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strontium
20 Oct 12 23:48
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Date Joined: 21 Sep 05
| Topic/replies: 364 | Blogger: strontium's blog
I really enjoyed the excellent discussion in a similar thread last year. Then it was "best horse" - strictly that would be Sprinter Sacre/Sizing Europe/Kauto Star/Bick Buck's/etc many weekends. I thought this time we might talk about the most interesting, or promising, horse we saw run.

I know it's only Saturday night, but I'm going to start with The New One. Won the Class 2, 21 f novice hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday. Beat the promising Village Vic by 3 l giving 5 lb with the other finishers (including 5 other hurdle winners) 20+ l back in a heap.  Would have won at least a couple of lengths more had he not clipped the final hurdle. He hurdled a bit novicey - but could improve as this was only his second hurdle start (now 2 from 2). The horse came 6th in the Champion Bumper and won the Aintree Grade 2 bumper so probably has a bit of pace.

Not exactly a dark horse, but certainly one to watch this season imo and interesting for the Neptune.
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Report duffy October 23, 2012 2:58 PM BST
I thought that that performance had that bit of something special about it too.Happy
Report Can't Catch Me October 23, 2012 3:03 PM BST
Especially after such a lay off duffy.

I used to be a part owner in Cash & Go, and I'll never forget how impressive he was at Limerick in his bumper. Just p1ssed over us and the whole field. I'm hugely taken with the horse. I remember thinking we could beat him pre-race as well. Must have been the Guinness Laugh
Report Colldogg October 24, 2012 2:04 AM BST
The two obvious ones are The New One and Sire Collonges.

The New one looks very good at the moment for The Albert Bartlet/Neptune at the minute. He needs to keep improving though and I don't think I'd take him yet at the prices for Cheltenham.

Sire Collonges I was very impressed with. He looked a natural chaser and jumped very well (apart from Ruby nearly getting unseated 2 out). He looks very good for the RSA and should continue to improve over fences. Has a very good trainer to school him over trainers and he's a very impressive 3mile chaser for the future. I know the form of his race Friday wasn't the strongest but I'm sure he has much more to offer and improvment in him.

Have to agree with the people who was not impressed by Dodging Bullets too. He did not look like he had much in hand and was getting 8lbs off his only real rival. Dodging Bullets is not a horse I will be following or looking out for with any great enthusiam this season when he comes out again against better horses.
Report shockster October 24, 2012 9:06 AM BST
Court Minstrel really needs a mention.  Seems to have been missed by most, but was a smart first Hurdle race.
Report strontium October 24, 2012 11:03 AM BST
The New One is likely to race next in the 2 1/2 m nov hurdle at the Paddy Power meeting.
Report bluebirdfan October 24, 2012 12:42 PM BST
Court Minstrel was a very impressive winner, suprised to see no Supreme quotes afterwards
Report Glossy October 24, 2012 7:05 PM BST
I realise that the weekend is long gone but was quite taken by Houblon Des Obeaux in his first spin over fences today. He's been a big favourite of mine for a while. Didn't beat a great deal but looked neat and tidy in his jumping and retains the ability to run on late into the race to win by 11 lengths. He will come up against better I'm sure but with his decent record at Cheltenham, could be an interesting early one for the RSA; a race that seems to favour more dour, less flashy horses in recent years.
Report wellchief October 24, 2012 7:12 PM BST
I think a few people have been a bit unfair on Dodging Bullets to be honest.

He was really green early on, and then just ran a little lazily in the mid part of the race.  He was back on the bridle turning for home, and found plenty every time Ruby asked him a question.  He pinged the last and pulled away going to the line - all a game of opinions but I thought he had quite a bit in hand.

Don't forget that he was still a maiden, and it was the first run of the season (remembering it was at HQ), and we are still very very early into the season.
Report Glossy October 24, 2012 7:14 PM BST
Pretty much as I saw it chief.
Report strontium October 24, 2012 9:49 PM BST
Does it concern you he still looked green in his 13th start under rules?
Report wellchief October 24, 2012 10:01 PM BST
When I say green, I meant that he was pulling quite a bit in the first few furlongs; even the best do that.  Last year it took them a long time to get Sprinter to settle.
Report Colldogg October 24, 2012 11:02 PM BST
Nothing against Dodging Bullets, but think he has to show a lot more than he showed on Saturday. The horse in 2nd was a horse rated in the 50s on the flat and it wasn't like Dodging Bullets was in control, it took him a long time to take control of the race even though he did always look the likely winner.

Agreed about Houblon Des Obeaux today too and he's a horse I really like. Was on him at 50s in the Pertemps at the festival. He is an out and out stayer though and not sure if he will be good enough for the RSA chase. If anything he seems like he will get better in time with another step up in trip over marathon trips like 3 and half to 4miles. He's a really impressive strong horse though who has a bright future as a chaser ahead of him. Maybe a Grand National horse?
Report Colldogg October 24, 2012 11:17 PM BST
Oh and obviously not until next season for the Grand National for Houblon as he's only 5 and still needs a lot more practice over fences. If he carrys on this way though he will more than likely be my first antepost bet for the 2014 Grand National :D
Report gulliverstravels October 25, 2012 9:37 PM BST
sire collognes r.s.AMischief
Report resner not lesnar October 27, 2012 3:38 PM BST
For Non Stop was very impressive just then. Field might not have been te strongest but couldn't have won any easier, on that form would stand a decent chance in the Ryanair
Report strontium October 27, 2012 3:40 PM BST
He certainly was impressive - which suggests Sir des Champs could be anything.
Report wellchief October 27, 2012 3:43 PM BST
Just took a little bit of the 33's for the Ryanair.

I'm amazed Paddy Power haven't shortened him after that.

Made the cardinal sin; was planning on backing him all week and then changed my mind and backed Noble Prince, who didn't go a yard.
Report buddeliea October 27, 2012 3:43 PM BST
think we knew that Stront!!
Report wellchief October 27, 2012 3:52 PM BST
PP just gone 10's now.

Not the strongest race, and he had a nice racing weight, but hard not to be impressed with how he jumped and travelled.
Report strontium October 27, 2012 3:52 PM BST
You say that Budd, but there are quite a few on here who say SdC has never beaten a good horse. I think today we saw that he has, very easily.
Report FOYLESWAR October 27, 2012 3:53 PM BST
wonderfull charm lived up to the hype and showed an impressive turn of foot between the last 2 ....interesting
Report buddeliea October 27, 2012 3:57 PM BST
yeh Stront,i have read that,but one only has to use their eyes to see hes a class act.

I really hope Al Ferof gets over the Arkle mistake,(think that scared him a tad),cos his form with FNS has had a nice boost there.
Report FOYLESWAR October 27, 2012 4:00 PM BST
wishfull thinking has run a decent race giving the winner nearly a stone !good to see him back !
Report buddeliea October 27, 2012 4:03 PM BST
you think he would rather front run Foyles??
seems to me his jumping is better when hes out in front with a nice rhythm.
Report strontium October 27, 2012 4:04 PM BST
Sensible tactics seemed to help WT didn't they.

Budd, I totally agree about SdC, and you're right about Al Ferof (+ I love your persistence!)
Report resner not lesnar October 27, 2012 4:07 PM BST
Did well to get 33/1 after that WC. Not surprised he's into 10's now.

In the past he's always seemed a horse thats run well without winning often, he looked a different horse today. Which could mean he's just improved a hell of a lot rather than paying much of a compliment to those who've beaten him previously.

Or if he's a similar level to before you could also read it as a pretty good compliment to Cue Card (and in turn Sprinter Scare - not that he needs any more!) as he beat easily enough For Non Stop 4l giving him 7 pounds.
Report buddeliea October 27, 2012 4:09 PM BST
Laugh

yeh,i am persistent a tad,but i will be keeping a close eye on AF this season,think we will know what sort of season hes gonnaa have pretty early on.

understand what you say re WThinking,but if they can keep him steady i feel he prefers being out in front.
Report FOYLESWAR October 27, 2012 4:58 PM BST
yeah budd think wishfull would rather be in front popping away ,out the back today and being pushed along , so in the circumstances not a bad effort . hobbs said he has had 3 breathing  operations! although the winner did it well today !
Report duffy October 27, 2012 5:10 PM BST
I will resist getting drawn in to an impressive williams first time out winner, will we see that level from him again this season, he was obviously hard fit for today whilst what else ran its race? on that run he would have been better off going straight to the PP!! didn't do any harm to cue card either did it.
Report Howdi October 27, 2012 5:17 PM BST
buddeliea






27 Oct 12 15:43
Joined:


19 Mar 04
| Topic/replies: 6,808 | Blogger: buddeliea's blog



think we knew that Stront!!

disagree this is a massive compliment to Des Champs. and the 2nd hoss cc who should run in the paddy power imo
Report shockster October 27, 2012 5:20 PM BST
For Non Stop was undeniably impressive today, but he's run 4 times at Chelt over 2.5 miles and been beaten every time.  He's been placed but something always beats him.  Wouldn't be keen to back him for either PP or Ryanair.  I'd be tempted to enter him for the King George and see if he stays.  They then have the option of Gold Cup or Ryanair depending on the outcome.  Have backed him at big price for Gold so my pocket is talking.
Report shockster October 27, 2012 11:04 PM BST
Masters Hill impressed me also today and he has little miles on the clock. He can make an impression this season.  I believe this race will work out quite well and will throw up winners.
Report buddeliea October 28, 2012 9:50 AM GMT
disagree with what howdi?

you not think we knew sdc was a class act before yesterday mate?
Report ReaseHeath October 28, 2012 11:30 AM GMT
Not necessarily the most interesting but Mad Max ran well for a long way in only his second race within last 18 months - stable not in great form yet either. Would n't be surprised to see him pop up in a nice handicap or veterans chase at a decent price at some stage this season. May depend on what handicapper does to him after yday.
Report Howdi October 28, 2012 12:57 PM GMT
SDC could conceivably be 10 pounds better than anyone thought after yesterday . So when someone poster we knew that already - maybe not to the extent we know now
Report wellchief October 28, 2012 1:03 PM GMT
Sir Des Champs is definitely a class act, but is a very very short price for the Gold Cup imo
Report buddeliea October 28, 2012 4:59 PM GMT
oh right howdi,sounded like you were saying i was wrong in saying we knew he was a class act before yesterday.

course he is chief, and also agree price is a bit short for GC,at this stage.

hes also a fair bet to improve any amount from novice season.
could even be 10lb Howdi!!
Report Howdi October 28, 2012 7:11 PM GMT
or more!!
Report strontium October 28, 2012 7:34 PM GMT
I haven't seen muchg this weekend, but from what I have seen, For Non Stop was definitely the eyecatcher.
Report ReaseHeath October 28, 2012 7:46 PM GMT
Kid Cassidy was certainly interesting at Aintree today
Report FOYLESWAR October 28, 2012 8:09 PM GMT
the kid cassidy run today ........going into meltdown on the horse r forum ! .......
Report strontium October 28, 2012 10:30 PM GMT
Did anyone call him electric? He deserves some luck after what happened to him.
Report rogerthebutler October 28, 2012 11:46 PM GMT
Okay For Non Stop but Stagecoach Pearl ran an impressive race for me.

Taken on for the lead by Mad Max, I thought Mad Max would win that little confrontation, but SP just bid his time and took it up again going into the back straight again. FNS was different gravy of course, but SP kept on when headed over a trip that's probabaly too far for him - be of real interest in a snmall field back at 2 miles.
Report strontium October 29, 2012 12:08 AM GMT
Ah, I see Rease meant "interesting" in another sense. I didn't see the race Confused
Report duffy October 29, 2012 1:07 PM GMT
I think it was on this day at aintree a few years ago that opera de coeur was the subject of a quiet ride.
Report FOYLESWAR October 29, 2012 1:33 PM GMT
echos of bellvano last year .......
Report strontium November 3, 2012 11:27 PM GMT
Puffin Billy for me today (bumper at Ascot). I'm not sure he beat much but he was carrying a penalty and beat two other bumper winners. what impressed me was the way he did it - effortlessly, at a hack canter. It was like watching a different species from the other runners.

I don't know if the plan is to go hurdling or stay in bumpers but he's certainly one to watch.
Report 3132 November 3, 2012 11:34 PM GMT
Puffins sister Zuzka is also going well for W.Mullins - 4 wins from 8...Grade 3 Hurdle winner and never out the 1st three.
Report Arklearkle November 4, 2012 1:16 AM GMT
Connections quoted as saying Puffin was going hurlding in a months time. Looked different class today.
Report 3132 November 4, 2012 9:26 AM GMT
Oliver Sherwood in RP saying he hates Chelt Bumper and goes hurdling.
Report strontium November 4, 2012 1:53 PM GMT
Thanks for that info - if he jumps well he could be a big player in the novice hurdles.
Report festivalfanatic November 4, 2012 2:27 PM GMT
Our Vinnie, mentioned on here as an unlucky loser after the last Cheltenham meeting has won the Grade 3 hurdle at Cork today. Some numbnut called festivalfanatic who thought connections would recoup losses soon and hasn't backed the feckin thing.......
Report CheltenhamRoar November 4, 2012 3:33 PM GMT
Raya Star

Really like how this horse is progressing,Thought he done it really well in a tough little race yesterday,Wouldnt surprise me in the least if he's a Champion Hurdle horse come march.
Report Quvega November 4, 2012 3:34 PM GMT
Saphir River
Report cufcno1 November 4, 2012 3:45 PM GMT
taquin du seuil,top effort giving weight to my tent or yours!
Report Sergei_Rebrofl November 4, 2012 4:02 PM GMT
I was quite taken with Roberto Goldbacks run. I'd heard a whisper that he might be fully wound up this time out so fancied a good showing (stupidly put him in a double, which was beaten of course), and though they missed a fence or two he couldn't have made it look easier. Might be aimed at the national apparently?
Report strontium November 4, 2012 4:25 PM GMT
Yes, I believe Roberto has been bought with the National in mind.

Cufcno, I agree that was a good effort in the circumstances and the front 2 pulled well clear so the form could be pretty good. On the other hand My Tent or Yours didn't settle and didn't hurdle particularly well so he could improve a lot for the experience. To borrow a cliche, the horse clearly also has quite an engine.
Report Glossy November 4, 2012 6:48 PM GMT
Really liked the look of Bold Sir Brian today. Jumped every fence with ease and looked to have even more in the tank.
Report 3132 November 4, 2012 7:47 PM GMT
CheltenhamRoar - King still talking about chasing for Raya Star. Looks like the Greatwood (now RP) Hurdle next with a penalty. Maybe if he won that he'd stay hurdling til next season.
Report CheltenhamRoar November 5, 2012 3:56 PM GMT
Cheers for that 3132,Gonna be very interesting to see what they do with him,i'd imagine if he won the Greatwood they'll keep him hurdling.
Report Glossy November 10, 2012 2:25 PM GMT
Glossy     24 Oct 12 19:05 
I realise that the weekend is long gone but was quite taken by Houblon Des Obeaux in his first spin over fences today. He's been a big favourite of mine for a while. Didn't beat a great deal but looked neat and tidy in his jumping and retains the ability to run on late into the race to win by 11 lengths. He will come up against better I'm sure but with his decent record at Cheltenham, could be an interesting early one for the RSA; a race that seems to favour more dour, less flashy horses in recent years.


I'll go with this again LoveLoveLove
Report Mr Eboue November 10, 2012 7:07 PM GMT
CoolHappy Nice one Glossy.
Report wellchief November 11, 2012 1:22 PM GMT
Good shout Glossy, was considering backing him yesterday but didn't.  Trying to reduce my Saturday gambling.

He's certainly made an excellent start to his chasing career, and looks like 3 miles is his trip.  My concern for the RSA is that he will only be 6, and could be a grueling race for a six year old.

The William Hill could be an option; Our Mick was a 6 year old novice chaser who placed in it last year, but Houblon is already rated in the early 140's.
Report Glossy November 11, 2012 3:50 PM GMT
Think his mark will be too high come May chief.

Genuinely think he will continue to improve and get a place in the RSA. If he manages to do so whilst remaining under the radar, all the better Happy
Report Glossy November 11, 2012 3:50 PM GMT
*March, not May!
Report willie the milk November 11, 2012 7:00 PM GMT
Without doubt, Overturn. Never touched a twig. Only problem is, flat horses don't win the Arkle
Report Glossy November 11, 2012 7:35 PM GMT
Not sure that Overturn should necessarily be categorised as a 'flat' horse though despite his breeding. He's proved to be so versatile at the very top level in so many spheres, he's deserved the right not to be included in trends such as those. Wonderful horse with so many admirers.
Report strontium November 11, 2012 8:41 PM GMT
Flemenstar Love Brushed away a recent Champion chaser over 2m like he wasn't there.
Report Mr Eboue November 11, 2012 8:48 PM GMT
I love Flemenstar.

Sadly i think the good ground at chelters may not be to his liking.

However he looks the type to mop up the grade ones on soft.
Report IanD83 November 12, 2012 12:50 PM GMT
Ned Buntline looked pretty good in the Naas bumper. Nina barely moved a muscle all race.
Report gutfeeling November 15, 2012 10:18 AM GMT
Champagne James.
Report ReaseHeath November 18, 2012 6:51 PM GMT
Creepy
Report buddeliea November 18, 2012 6:58 PM GMT
al ferof

sorry,couldn't resist
Laugh
Report strontium November 18, 2012 7:00 PM GMT
Laugh

Dead heat for me - Dynaste and Our Father. Lucky for the Pipes.
Report mushroom23 November 18, 2012 7:04 PM GMT
Even though we know of him I think its fair to say Go Natives performance was interesting, clearly retains most if not all his ability
Report gutfeeling November 18, 2012 7:04 PM GMT
Champagne Fever

That's 2 champagne horses in a row for me and i hate the stuff :p
Report ReaseHeath November 18, 2012 7:11 PM GMT
actually Our Father is a good shout - he could develop a cult following.
Report judorick November 18, 2012 7:14 PM GMT
Our Father for me, no telling how good he might end up
Report buddeliea November 18, 2012 7:14 PM GMT
Go natives run i found very interesting,once highly tipped to win a CHurdle and great to see him come back.

Agree re Our Father,very impressive.
Report festivalfanatic November 18, 2012 7:26 PM GMT
With regards to Cheltenham and with the exception of Friday, I'd be reluctant to place too much store on the form from Saturday and today due to the ground and certainly won't be punting/laying horses for the Festival on the back of it.
Report judorick November 18, 2012 7:46 PM GMT
yes the going was a big factor on Sat/Sun but nevertheless I liked Our Father
Report festivalfanatic November 18, 2012 7:50 PM GMT
Fair observation judo....he ran about 100yards further than anything else too! Will he act on (relatively) quick ground though?
Report roobuck November 18, 2012 7:55 PM GMT
Dynaste and Our Father both put up good performances 1st time last season - want to see them both follow up and out of the two I actually preferred Dynaste.

I liked Coneygree today.

Visually I actually thought Ifbutandwhynot's acceleration on poor ground in the handicap yesterday was as good as anything and will still be competitive of his new mark unless the handicapper goes loopy
Report buddeliea November 18, 2012 8:20 PM GMT
dont be too sure re the ground in March,weve had a lot of rain,and no doubt a lot more to come.its unusual to have ground like we did this weekend and its possible we could have a soft ground festival,and i for one am going to be real careful with my antepost bets.
Report rogerthebutler November 18, 2012 9:18 PM GMT
Was there Friday and Saturday and was very impressed with Dynaste. Travelled exceptionally well and put the race to bed very quickly when asked to. There's probabaly something that'll come out and beat him in the RSA (if he goes for it - who knows with the Pipe's?) a la last year's winner Grands Crus, but he looks very good Feltham material.

Wetlak may have got closer to the winner in the 2m Handicap chase, but for a peck on landing at the last. He'll win a 2m handicap chase before long.

I like the way Any Currency ran in the 3m3f Handicap Chase on Saturday. Thought his goose was cooked a long way from home but he just kept fighting. Horses like this can turn the form book upside down. Resolve carries a lot of weight in a horse for me.

Kazlian needs further. Travelling smoothly to 3 out but then got done for pace in the Greatwood. He's an Aga Khan-bred and stamina and sturdiness are usually the forte of HH-bred animals.
Report duffy November 18, 2012 10:19 PM GMT
captain conan and it was nice to see wishfull thinking handed a nice confidence booster, hope he gets back to those dazzling displays at the back end of his novice days.
Report Ibrahima Sonko November 18, 2012 10:21 PM GMT
Coneygree for me.

Some people have backed him ap for cheltenham Cool
Report Glossy November 18, 2012 10:33 PM GMT
Was about to post the same thing about WT, duffy. Like a few of Hobbs' horses, it hasn't really progressed from it's novice form but still has a lot of class about it. Let's hope that today's round of jumping (apart from the first) gives the horse a bit of confidence.
Report muzza88 November 18, 2012 10:33 PM GMT
I like Dodging Bullets. Wasn;t that impressed after his first run but think more after this weekend. Any clues where he'll head next?
Report Glossy November 18, 2012 10:38 PM GMT
Agree that Dodging Bullets has a lot of promise. I said the same last month (see the the first page) but many didn't seem to agree. Happy

Really like the horse and beat some decent sorts on Friday.
Report wellchief November 18, 2012 10:47 PM GMT
Vasco Du Ronceray for me.  Barry very easy on him after the last and the front two pulled miles clear of the rest.  Travelled strongly and I think Far West was just a bit stronger up the hill, but these juveniles all improve at vastly different rates, and think there is a lot more to come.
Report wellchief November 18, 2012 10:48 PM GMT
I think Nicholls said Christmas Hurdle and then Supreme Muzza
Report rogerthebutler November 19, 2012 10:16 AM GMT
Will need to see the Topspeed figure but visually the Dodging Bullets race was a slow run affair and everyone else was ridden to sleep by Ruby who won it well from the front.

Run With The Wind was given a typical Timmy Murphy 'out the back' ride - fine in a strong run race, but not in a tactical affair like this - but finished best of those held up. Not saying he's a world beater but one to keep an eye on.
Report wellchief January 12, 2013 3:19 PM GMT
Hopefully you were on the bigger prices for The New One Stront when you put this thread up.

Beat asbsolutely nothing but it was hard not to be impressed with how he jumped and travelled.  It looks like he'd stay the Albert Bartlett as well trip if they fancied that route, but surely all roads to the Neptune.
Report roobishisthat January 12, 2013 6:56 PM GMT
a horse who ive been watching closely this season is captain sunshine of emma lavelles , with his form reading 6r7f he was runnig a very good race today , and would have gone close , under a very tender ride , iam convinced when he gets good ground he will win a big prize
Report Makybe_Diva January 12, 2013 8:56 PM GMT
The New One  Love
Report duffy January 12, 2013 10:12 PM GMT
The New One RSA Chase next year...25's.....bet365.
Report resner not lesnar January 12, 2013 11:45 PM GMT
Does anyone know the original poster of this thread, he used to post on a daily basis but I can't recall anything from him for ages?
Report buddeliea January 13, 2013 8:44 AM GMT
No idea rnl,but hes missed on here,Stront always worth taking notice of.
Report wellchief January 13, 2013 9:36 AM GMT
Definitely Budd
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