Houblon Des Obeaux

Handicapped to the hilt and a level below top class. Gonna be tough this year.

I've had similar thoughts about Hadrians Approach, and I'm still left scratching my head about that one too...

Probably my favourite horse in training - have had some really good wins on him in the past.

As mushroom says, the mark looks a little tough at the moment and the first part of the season may well need to be an exercise in changing that a bit. If the handicapper relents, can see some worthwhile runs later in the season. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see a few runs over hurdles at some point also.

Might be wrong but sure he's being aimed at the Welsh National

Yeah hes not good enough for the big 3 miles races but hes too good for the lesser ones, its so frustrating. Abbott, where did you hear that hes being aimed at the Welsh National?

i have to admit, the welsh national was the first race that came to my mind when considering his likely targets this season

4 miles and mud will suffice, Welsh National it is then 3m 6f.

I honestly can't remember but I'm sure thats what I heard.

In with a squeak at Ascot today I reckon. Mark starting to look a little bit more workable.

Venetia out of form at the moment.

I'm on at Ascot today he seems to have slipped under the radar a little bit for that one think he's got a good each way shout. Think the weight he's carrying seems a bit harsh though on what he's done so far, keeping fingers crossed there's a bit more improvement in him.

Drumshambo!

glossy will be thrilled

boom

There goes that workable mark haha

Love the horse!

Well done those that kept the faith. I nearly backed him, didn't back Cockney Sparrow because of the ground and left Tidal Bay alone too, as he drifted like a barge.

Could have been a good day!!

A little bit disappointed (and annoyed) that Aiden has chosen to ride Katenko over this lad on Saturday; especially as there is little or no rain forecast between now and then and Katenko has not been seen for 10 months. Conditions seem to suit HDO better and that Ascot win suggested he'd improved a fair bit this summer and a 10 lb hike doesn't look overly harsh.

Hopefully will mean a better price come Sat.

I think he has national horse written allover him. A great jumper and an out and out stayer who will surely get better the further he goes. Not going to be on a great handicap mark, but he could still have improvement in him for the step up in trip. I also love the horse and hope he can go on to take some very big prizes in the future

National winner 2017

What steamship said

I'm already on.