...
Barnsey and MM, I agree entirely. There's a good reason no novice has won the race since the mid 70s. Dawn Run was the last horse to win after fewer than 6 chase starts.
GC is completely dfferent from Long Run who was an experienced chaser (and Grade 1 winner) in France.
And yes, the RSA is a proper test of a young horse. And the Gold Cup much more so.
GC is completely dfferent from Long Run who was an experienced chaser (and Grade 1 winner) in France.
And yes, the RSA is a proper test of a young horse. And the Gold Cup much more so.
Sorry Harry, usually I would just say agree to disagree etc but for me it is impossible to argue that the RSA is anything like the test a Gold cup is under any circumstances. The Gold Cup will still be there next year exercise patience and you will give yourself best chance of reward.
Horses in the major yards....and David Pipe's is certainly one of those....tend to run in the races that their trainer believes give them the best chance of success. It is the owner's prerogative of course to insist - the Mould's did it last year with Sprinter Sacre in the Supreme when Hendo wanted to leave him at home. My guess is that Grand Crus(whose owners live in Cheltenham by the way)will contest the race that David Pipe choses. If Long Run and Kauto don't turn up though who knows?
The way I would look at it is you could go into the festival with a favs chance in the RSA. A race that you only get one shot at and that you could build on. If you win you've got a whole season next year to look forwards to including a shot at the Gold Cup. The worst case scenario is you lose the RSA in which case further confirms you shouldn't be running in the Gold Cup. The best case scenario in the Gold Cup is winning it of course but personally don't think he will. Worst case you could ruin your horse and finish nowhere. Or even coming 2nd or 3rd would piss me off as you could have probs won an RSA instead.
It's also rather unusual for a horse to improve in their second Gold Cup nowadays. Their first go is almost always their best chance of winning.
Festivalfanatic,
David Pipe's yard is certainly a top yard but not an elite yeard like the three i mentioned. In my opinion at least his father ruined a few decent horses by not being patient with them. This is the first really good novice he has had really so we will see.
The Sprinter Sacre example is tenuous to me, the owners wanted a runner at Cheltenham and went for the most suitable race, that is understandable.
David Pipe's yard is certainly a top yard but not an elite yeard like the three i mentioned. In my opinion at least his father ruined a few decent horses by not being patient with them. This is the first really good novice he has had really so we will see.
The Sprinter Sacre example is tenuous to me, the owners wanted a runner at Cheltenham and went for the most suitable race, that is understandable.
Barnsey
I think Grand Crus will contest the RSA. There is an outside chance of him appearing in the Gold Cup but only if Kauto and Long Run are missing.
My example of Sprinter Sacre was only to highlight the fact that in the end, as the owners pay the bills the owners decide. Usually though they listen to the trainer, who normally has the best interests of the horse at heart.
I think Grand Crus will contest the RSA. There is an outside chance of him appearing in the Gold Cup but only if Kauto and Long Run are missing.
My example of Sprinter Sacre was only to highlight the fact that in the end, as the owners pay the bills the owners decide. Usually though they listen to the trainer, who normally has the best interests of the horse at heart.
Time will tell, owner has said 70/30 Gold Cup today according to Racing Post
Fanatic you say the owner pays the bills and he decides??
Well this owner has just stated all over the front of the racing bible (racing post) that he wants the horse to run in the gold cup so I would say it certainly is not an outside chance he will turn up, I would say it is odds on depending on how the horse performs in the Argento...
Well this owner has just stated all over the front of the racing bible (racing post) that he wants the horse to run in the gold cup so I would say it certainly is not an outside chance he will turn up, I would say it is odds on depending on how the horse performs in the Argento...
He's not the sole owner though. And he also be wise to take his trainer's advice and expertise (which is after all what he's paying for)
I'd be more convinced if David Pipe came out and said he wanted the horse to contest the Gold Cup. Maybe he agrees with the owners.....
I don't think it is any coincidence that all year long pipe has made noises about the Gold Cup...as I have said before in this thread the pipe's do not like the RSA...you would have to ask them why..
Intriuging hc. Don't have a financial interest in either race at this stage but he would have to be very special to beat Long Run and Kauto if both are fit and well on the day. Without them though who knows and they always say you should never be frightened to take one on.
Certainly not black and white but I think it also depends to an extent how highly you rate Big Buck's.
Seems to me that Grands Crus was something in the realm of 4-5lb below him last year (who knows, maybe more as that tank is a hard horse to measure against). If he has improved at all, which seems fairly likely as he is settling better, a year older/stronger, and jumping just as well over fences, then does that not put him potentially on a similar mark as Long Run and Kauto?
Seems to me that Grands Crus was something in the realm of 4-5lb below him last year (who knows, maybe more as that tank is a hard horse to measure against). If he has improved at all, which seems fairly likely as he is settling better, a year older/stronger, and jumping just as well over fences, then does that not put him potentially on a similar mark as Long Run and Kauto?
True, but Punchestowns didn't win a very good Feltham as he pleased before heading to the Festival over fences.
I have to say fanatic I haven't got involved yet myself just find it very interesting...
For me personally I think this horse just oozes class and if the price is right on the day I can see me having small investment on the horse...
People may try and crab the horse for the speed he showed in the Feltham but for me when he took it up off of fast fractions just showed me class and if scudamore holds on to him long enough I really can see him cruising 2 out in the gold cup and going very short in the run...I found it very interesting that when Ruby Walsh got off his horse in the feltham, he said he thought the race rode like a very good race...
For me personally I think this horse just oozes class and if the price is right on the day I can see me having small investment on the horse...
People may try and crab the horse for the speed he showed in the Feltham but for me when he took it up off of fast fractions just showed me class and if scudamore holds on to him long enough I really can see him cruising 2 out in the gold cup and going very short in the run...I found it very interesting that when Ruby Walsh got off his horse in the feltham, he said he thought the race rode like a very good race...
Ruby renowned as a fine judge of form. Did he think the King George was a good race?
Please can we refrain from using the word Punchestowns on this thread...the horse caused me much pain in the RSA...35k in a beautiful treble many thanks...have just had the stitches removed from my arse****
kind regards
kind regards
Not sure what he said about the George but he was impressed with how the Feltham rode...
He won't say it's not worth a hill of beans. 
The RP race reader's comment on Kauto was "awesome" - which you don't see every day.
The RP race reader's comment on Kauto was "awesome" - which you don't see every day.
Personally I think he should go for the gold cup
It's been said on this thread how horses only seem to perform once in the race. Well he is well and in fine form this season so have a go.
How if he finished 2nd or 3rd that the owner would be gutted he didn't try for the RSA. I would be delighted with a placed effort to be honest
Trying to compare time for rupert. Well he has proved this year he is well short of the mark anyway, so if he had run last year it wouldn't of affected his below the grade performances this season anyway
Why wait till next year. He will be 7 this season, the perfect age. Has shown against big bucks the talent he has. He has jumped at speed very effectively, can't see them going any quicker in the gold cup than they were in the feltham. not sure what the benefits of waiting will be. If he was an in and out jumper then he would need time to improve but he isn't. And to be fair long run proved last year you don't have to be able to jump to win a gold cup.
It's been said on this thread how horses only seem to perform once in the race. Well he is well and in fine form this season so have a go.
How if he finished 2nd or 3rd that the owner would be gutted he didn't try for the RSA. I would be delighted with a placed effort to be honest
Trying to compare time for rupert. Well he has proved this year he is well short of the mark anyway, so if he had run last year it wouldn't of affected his below the grade performances this season anyway
Why wait till next year. He will be 7 this season, the perfect age. Has shown against big bucks the talent he has. He has jumped at speed very effectively, can't see them going any quicker in the gold cup than they were in the feltham. not sure what the benefits of waiting will be. If he was an in and out jumper then he would need time to improve but he isn't. And to be fair long run proved last year you don't have to be able to jump to win a gold cup.
Surely we just wait and see after the Argento; imo if he hacks up again in that he'll be Gold Cup bound
Agree blue bird the Argento will tell us more...but I would say that may end up a weak race and it may be an easy decision with the Pipes and the owner already in the ante RSA camp...
I don't agree
I don't think they are getting stuck into grand crus ante post for the RSA
grand crus is a mover in the gold cup Market. And the main dangers to him in the RSA (if he did run) have also contracted in price.
Looking at the markets the gold cup could be his race
So I would say they are PRO gold cup and ANTI rsa
I don't think they are getting stuck into grand crus ante post for the RSA
grand crus is a mover in the gold cup Market. And the main dangers to him in the RSA (if he did run) have also contracted in price.
Looking at the markets the gold cup could be his race
So I would say they are PRO gold cup and ANTI rsa
sorry should of said anti RSA camp..as I said earlier in the thread the pipes don't like the RSA
I don't understand how the Pipes hate the RSA but think it's a good idea to pitch a novice in a Gold Cup against seasoned campaigners 
Last year he ran against seasoned campaigners and only found the great big bucks to good
Surely your only concern would be his jumping, which will be put to the test in either race he ran in
Surely your only concern would be his jumping, which will be put to the test in either race he ran in
Fair point didn't think about it that way.
Either way I can't have him as a RSA or GC winner as i'm not overly convinced he has the necessary slogging abilities that is normally needed to win those races
Just seems a bit 'flashy' to me
Would be a fascinating runner in the GC nonetheless
Either way I can't have him as a RSA or GC winner as i'm not overly convinced he has the necessary slogging abilities that is normally needed to win those races
Just seems a bit 'flashy' to me
Would be a fascinating runner in the GC nonetheless
He's already a top class staying hurdler who made Big Buck's work hard in a World Hurdle and a top class novice chaser so I think they may swerve The RSA and go down The Gold Cup route where he'd be at least 3rd on form although I accept he's not absolutely certain to stay. If he doesn't they could go for The Champion Chase next year preceded by The Hennessy as per One Man.
Because Martin always leads the winners into the winners enclosure
and David doesn't own a BMX Bandit
and David doesn't own a BMX Bandit
Incidentally Booster, he may be third on "form" but he's some way off third on current official ratings! I can think of 8 likley runners who are currently rated higher, without trying very hard.
Which is 9lb higher than kauto star was rated after 3 chases.
Indeed, though he did fall in one of those (remounted). But Kauto won his first Gold Cup on his 11th chase start, whereas Grand Crus would be asked to do it on (probably) his fifth.
In between his third and 11th starts, Kauto won 2 Tingle Creeks, a Betfair, a King George, an Old Roan, an Aon, and fell in the Champion Chase - all of which strikes me as better preparation for winning a Gold Cup than Grands Crus has had.
In between his third and 11th starts, Kauto won 2 Tingle Creeks, a Betfair, a King George, an Old Roan, an Aon, and fell in the Champion Chase - all of which strikes me as better preparation for winning a Gold Cup than Grands Crus has had.
Strontium, thanks but I'm not sure how your point about ratings is particularly relevant when most people who follow racing will know he has it in him to be much better than 159 when those already rated higher are either stuck on a similar rating or on the way down. Punters can either follow official ratings or use their eyes and make their own assumptions about whether a horse whose won his 3 chase starts emphatically and beaten a festival winner from last year from one of the most powerful yards in England practicaly on the bridle is likely to progress above his current rating and whether others in the same race are in decline.
That's why I'd go down The Racing Post Chase route with him as he's clearly better than that mark.
That's why I'd go down The Racing Post Chase route with him as he's clearly better than that mark.
I agree Grands Crus has the potential to be better than 159, perhaps much better. But on his form in the book, officially assessed, that's where he is. My point is that you said Grands Crus would be at least 3rd on form if he ran in the Gold Cup. I disagree. I assume you mean Kauto and Long Run would be 1st and 2nd in some order. What a Friend and Burton Port clearly have better form in the book than GC. So, arguably do Diamond Harry, Weird Al and Captain Chris. GC will probably be better than those five in time, but at the moment, on actual form, in real races run, he is not.
Incidentally, you may not like using ratings but they are a fabulous predictor of success in Grade 1 races. It often pays to look for the obvious at the highest level.
Incidentally, you may not like using ratings but they are a fabulous predictor of success in Grade 1 races. It often pays to look for the obvious at the highest level.
I agree on the last point for sure, Planet Of Sound at Punchestown 2 years ago at 25-1 early morning price being such an event I remember fondly and my wording was probably not the best.
I'll take those horses you mention one at a time.
What A Friend was beaten in receipt of 2 stone by Denman in a Hennessy and usually runs sideways when asked for maximum effort.
Burton Port is surely too slow for a Gold Cup and lost a Hennessy off a low weight due to his inability to jump fluently at speed at the cross fence.
Diamond Harry is my favourite horse in training but has been withdrawn on the morning of 2 of his last 3 intended races and was disappointing under ideal conditions in The Betfair Chase and hardly shouts Gold Cup winner. Surely The Irish Hennessy would be ideal if he can be kept sound?
Weird Al was impressive in The Charlie Hall but what did he beat? I couldn't have him in The Gold Cup after he was left behind at Haydock and I can't really see an absolute top class piece of form in the book.
Captain Chris I guess could be the fly in the ointment but he's not set the world alight this season yet. Mind you he did similarly last season before winning The Arkle.
I'll take those horses you mention one at a time.
What A Friend was beaten in receipt of 2 stone by Denman in a Hennessy and usually runs sideways when asked for maximum effort.
Burton Port is surely too slow for a Gold Cup and lost a Hennessy off a low weight due to his inability to jump fluently at speed at the cross fence.
Diamond Harry is my favourite horse in training but has been withdrawn on the morning of 2 of his last 3 intended races and was disappointing under ideal conditions in The Betfair Chase and hardly shouts Gold Cup winner. Surely The Irish Hennessy would be ideal if he can be kept sound?
Weird Al was impressive in The Charlie Hall but what did he beat? I couldn't have him in The Gold Cup after he was left behind at Haydock and I can't really see an absolute top class piece of form in the book.
Captain Chris I guess could be the fly in the ointment but he's not set the world alight this season yet. Mind you he did similarly last season before winning The Arkle.
Grands Crus has got massive potential for sure, and as I said I think he'll end up better than those 5 named horses. I don't see any of them as strong candidates for the 2012 Gold Cup - but imo they are all ahead of Grands Crus in the formbook today in terms of real achievements over fences.
Looking at their form in a favourable light,
WAF finished a head behind the current Gold Cup 2nd favourite in last year's race and about 7 l behind Denman.
In his last 2 races Burton Port beat Long Run over 3 m at Cheltenham and came 2nd in the Hennessey despite clattering the cross fence.
Diamond Harry won the Hennessey.
Weird Al won the Charlie Hall then was 2 l behind Long Run in the Betfair.
Captain Chris won the Arkle and came 3rd in the King George 2 weeks ago despite appearing not to stay.
Looking at their form in a favourable light,
WAF finished a head behind the current Gold Cup 2nd favourite in last year's race and about 7 l behind Denman.
In his last 2 races Burton Port beat Long Run over 3 m at Cheltenham and came 2nd in the Hennessey despite clattering the cross fence.
Diamond Harry won the Hennessey.
Weird Al won the Charlie Hall then was 2 l behind Long Run in the Betfair.
Captain Chris won the Arkle and came 3rd in the King George 2 weeks ago despite appearing not to stay.
All facts absolutely true and our job as punters to decide on the day at the prices which represents the best value or which we think will win under the prevailing conditions.
Indeed, and it's thinking about and weighing up the numerous factors that make racing fun. Good luck with your bets 
Jockey Barry Geraghty still retains plenty of faith in Bobs Worth, despite his defeat at the hands of Grands Crus in the Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton.
The seven-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, disappointed when beaten five and a quarter lengths in third place by David Pipe's talented grey in the three-mile Grade One on Boxing Day.
Bobs Worth has had a wind operation since then and is likely to have one more run before the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, for which he is 5-1 second favourite behind Grands Crus.
"He's had a little wind operation and I'm sure he'll have another run before Cheltenham, but where exactly I'm not sure," Geraghty told At The Races.
"I thought he did well to run as well as he did at Kempton. He just wasn't 100%. I suppose with it being a quicker track he was under pressure a little bit early.
"Grands Crus is a very good horse, definitely.
"He's a high-class horse and was a high-class hurdler - I wouldn't underestimate him - but I'd like to think there's better to come from Bobs Worth."
The seven-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, disappointed when beaten five and a quarter lengths in third place by David Pipe's talented grey in the three-mile Grade One on Boxing Day.
Bobs Worth has had a wind operation since then and is likely to have one more run before the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, for which he is 5-1 second favourite behind Grands Crus.
"He's had a little wind operation and I'm sure he'll have another run before Cheltenham, but where exactly I'm not sure," Geraghty told At The Races.
"I thought he did well to run as well as he did at Kempton. He just wasn't 100%. I suppose with it being a quicker track he was under pressure a little bit early.
"Grands Crus is a very good horse, definitely.
"He's a high-class horse and was a high-class hurdler - I wouldn't underestimate him - but I'd like to think there's better to come from Bobs Worth."
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