have always thought that this horse needed a trip in excess of 2 miles to show his best and i think he could have a serious chance in the gold cup if he gets the trip ,he was not stopping in the melling chase over 2.4 miles jumping well and easily beating a usefull field which included albertas run ,wishfull thinking, poquelin and forpadythe plasterer . this was a very creditable performance considering it was only 4 weeks after he had a hard race in the queen mother champion chase beating sizing euro in a ding dong battle up the cheltenham hill. the stable also has at least 2 other possible gold cup contenders in rsa winner bobs worth and former champ long run plus riverside theartre could also be in the mix but at the prices on here finians rainbow still a bit of 70s to win and 18s to place he could be a good value option i am on at the 70s win and 18.5 to place and imo opinion that is way to big for a proven class horse currently officially rated 173 . connections have hinted strongly that he will be stepped up in trip and i think the gold cup must be on owner micheal buckleys mind .its a natural step to want a gold cup contender , barry gehraghty gets on well with this horse and there must be a fair chance he would ride it in his races next season especially if the owners spirit son recovers from his setback ,anyway it would leave bjg an interesting dilema as to who he would ride in the gold cup if bobs worth ,finians ,and riverside theartre all made the gig . the biggest question is will finians rainbow stay the gold cup trip he is a strong traveller and exellent jumper ,well connections earlier in this season were talking gold cup but decided stick to the 2 mile route but a good few gold cup winners who started out at 2 miles ,kauto ,war of attrition ,and kicking king to name a few so that gives a bit of encouragement . have read on here that bobs worth will be the hendo gold cup horse he could be but not many rsa winners go on to win the gold cup for some reason and he is currently trading at around 10-12 s at the prices i would rather be with finians . anyway the 70s or even 60s on here is huge imo for a high class animal rated 173 and should be taken . good luck .as always input and insight welcolm
When he won his bumper and first novice I thought he was a stayer. Then in the Challow and Neptune he ran like a non-stayer (though his Neptune prep I think was over 2m3 from memory (though it was a bad race)). In his novice chase yr he looked like a pure two miler. This yr he seemed to want to go further (as many horses do, as they get older). I guess I do tend to pigeon hole horses too quickly but they do make fools of us!
I am sure the owner would prefer the prestige of the CGC over the Ryanair but i wonder if the trainer would agree given (at this stage) he appears to have Riverside and Bob's for it (plus L Run, though SWC rides him). The trainer does not appear to have an obvious (at this stage) Ryanair horse. I suspect the trainer may think BW and RT would are more suited to the CGC stamina test than FR. I also suspect BJG would be hard to convince to get off Bob's (assuming he gets there without disappointing), given his love of the place and track form. This may be a factor for connections.
All of this said, the horse is not getting younger. He will be 10 next yr and though he has fewer miles on the clock than most, waiting to 11 to run in the CGC may be leaving it too late. This may be a consideration.
I have no doubt he will be stepped up at the start of next yr. Trainer suggests that the horse has settled down now he is older so will stay more readily (as Aintree seemed to prove).
I suspect they will run at Ascot and then the King George before making a Festival decision. I personally fear his stamina may be exposed but no mistaking for me this is a top draw animal, few better looking exist in training (or anywhere). Good luck Foyles.
Interesting Foyles. When he won his bumper and first novice I thought he was a stayer. Then in the Challow and Neptune he ran like a non-stayer (though his Neptune prep I think was over 2m3 from memory (though it was a bad race)). In his novice chase
RC, that's an excellent summary. The main consideration for me is that Henderson has several stayers (the 3 you mention plus Burton Port) but not too much in the middle distance divison. It's also a big jump from 2 1/2 m round Aintree to 3 m 2 1/2 f round Cheltenham. All that said, I expect him to be aimed at the King George and if he places a Gold Cup run could become likely. I also agree with you that 2013 is the year if it's ever going to happen.
RC, that's an excellent summary. The main consideration for me is that Henderson has several stayers (the 3 you mention plus Burton Port) but not too much in the middle distance divison. It's also a big jump from 2 1/2 m round Aintree to 3 m 2 1/2 f
yeah good points rc , may be wide of the mark here but remembering the situation with spirit son and sprinter sacre in the supreme think bjg was opting for sprinter and it was hinted that if he wanted to ride the owners other horses (finians ,spirit river ect,then it would be in his best interests to ride spirit son, ap was on sprinter sacre , if finians proved he gets at least 3 miles in one of the trials (king george ect, ) then i think bjg would find it difficult to desert this fella ,anyway all hypothetical as things stand and anything can happen in this game ,but he is a very high class horse who travels and jumps and can go toe to toe in a battle and 70s or even 60s is a bit of an insult for one of his ability . was impressed by the way he travelled and how much daylight him and wishfull thinking pulled away from albertas poquelin and co over 2.4 miles in the melling at aintree .
yeah good points rc , may be wide of the mark here but remembering the situation with spirit son and sprinter sacre in the supreme think bjg was opting for sprinter and it was hinted that if he wanted to ride the owners other horses (finians ,spirit
I have always thought, and still do, that he is a top-notch two-miler and doesn't want to go further. Obviously, Sprinter Sacre might scare connections into pushing it, but if he was mine I would be aiming him at a defense of his Champion Chase.
I love this horse, and have for many seasons now.I have always thought, and still do, that he is a top-notch two-miler and doesn't want to go further. Obviously, Sprinter Sacre might scare connections into pushing it, but if he was mine I would be ai
Foyles, if Geraghty has to choose between Finains, Riverside and Bobs worth he's going to find it very hard, especially given his personal connection to BW. I imagine he'd also ride RT in the King george as a flat, right handed track is perfect for that horse.
Finians is only 7 for the QMCC - that could be telling from a yard where the money often appears to talk? Has anyone priced up the Ryanair yet?
Foyles, if Geraghty has to choose between Finains, Riverside and Bobs worth he's going to find it very hard, especially given his personal connection to BW. I imagine he'd also ride RT in the King george as a flat, right handed track is perfect for t
they have said they will step him up ! connections will probably keep options open as the unexpected can and does happen, a similar situation for bjg could arise in the champion hurdle what with spirit son and grandouet . but there are worse bets at the prices than finians imo.
they have said they will step him up ! connections will probably keep options open as the unexpected can and does happen, a similar situation for bjg could arise in the champion hurdle what with spirit son and grandouet . but there are worse be
I took that to mean they'd step him up to the Ryanaor trip not the Gold Cup.
I take your point about the riding arrangements but with so many great horses in the yard does Buckley have as much influence now? In any case, is that story actually true? If it is, it was disgraceful behaviour.
I took that to mean they'd step him up to the Ryanaor trip not the Gold Cup. I take your point about the riding arrangements but with so many great horses in the yard does Buckley have as much influence now? In any case, is that story actually true?
could be they mean the ryanaire but if he does get the trip in the king george (assuming its on the agenda ) and a few have to prove they get the gold cup trip including the fav, they would surely find it hard not to go the gold cup route .point is at 70s i havent had to put too much on to win big and happy to take the chance . all about opinions tho.
could be they mean the ryanaire but if he does get the trip in the king george (assuming its on the agenda ) and a few have to prove they get the gold cup trip including the fav, they would surely find it hard not to go the gold cup route .point is
Totally fair enough. Like with a lot of horses (e.g. Imperial Commander, Weapons Amnesty, Kauto Star) you'll be sitting on a nice bet if he does show up in the Gold Cup. Good luck.
Totally fair enough. Like with a lot of horses (e.g. Imperial Commander, Weapons Amnesty, Kauto Star) you'll be sitting on a nice bet if he does show up in the Gold Cup. Good luck.
Personally think Bobsworth will be his main runner in the GC with Long Run and Burton Port as his other likely runners. Cannot see RT or FR staying well enough to contest the Gold Cup.
If they were mine i would skip Chelt with RT - think they got away with it in the Ryanair and would be pushing their luck running him there again. FR i would campaign him at 2 - 2m4f,and decide nearer the time about his Chelt race(QM or Ryan),maybe depending on how good SS is next season.
Personally think Bobsworth will be his main runner in the GC with Long Run and Burton Port as his other likely runners.Cannot see RT or FR staying well enough to contest the Gold Cup.If they were mine i would skip Chelt with RT - think they got away
morning bud, yeah you may be right on finians over the trip and we wont know for sure untill he has tried it ,could be they will keep him at around 2 -2.4 miles ,bobs worth and long run look thier main gold cup horses regarding trip /stamina but much as i admire bobs worth the thing that bothers me is the record of rsa winners ,for some reason very few progress as expected the following season ,must be a punishing race for the novices seems you have to be exeptional (denman ) to go on and progress from that race ,bobs worth may be able to buck the trend and a bet on him could reward ,but i would be looking for a bit bigger than the 10s on here . just trying to find a few big price value options for the race .
morning bud, yeah you may be right on finians over the trip and we wont know for sure untill he has tried it ,could be they will keep him at around 2 -2.4 miles ,bobs worth and long run look thier main gold cup horses regarding trip /stamina but muc
He may well turn up in the Gold Cup, you never know. It's the one race where a trainer doesn't mind having lots of runners. Personally I think he'll end up in the Ryanair.
He may well turn up in the Gold Cup, you never know. It's the one race where a trainer doesn't mind having lots of runners. Personally I think he'll end up in the Ryanair.
And nowt wrong with that Foyles,theirs value out there for sure,just hard finding it and getting a run next March!! i wish you well,its what i try and do as well mate.
And nowt wrong with that Foyles,theirs value out there for sure,just hard finding it and getting a run next March!!i wish you well,its what i try and do as well mate.
owner michael buckley has said on atr today finians is looking like a stayer and they thought he was a stayer earlier in his career and in his mind he would take in 1 of 3 races this year either the peterborogh chase ,the 2.4 mile chase at ascot same day as the betfair ,or the betfair then the king george ,if he were to win the king george then that would make your mind up for you regarding the gold cup . but if he dont stay then back to 2-2.4 miles .
owner michael buckley has said on atr today finians is looking like a stayer and they thought he was a stayer earlier in his career and in his mind he would take in 1 of 3 races this year either the peterborogh chase ,the 2.4 mile chase at ascot sa
cheers bud yes no harm having a few at decent prices running for you early ,and know you are keen on al ferof i was with him in the arkle and have not written him off ,depending what connections plans are ,i expect them to step him up in trip next season and he could well emerge as a gold cup prospect as i am sure you are well aware ,and will be looking at reruns of his races and se if theres an angle in his price on here .good luck with yours .
cheers bud yes no harm having a few at decent prices running for you early ,and know you are keen on al ferof i was with him in the arkle and have not written him off ,depending what connections plans are ,i expect them to step him up in trip next s
yeh,its a big price and one i dont mind taking to find out if he stays.
He needs to be ridden differently than his last 2 races to get the best of him i feel. Ride him off the pace and use his strength in the finish that he obviously has,at whatever distance ends up being his optimum.
yeh,its a big price and one i dont mind taking to find out if he stays.He needs to be ridden differently than his last 2 races to get the best of him i feel.Ride him off the pace and use his strength in the finish that he obviously has,at whatever di
It is in my mind that FR may just not quite be stamina laden enough for the CGC but that is only at this stage. As i say above, I imagine Buckley would like him to run in it but that would create probelms for the jockey. I am sure FR would love the Ascot race and I think the K George would be interesting with him in it. You have a cracking bet going Foyles. As I say, if prizes were given for looks, FR woudl be unbeaten, he is the model steeple chaser IMO.
Regarding GC runners, all things being equal, at this stage you would think LR, BW and (as Strontium rightly says) B Port look certs. I feel sure R Theatre will stay and will run too (he looks a slogger with class to me; i imagine he will only have 2 runs, KG and CGC) though i am not sure he would be good enough. I think the KG will decide FR's targets.
It is in my mind that FR may just not quite be stamina laden enough for the CGC but that is only at this stage. As i say above, I imagine Buckley would like him to run in it but that would create probelms for the jockey. I am sure FR would love the A
Well be it in their heads if they do run RT in the GC.For me the Ryanair should serve as a warning that he dont like the place,and he won despite that. An extra 5 or 6 furlong in a competitive race like the GC Is asking for problems imo.
Well be it in their heads if they do run RT in the GC.For me the Ryanair should serve as a warning that he dont like the place,and he won despite that.An extra 5 or 6 furlong in a competitive race like the GC Is asking for problems imo.
Agree with you entirely Foyles, I was very taken with the way in which he won the Melling. 70's has to be too big and although the Ryanair route is probably the most likely path for him with Sacre scaring everything off in the QM, Buckley's comments today re the King George give a certain amount of encouragement about the possibility of a staying chase campaign. Even if Finians lines up in the KG, his GC price should contract enough so you can lay off some of the initial stake, so personally I believe it is well worth a speculative punt with the hope that this is the plan. Lovely horse and would love to see his colours pass the post first in the GC (and CH) next year.
Agree with you entirely Foyles, I was very taken with the way in which he won the Melling. 70's has to be too big and although the Ryanair route is probably the most likely path for him with Sacre scaring everything off in the QM, Buckley's comments
Still think he is a rattling good two-miler, and he doesn't want more than two miles. Connections can be - and often are - wrong about horses and I think they were always wrong with this lad. Even before the QM they were talking as though he wouldn't be good enough to beat Sizing Europe and was given entries in the longer races as they "thought" he was a stayer. There's no single piece of form in his whole career that suggests he will be better at further than two miles!
Still think he is a rattling good two-miler, and he doesn't want more than two miles. Connections can be - and often are - wrong about horses and I think they were always wrong with this lad. Even before the QM they were talking as though he wouldn't
yes tom ,cant be sure untill they have tried the trip ,and the king george will tell us that !i have no doubt he is classy enough just the trip is the doubt ,but hendo and the owner have said he is more relaxed this season and the melling over 2.4 miles was a good performance ,his pedigree is tiraaz- trinity gale (strong gale )dont know much about the stamina index for tiraaz although the strong gale line offers a bit of hope .
yes tom ,cant be sure untill they have tried the trip ,and the king george will tell us that !i have no doubt he is classy enough just the trip is the doubt ,but hendo and the owner have said he is more relaxed this season and the melling over 2.4 mi
After last years Arkle run, I didn't think Finians stayed 1m4f let alone well enough to win a Melling! Been proven to be very wrong on that one
I expect him to run in the King George (and place) and then come back for the Ryanair. I remember when Riverside Theatre placed in the King George, I was sitting on a massive price for the Gold Cup, but they came out and said straight away that his plan was definitely the Ryanair (although he got injured shortly after).
I think Henderson will want to put him in the race that he thinks he's got the best chance of winning; and I think he's got a much better chance of winning the Ryanair than a Gold Cup. The Ryanair has now turned into a top class race in it's own right, so I see no reason why they wouldn't go for it.
I've been gunning for Riverside Theatre to go down the Gold Cup route for the last couple of years, but I wouldn't be too keen on him now. If he were mine I'd go Old Roan > King George > Betfair Ascot Chase > Betfair Bowl.
After last years Arkle run, I didn't think Finians stayed 1m4f let alone well enough to win a Melling! Been proven to be very wrong on that one I expect him to run in the King George (and place) and then come back for the Ryanair. I remember when R
WC - I think they said after Aintree it would be KG > CGC. I think they said 'mad fresh' is the key.
I like this plan personally (I like your plan too but the lure of the Festival will be unavoidable IMO). FTO record is exceptional. I am not sure i buy the argument he hates Cheltenham. Everything that could go wrong in the Ryan Air did. This horse increasingly looks like a stayer to me, though whther good enough for the CGC, who knows.
WC - I think they said after Aintree it would be KG > CGC. I think they said 'mad fresh' is the key. I like this plan personally (I like your plan too but the lure of the Festival will be unavoidable IMO). FTO record is exceptional. I am not sure i b
I mean he won the Ryanair,christ knows how as he did not act at all on the track,and to be honest in the KG he looked to me a non stayer,so just cannot see him anywhere near a finish of a Gold Cup. I really think if they were to run him in the Gold Cup,that could well be the end of him as a good racehorse.
I mean he won the Ryanair,christ knows how as he did not act at all on the track,and to be honest in the KG he looked to me a non stayer,so just cannot see him anywhere near a finish of a Gold Cup.I really think if they were to run him in the Gold Cu
just looked deeper into the breeding of finians sire tiraaz and there is an encouraging amount of stamina as regards finians chances of staying 3 miles plus , tiraaz was trained for the aga khan by a.du royer dupre won the prix du gladiator and was a good 2nd in the prix du cadran and was mainly campained over staying trips in the latter part of his career, did race a few times at 12 furlongs but considered short of his best. so with the strong gale connection on his dams side it is possible that a step up to staying trips could suit . not guaranteed of course but encouraging nonetheless .
just looked deeper into the breeding of finians sire tiraaz and there is an encouraging amount of stamina as regards finians chances of staying 3 miles plus , tiraaz was trained for the aga khan by a.du royer dupre won the prix du gladiator and was a
after going through the pedigree of finians rainbow, his sire tiraaz won the prix gladiator over 1m 7 1/2 furlongs and was 2nd in the prix du cadran over 2.5 miles, added to this his dam trinity gale (by strong gale ) then 3 miles + could even suit this strong travelling classy animal who has also shown he can act at the course so a good few positives . i am no breeding expert but his pedigree does look stamina laden to me.
after going through the pedigree of finians rainbow, his sire tiraaz won the prix gladiator over 1m 7 1/2 furlongs and was 2nd in the prix du cadran over 2.5 miles, added to this his dam trinity gale (by strong gale ) then 3 miles + could even suit t
in finians only point to point in ireland over 3 miles on heavy ground he was in front at the last and in command when falling leaving the race to be won by hampshire express ,those behind were of little account ,jury is obviously out regards the trip against top class performers who he will meet at kempton or possibly cheltenham but encouraging nonetheless.
in finians only point to point in ireland over 3 miles on heavy ground he was in front at the last and in command when falling leaving the race to be won by hampshire express ,those behind were of little account ,jury is obviously out regards the tr
I don't know about the Gold Cup, but given that Grands Crus is seemingly not the horse I hoped he was Finians Rainbow is now top of my list with regards to possible winners of the King George. I thought he was very impressive when stepped up at Aintree and 3 miles round Kempton could well suit a horse with the speed to win a QM
I don't know about the Gold Cup, but given that Grands Crus is seemingly not the horse I hoped he was Finians Rainbow is now top of my list with regards to possible winners of the King George. I thought he was very impressive when stepped up at Aintr
yeah resner the king george could be right up his street and i am green on the race through others ,i think i will probably lay finians for at least my stake for the gold cup just before the king george and still be in a decnt position whatever happens ,and if he were to win the king george then m.buckley said the gold cup will be next, good luck !
yeah resner the king george could be right up his street and i am green on the race through others ,i think i will probably lay finians for at least my stake for the gold cup just before the king george and still be in a decnt position whatever happe
While clearly not happy with the ground today, I'm no sure it was exactly the best prep for a King George. Nice to see Capt Chris back to somewhere near his best though
While clearly not happy with the ground today, I'm no sure it was exactly the best prep for a King George. Nice to see Capt Chris back to somewhere near his best though
it was awful ground i'd question the wisdom of running him on that first yp his jumping never got going and im surprised he was still trading odds on half way through the race mate.
it was awful ground i'd question the wisdom of running him on that first yp his jumping never got going and im surprised he was still trading odds on half way through the race mate.
I think there's a chance that Finian's Rainbow could get the King George trip but I just can't see him even running at Cheltenham in the Gold Cup even if he won it - if by some miracle he did so, I'd give him little chance of staying, even though he's a 3M PTP winner - the RP website doesn't have that info but I think I read that a while ago...can anyone confirm that?
As for getting 20f really well...it's very rare for a Champion Chaser NOT to get the extra half mile, so I wouldn't read too much into that - I think he'll probably end up in the Ryanair, though I hope not, as I've a decent free bet on him to follow up in the QM.
Henderson has many options for the Gold Cup so I can't see it happening, and although the Ryanair lacks the prestige of the QM, the trip might be what he wants and it'd also avoid the possible embarrassment of usurping his much vaunted stablemate (and champion elect) Sprinter Sacre.
Sometimes things can fall a horse's way when stepping up in trip, as is what in my opinion occurred with a similar sort as Finian's Rainbow in Kicking King. The opposition he could be facing over longer trips would be a far tougher challenge than what Kicking King faced in his pomp, as the cards fell really smoothly for him in terms of the opposition being at a peak.
I think there's a chance that Finian's Rainbow could get the King George trip but I just can't see him even running at Cheltenham in the Gold Cup even if he won it - if by some miracle he did so, I'd give him little chance of staying, even though he'
If that's the case...it's bewildering how he could have been ruled out of that so early, before the King George If there was one race that should be off his agenda, it's the Gold Cup!
As I see it, it's a relatively simple choice of defending his QM CC or stepping up for the Ryanair.
If that's the case...it's bewildering how he could have been ruled out of that so early, before the King George If there was one race that should be off his agenda, it's the Gold Cup!As I see it, it's a relatively simple choice of defending his QM CC
his owner regards the two races as the Queen Mum and Gold Cup he aint having second best.
He believes he has the champ and the champ will be defending unless he proves capable over further.
his owner regards the two races as the Queen Mum and Gold Cup he aint having second best.He believes he has the champ and the champ will be defending unless he proves capable over further.
I reckon he'll have to go to the QM as he'll only have one proper horse to beat, but I still can't see him getting too close to Sprinter Sacre.
I'm not convinced that Sanctuaire has fully turned over a new leaf and I won't be surprised if he turns sour.
Also, Sizing Europe will be 11yo come Cheltenham, and at that age, the speed isn't there any more and you don't win Champion Chases! Only the great Moscow Flyer defies a stat like that!
There's also a lot of miles on his clock and his owner is keen to have a crack at the longer trips (probably a wise move) so he mightn't even run.
Thanks Howdi...I hadn't heard that.I reckon he'll have to go to the QM as he'll only have one proper horse to beat, but I still can't see him getting too close to Sprinter Sacre.I'm not convinced that Sanctuaire has fully turned over a new leaf and I
He was frighteningly good at Sandown but I'm very suspicious of that form, although I don't have any valid enough reasons as to why I think that - I'm reluctant to take that performance at face value.
I just don't like the horse's attitude (seen plenty of evidence with him) and this sort always reverts to type at some stage.
Besides...the 'element of surprise' has now gone, and anything up against him this season will know how he's gonna run, and he won't be able to 'steal' a top-class two mile chase so easily again - when Sprinter Sacre meets him in the Tingle Creek (on Sanctuaire's territory) if he's forward enough, he wins easily.
Now the fizz seems to have be curbed, there doesn't appear to be a weakness in Sprinter Sacre, and he's similar to Frankel in that respect - it should be a feast of fluent fencing in a couple of weeks as this pair really can jump.
He was frighteningly good at Sandown but I'm very suspicious of that form, although I don't have any valid enough reasons as to why I think that - I'm reluctant to take that performance at face value.I just don't like the horse's attitude (seen plent