Cheltenham Festival
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The Don Cossack fan club
The Don Cossack fan club
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I though Don Cossack jumped really well. He shortened a couple of times which perhaps looked a bit slow but for a novice I thought his jumping was spot on, very neat.
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Well RTR was out jumping him.
He did jump ok in the main,nothing special though imo and rather slow at some like you say. |
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Cracking run by RTR given it was only his second chase. One to take out of it for me and should win again before the season is out.
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That was a very good performance from DC and a somewhat strange one when compared to his last race because in that he really looked like he chucked it in, but here he came under pressure fully 4 out and responded all the way home from there, having said that, I don't much like the head carriage...he's a strange one.
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Kind words, Autocue. Yes, delighted with a Grade 1 win. I never doubted his resolution; his second bumper win where he reeled in Rory O'Moore having been nearly a furlong behind into the straight, showed me he can get his head down and battle. What was strange yesterday was that, for the first time, he looked in trouble a long way out, yet dug really deep. The way he picked up for his jockey going to the last, saw a big stride and went for it was wonderful. Interesting that Elliott thought the edge had been taken off him by running over 3 miles only 2 weeks ago.
Where it leaves him aiming at is harder to guess. Just as I was purring after the race over my 50/1 RSA voucher, his trainer said he doesn't see him as an out and out stayer. Which is exactly what I thought he was! For me, winning a Grade 1 on the quickest ground he's ever encountered, over an inadequate trip, was a bonus, but his trainer is no fool and, if he thinks he isn't a three miler, then I'm sure he knows best. (Although he's never the most loquacious in an interview and who knows if that's what he really thinks? |
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A couple more thoughts after Sunday. Interesting to hear from his jockey that "he's only just coming to himself". Not surprising, I guess, with such a large horse, who's been looked after thus far. Granted normal luck, he can surely progress significantly over the next couple of seasons.
Also, the time of the race was by far the quickest (based on comparatives) of the day, hurdles or chases, and only just outside standard time; amazing for Fairyhouse in December. I also hear from my sources that Elliott did not want to run him at Punchestown before this race, but pressure was put on him to do so. Thus, I feel there were many factors against him winning, and the fact that he did so brings him right back on target to achieve a great deal. Where he ends up can only be guesswork, and the complexities of planning a campaign for a Gigginstown runner should not be underestimated |
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Mu gut instinct is that he's 'odds against' running at Cheltenham in any race. At least Elliot has done what I suggested and said he will not run him over Christmas/New Year.
He can certainly jump and is very decent but my initial hope from 2 years ago that he was going to be the next Denman is not looking likely. |
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Keep the faith uncle! The best is yet to come.
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I can't make my mind up about this horse.
I was impressed with his Punchestown run, where he jumped superbly but was out battled by Morning Assembly. After that race I thought he could be very very good dropped back in trip. Then at the weekend he didn't jump as well and looked for all the world like he wanted three miles. I dunno  |
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It is possible the battle with Morning Glory took the edge off him a bit. It was only 14 days prior. Trainer is now giving him a break over the christmas period.
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Good point Sint, that would make sense. He definitely ran a bit flat in the Drinmore imo.
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sint - I hope you mean Morning Assembly…….Morning Glory is a whole different thread !
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 whoops! |
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whoops! |
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Fans are set a bit of a head scratcher, with the Don being entered in both the Feltham and the three miler at Leopardstown on the 29th. After his Drinmore win, jockey and trainer were of the opinion that three quick races had taken the edge off him, yet they appear to be contemplating a fourth, and another Grade One at that. Of course, he may not run, but Elliott's assertion that he would have Christmas off and not race again until the end of January looked the right plan at the time and I'd certainly be concerned if he comes out again so soon. Of course, we never know just what influence the owners bring to bear..........
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If he runs in the feltham I'd certainly not want him to win. A gallant 2nd or 3rd with track not suiting would do me!!
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Glad to see he's not going to run and hoping he heads for the Moriarty. The Topaz on Sunday should help sort out the pecking order for the three mile novices in Ireland. You'd certainly struggle to see much strength in depth in England for the RSA at present.
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Feltham was his for the taking if he truly gets 3m - which trainer says he isn't sure about, and neither am I.
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Don fans will have been mightily encouraged by the Topaz result.
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Indeed - problem is, are they likely to target him at the RSA. Personally feel 3m left handed but trainer seems to disagree from what I've read and heard
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I think the Moriarty will make up the trainer's mind. Doubt he's committed to any path at present but that race should sort out whether he's good enough to go to Cheltenham and which race to aim at.
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Trainer confirmed P J Moriarty is next call
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What are people's feelings on this fella's optimum trip?
Haven't backed him in anything but I'd love to see him in the Jewson and then Ryanair next year. I see he is entered in the Arkle, Jewson, RSA and the 4 miler! Has he changed trainer to Mullins and we haven't been told! |
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2m4f-2m5f for me. He was outstayed by MA and that was only over 2m6 and on decent ground, so can't see him wanting much further. Got a decent amount of pace and think the Jewson would suit. My opinion can be completely ignored though, as I said Cue Card wouldn't get the trip in the Betfair!!
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A great Moriarty in prospect on Sunday and The Don should be right up there in the mix. Softer ground than last time should see him confirm his advantage over Carlingford Lough, and he will also have had the benefit of a few weeks off. He has the beating of Foxrock and Sizing Gold through Carlingford, while Bright New Dawn would have to improve a lot to get involved. Which leaves the Mullins pair. Ballycasey would be some horse to win this on his second outing, after a setback and probably over an inadequate distance. As for Champagne Fever, this would seem to be a perfect trip for him, but he was beaten rather easily last time out. I still think of The Don as a three miler, ideally and, if he runs his race but gets outspeeded by Champagne Fever, so be it, but this is a race to really look forward to. Contrary to the RSA ratings published in the RP preview, I believe the Irish novices are better than the English on what we've seen so far, and we should find out who's top of the pile amongst the stayers on Sunday. (Morning Assembly excepted).
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I'm a massive fan too cyclops and have him for the RSA - think 3m will be the making of him. Do you have any reservations on breeding with him for the trip though? Don know too much about Sholokhov's or the dam
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Certainly could be a cracking race and The Don will never have a better chance to finally prove he is as good as I once hoped. Ideal trip and going and some of the big rivals on paper surely using this as a stepping stone to Cheltenham (whereas I think the Don may miss the festival irrespective of how he gets on on Sunday).
I really don't know which way he will go - beaten before the home turn or romp 15L clear - can't wait to find out. |
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Can't glean much from the dam, but most of Sholokhov's best progeny stay well. Never thought his stamina would be an issue since he sluiced up in a bumper over 2m3f in the heavy, and still don't based on what I've seen. You'd have to say that his Drinmore win (2m5f)seemed to come about despite the trip, not because of it. GE said last year "he's a three mile chaser" but hasn't run him over that trip yet and said after his last win "I don't see him as an out and out stayer". And Sunday may not clear the air in that respect. If he were mine, I'd put him over three miles pronto but, sadly, I'm not and the man who trains him probably knows more about it than I do.
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cyclops 04 Feb 14 14:27 Joined: 11 Apr 02 | Topic/replies: 255 | Blogger: cyclops's blog
A great Moriarty in prospect on Sunday and The Don should be right up there in the mix. Softer ground than last time should see him confirm his advantage over Carlingford Lough, and he will also have had the benefit of a few weeks off. He has the beating of Foxrock and Sizing Gold through Carlingford, while Bright New Dawn would have to improve a lot to get involved. Which leaves the Mullins pair. Ballycasey would be some horse to win this on his second outing, after a setback and probably over an inadequate distance. As for Champagne Fever, this would seem to be a perfect trip for him, but he was beaten rather easily last time out. I still think of The Don as a three miler, ideally and, if he runs his race but gets outspeeded by Champagne Fever, so be it, but this is a race to really look forward to. Contrary to the RSA ratings published in the RP preview, I believe the Irish novices are better than the English on what we've seen so far, and we should find out who's top of the pile amongst the stayers on Sunday. (Morning Assembly excepted). Did you watch the race?????? |
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Yes. Blundered but found little enough once he'd recovered.
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Blundered 2 out with an uphill finish. Must be very disappointed with his lack of finishing speed
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really coming round to don cossack for the RSA despite the worry with the trip and how much i have slandered the horse down the years
have a couple of worries however will he actually go to festival as fear he maybe better right handed although this isn't founded, thoughts?? if beaten sunday will they just go for powers gold cup? really want to punt the horse and feel the RSA is the race for him and am happy with the price we are getting, just want to know he is a runner or that cheltenham is his intended target after the moriarty... anyone having this worry about the festival or does anyone know for sure cheltenham is definitely the aim after this prep?? |
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I think he's better left handed Harry to be honest!! I'm a big fan and am on for small money at 21 on here - I personally feel he is tailor made for the RSA but am not confident they will bring him over.
Looking at his campaign though, and his Xmas break, you'd surely think he's being aimed at the spring festivals as his number one target. Just got to hope that chelt and the RSA is included. Owners don't have anything else at this stage id argue as well. He could be a monster left handed over 3m |
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Agree Tory. Jumped a little left last time out and he has 3 wins on left handed tracks so no worries on that score. I've been backing him all winter for the RSA but since Elliott's comments about not considering him an out and out stayer, and given that he won't have run over 3 miles before the Festival, I've also been chancing a few quid on the 2m5f novice which, of course, is now a Grade 1. Have little doubt that Cheltenham will be the aim if he wins or goes very close on Sunday. Intriguing contest. Feel he should progress past Carlingford, particularly if the ground is heavy, while he has an edge on Ballycasey in terms of experience, was a better hurdler than him and may have more class. Anyone forecast the likely odds?
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"think this horses fan base must be dwindling by the day...
he has become a snaffle horse for me and a rat when he has to come off it" Brave of you to admit your turnaround harry. Join the club! |
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well i have the same reservations but not entirely convinced about him going left handed - it is the only thing holding me back tory and also feel the RSA will suit him and against the consensus of opinion i think he will go on better ground, the ground at fairyhouse wasn't to bad and i think he moved quite well on it although he got outpaced mid race...
just worried if defeated sunday they may pull him for the powers and ballycasey is certainly an opponent i respect on the plus sides he has had an ideal prep so far and a nice mid season break so i like him a lot at the odds we are getting and fancy having a tickle, just can't go through the pain if my reservations bare out, of course on the other hand if he wins he would go clear favorite which would also cause huge pain to my behind, a no win situation tbh just be nice if they said this is his prep for chelt, then i would be more confident, tricky situation when you want to put the money down and i have barely had a bet for the festival as yet, can't find many angles but like this fellow against the horses he will face in this race, bar ballycasey who is clearly a tool but is hard to assess as yet but who himself is clearly fragile judging on how many times we have seen him tricky |
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amusing that cyclops
doesn't mean, i didn't mean it at the time though  big test sunday cyclops as feel this ballycasey is probably the last hurdle to cement his position in the race, big test for the horse imo |
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Of course. Huge race in terms of where his career may be heading. Great, tough, yardstick in Carlingford and and the much hyped Ballycasey. Not sure where the left handed reservations come in though; 111F3 are his figures left handed and the 3 was when beaten 12 lengths by Annie Power, giving 8 lbs over 2 miles, which doesn't look too shabby now. Sure, he was being beaten when he fell but don't think left handed had much to do with that.
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i think my reasons for thinking he maybe better right handed are more to do with his performances right handed
like i said though it isn't founded, i am just worried that, they may pull the horse out, as i haven't bet him yet...i realize that you yourself are already on the horse cyclops but can you see the reservations someone who hasn't, must have lets be clear if they said this was the prep for chelt i would be backing, just don't want to go through the pain |