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happyhibee
01 Mar 14 12:13
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Date Joined: 25 Oct 04
| Topic/replies: 19,691 | Blogger: happyhibee's blog
Rumours on the cheltenham festival twitter page that it's going straight to Aintree and missing Cheltenham. Only rumours at this stage obviously and wouldn't expect Willie to tell us much
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Report BJG March 1, 2014 12:18 PM GMT
Well i dunno who has plucked that out of their arse but WPM practically confirmed WH this mornin from wat i saw
Report happyhibee March 1, 2014 12:22 PM GMT
Was he on morning line mate? I'm only posting what was on the page but Twitter is full of these sorts of rumours
Report BJG March 1, 2014 12:24 PM GMT
Channel 4 Racing ‏@Channel4Racing  3h
Mullins on ANNIE POWER. "There looks to be easier opposition in the World Hurdle. At this point that's where she's likely to go."
Report kavvie March 1, 2014 12:24 PM GMT
said she runs in wh?
Report happyhibee March 1, 2014 12:25 PM GMT
Cheers BJG Happy
Report sc1883 March 1, 2014 1:28 PM GMT
wasnt that morning line piece filmed 10 days ago though?
Report sj March 1, 2014 1:49 PM GMT
The supposed rumour has been started because apparently Davy Russell said she would go straight to Aintree
Report happyhibee March 1, 2014 2:27 PM GMT
is that right SJ? Cheers mate
Report Money Tree cost me thousands!! March 1, 2014 2:29 PM GMT
She will be running. At world hurdle.
Report buddeliea March 1, 2014 2:29 PM GMT
All rather bizarre
Report sj March 1, 2014 5:23 PM GMT
Yeah hibbie he apparently said it at a preview night then Twitter went into overdrive
Report almera March 1, 2014 6:18 PM GMT
Read a preview night report from Thurs/Froli night in which the panel wer asked about Annie Power..De Bromhead said he had spoken with Ricci who said he wants to go Champion route but that Mullins wants to wait for Aintree.
Report ReaseHeath March 1, 2014 7:08 PM GMT
if the owner really,really wants her to run in the Champion Hurdle then that surely is what will happen.

zigazig ha.
Report cats-eyes March 1, 2014 7:55 PM GMT
Love to be fly on the wall in there house lol,because what i've heard is mrs s ricci wants to go wh!! and mr ricci whans to go champion!! and they done really want to upset Quevega going for the record,mmmmmmmmmm mullins will say wh!!,ruby will say wh!! if i had a horse good enough to go to the champion then go there,then world next year or the mares if annie was not good enough this year,put your foot down mr ricci who wears the trousers in your house lol
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 9:00 AM GMT
All the time Hurricane Fly is fit and well,AP will not be declared for the CH,shes on stand by,simple as that for me.Shes been campaigned more as a 2 miler than a 3 miler,never even run 3m yet.
The closer it gets the rumours/hints of the World Hurdle seem to develop.
HF runs in CH,AP in WH.
Something happens with HF,AP in CH.
Un De Sceaux probably being kept fit as well in case HF don't make it.
Report Cliftonhill Albion March 2, 2014 9:35 AM GMT
Hasn't half shortened for the Mares race!  Can't see it but last matched at 6.2.
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 9:38 AM GMT
cant see it either, but if quevega has a setback, then I can.
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 9:38 AM GMT
cant see it either, but if quevega has a setback, then I can.
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 9:38 AM GMT
oops!!!
Report Cliftonhill Albion March 2, 2014 9:42 AM GMT
Yes, if Quevega missed out, then I agreee it would be the mares.  But Quevega steady in the market. I'd be wanting longer than 6.2 at this stage.

In saying that, there are some idiots out there.  You read people on twitter saying she's going for the mares because 366 have her at 4/5!  Not understanding NRNB.
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 10:01 AM GMT
Darn good price that,would be at least a 1/3 shot without Quevega imo.
Report Cliftonhill Albion March 2, 2014 10:06 AM GMT
Agreed.  It's a no lose.  Lump on at 4/5.  Money back if Quevega goes for it.  Huge price if Quevega missed out.  I'd have AP a 1/4 shot.
Report Ballydoyle March 2, 2014 10:11 AM GMT
Very solid on here for world hurdle and would expect a sea of blue on oddschecker if she was confirmed for anything.
Report dwm767 March 2, 2014 10:15 AM GMT
Feel a bit for connections here.

Given Mr Ricci's association with the Mullins yard he should understand their reasons for not wanting Annie Power to line up against Hurricane Fly. That said I can understand Mr Ricci not wanting to run her in the World Hurdle given she's untried at the trip.

Best solution all round might be to give it a miss this year. Wouldn't be a total surprise.
Report Ballydoyle March 2, 2014 10:17 AM GMT
I'm actually bored listening about the horse personally. I have a good bet at 6-1 for world hurdle and think the amount of hype over where she is gonna run has, quite frankly, been ridiculous
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 10:18 AM GMT
Beat me by 1pt Bally, on at 5 nrnb.
Report Ballydoyle March 2, 2014 10:21 AM GMT
Wouldnt even be in my top 5 of ante post bets to be honest Budd.
Report shockster March 2, 2014 10:24 AM GMT
Would suit my bets if she stayed away, but that's not the point of the Festival IMO.
Report Ballydoyle March 2, 2014 10:26 AM GMT
The race she should run in is the Mares but she will go World if any because little to beat.

Always been no chance of running in the Champion whilst the Fly is running

Always been no chance of running in the Mares whilst Quevega is around
Report cufcno1 March 2, 2014 10:29 AM GMT
personally i dont think it could win any of the 3 races,would it beat the fly..no,would it beat quevega..dont think so..would it beat big bucks or rule the world over 3 mile..no chance,wouldnt get 3 mile in the back of a horsebox !
Report Ballydoyle March 2, 2014 10:30 AM GMT
no chance of beating Rule the world?? Big Bucks one race in about 400 days and beat. 11yo..he's covered.
Report Ballydoyle March 2, 2014 10:30 AM GMT
No chance she would beat Hurricane Fly or The New One.
Report jasey March 2, 2014 11:45 AM GMT
If a horse runs over 3 mile and wins does that mean it stays 3 mile.
Report FOYLESWAR March 2, 2014 1:44 PM GMT
wpm says decision tomorrow  on where annie goes ,no clues from him , barry gerahty hinting she may miss chelt
Report BJG March 2, 2014 1:54 PM GMT
Where did he say decision tomorro foyles?
Report FOYLESWAR March 2, 2014 2:00 PM GMT
err sorry wasn't concentrating (age thing ) that was on the 28th of feb he said that ! still no clearer ?
Report grocerjack March 2, 2014 4:27 PM GMT
Think they knew 2 weeks ago that she goes for world hurdle when Nichols said that Annie was the only danger to Big Bucks.Ruby does talk to Nichols.
Report Haemolysis March 2, 2014 6:21 PM GMT
official now anyway. World Hurdle it is!
Report frankalsoran60 March 2, 2014 6:40 PM GMT
IT WAS confirmed on Sunday night that Annie Power will take on four-time Ladbrokes World Hurdle champion Big Buck's at Cheltenham in 11 day's time, when she will be ridden by Ruby Walsh, who rode Big Buck's to all of his festival victories.

Annie Power also had the options of running in the Stan James Champion Hurdle or the OLBG Mares' Hurdle, but trainer Willie Mullins said on Sunday connections had decided to bid for the staying hurdlers' crown.
Report cufcno1 March 2, 2014 7:38 PM GMT
jasey where has annie power won over 3 mile at,on some paddy field !
Report quantize March 2, 2014 7:47 PM GMT
If she is gonna be a gold cup horse needs to win world hurdle
Report cufcno1 March 2, 2014 7:49 PM GMT
we will find out because you have to stay on the new course !
Report lemon March 2, 2014 8:00 PM GMT
ludicrous decision.
for future reference, ricci can be walked all over seemingly
Report festivalfanatic March 2, 2014 8:03 PM GMT
We're over a week away....plenty of time for Willie to change his mind!
Report lucky22 March 2, 2014 8:08 PM GMT
It makes the most sense. Willie/Ruby can be heroes in 3 races at the festival. It's in no one's interest to put AP against the Fly....and for one thing it makes the world hurdle a better race...the Champion Hurdle already looks like a cracker!!
Report PeteTheBloke March 2, 2014 8:13 PM GMT
I don't think Wiilie's motivation is making the WH a better race.
Report Ballydoyle March 2, 2014 8:14 PM GMT
Wouldn't shock me if Annie Power failed to stay and took over the Quevega role
Report jasey March 2, 2014 8:27 PM GMT
cufcno1..You missed my point.
She could have raced in Ireland and won over 3 mile in race run at a crawl it still wouldn't mean she stays
Report cufcno1 March 2, 2014 8:32 PM GMT
sorry mate,all this studying getting me a bit touchy !
Report Barney Rubble March 2, 2014 8:42 PM GMT
Poor decision IMO.

Wouldn't want to be risking a possible Gold Cup horse in the World hurdle. Can't think of any World Hurdlers offhand who went to the top over fences.
Report Brooksielad March 2, 2014 8:45 PM GMT
Usually because the world hurdle is contended by failed chasers.
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 8:50 PM GMT
That's cos it's an afterthought, they originally wanted her in CH, but then realised HF could win it again.not campaigned for WH and future GC horses don't go this route.
Report Barney Rubble March 2, 2014 8:52 PM GMT
True. Just hope they walk the first 1/2 mile like last year and then hopefully she won't be bottomed before she even begins her chasing career
Report jasey March 2, 2014 8:53 PM GMT
Dorans Pride  won world hurdle and became a top chaser 3rd in a gold cup
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 8:55 PM GMT
To be honest, IMO they have wasted a year with her now,could have gone nov chasing and be going GC next season.
Report buddeliea March 2, 2014 8:59 PM GMT
Ok jasey,don't normally go this route,is certainly not what they planned.
Report jasey March 2, 2014 9:18 PM GMT
I agree with you Bud
Report cyclops March 3, 2014 12:36 PM GMT
Reminds me of Flyingbolt dodging Arkle. Went on to win the 2 mile Champion chase then run 3rd in the Champion Hurdle. Might just have re-written history if he'd gone for the Gold Cup.

Has to be the right decision assuming HF remains on course. Budd, you say that it's not what they'd planned. Where's the evidence? Mullins was going to run AP over 3 miles at Christmas then had a re-think. Hasn't targeted a top 2 mile race with her (Britain or Ireland) this season and her campaign leads more logically to the Stayers than the Champion, regardless of Hurricane Fly.
Report buddeliea March 3, 2014 12:53 PM GMT
Budd, you say that it's not what they'd planned. Where's the evidence?


Not one race over 3m. Every race over hurdles thus far has been 2m or 2 and a halfm, her last race was 2m.

Start of season owner said he wanted CH.


if they had planned WH for her she would have been campaigned that way, she aint.
Shes been campaigned in a way to step in should HF have a setback...clear as day for me.
Its been a sort of in between distances campaign, so she could go 2m if needed to.
Now we are getting close,they are saying WH for the first time with some substance.

She will now run in a race 3 furlongs further than shes raced before.
Personally I think she will win the race,as she is considered a Gold Cup horse. And that for me is further evidence...shes considered a Gold Cup type,yet has forsaken a novice chase campaign, for the WHurdle!!
I could understand that if owner wanted the glory of the CHurdle, but the WH?? When she could have been going Arkle on the way to Gold Cup??.
Got to wait another year now,just for the WH???  Nope,not avin it.
Report cyclops March 3, 2014 12:59 PM GMT
She's only six. Plenty of time to go chasing. Yes, she may have been HF's deputy and no doubt she would step into his shoes if needed (as would UDS). But The World Hurdle is the top stayers race of the year and her most impressive run was brushing aside Zarkander over 2m5f in very soft going. IMO, she's more likely to have the stamina for the stayers than the speed for the Champion, particularly if it comes up G/S. And that's from someone who backed her at very long odds for the Champion in September. Not great for the pocket but cant argue with the decision.
Report BarryM March 3, 2014 4:18 PM GMT
I think WM has behaved disgracefully, and I would never have a horse with him after the way he has handled this mare. She was kept over hurdles to go for the champion, and he has bullied the owner out of letting her run. He said in a recent interview "has she ever met a real champion hurdle horse". Well, as it happens, she has twice beaten Zarkandar easier than Hurricane Fly did in last year's Champion, so arguable "yes". But if she hasn't Willie, who's fault is that exactly? Meanwhile, she is now going to have to step up more than half a mile in trip - and a mile on her last run - in a championship event. It's complete nonsense.

She might go and win it of course, but I would still stand by all the above. She might also have a really gruelling battle and be put off the place, when she's barely come of the bridle so far.

I think she'd have a great chance in the Champion, and would be a certainty in the mares, Quevaga no chance over 2.5m against this mare. Quevaga, of course, is the one that SHOULD be running in the world hurdle.

There are many in Ireland who think WM is some sort of God. I disagree, but he certainly moves in mysterious ways.
Report buddeliea March 3, 2014 4:34 PM GMT
I think she'd have a great chance in the Champion, and would be a certainty in the mares, Quevaga no chance over 2.5m against this mare. Quevaga, of course, is the one that SHOULD be running in the world hurdle.


Nice to someone agreeing with me re Quevega and APower.

Been all about the Fly and Quevega as far as Annie Powers campaign has gone.
Report Arklearkle March 3, 2014 4:52 PM GMT
Barry poor WM must be nearly in tears on hearing that you wont be sending a horse to him!
Report Ramruma March 3, 2014 4:56 PM GMT
Also Felix Yonger being sacrificed for Champagne Fever in the Arkle.

Mullins has three horses making history: Quevega's sixth Mares; Champagne Fever's third Festival win; and Hurricane Fly's third Champion Hurdle. It does look as if other considerations are secondary.

But maybe that is unfair. Perhaps he is just keeping his best horses apart for other reasons. The effect is the same.
Report buddeliea March 3, 2014 5:26 PM GMT
Its a problem that will continue if one trainer has the best horses,and his own agendas.
Lethal combination for ruining the sport imo.
Report buddeliea March 3, 2014 5:38 PM GMT
Probably a bit strong saying ruining the sport,but its certainly having an effect on the quality in depth of big races imo.
Best way of preventing this is for owners to spread their horses about.
Report ReaseHeath March 3, 2014 6:08 PM GMT
probably not my best timing but Mullins 10 year record in the World Hurdle is underwhelming at best.

2 placed from 15 runners, you may say she's too good for it to matter but, it does suggest he's not the best judge of what is required to be a force in the race given the firepower at his disposal - appreciate seven of those races have been won by two absolute superstars but you'd expect him to have a few more in the frame at least.
Report Fallen Angel March 3, 2014 11:51 PM GMT
Interesting some weird moves in the Mares where she has been backed down from 150 to 10/1. Assume that it's nothing but odd none the less. No move on the Quevega prices so assume it is a bot, fat finger or some other explanation.
Report grocerjack March 4, 2014 8:16 AM GMT
I should imagine its cos non runner no bet scenario so Bookies /punters covering themselves in case Annie plans change.
Report Ballydoyle March 4, 2014 8:29 AM GMT
People cancelling their bets cos its World Hurdle.end of.
Report Ballydoyle March 4, 2014 8:30 AM GMT
Said it on here for 3 months. Always been heading World Hurdle.jesus it's been double figs for the other two for as long....even Forrest Gump could work out it was the World
Report Ballydoyle March 4, 2014 8:37 AM GMT
Paddy M laughed at Tom Segal last night at tipping up Annie P for the champ saying horses she has beat over 2m would get lapped in the champion hurdle.always been viewed as a stayer
Report tomdeane March 4, 2014 11:22 AM GMT
I wanted her in the Churdle but no point covering very old ground with that.

More importantly, does she stay in the World?

I think now it's just about the most intriguing question of the Festival, as I suspect a lot of people think she'd be good enough to hack up if she does. I'm very much on the fence, so couldn't be backing her at the price with the doubt in my mind. Her keenness the last day is what worries me. The World might not be as deep as the Churdle but it's got some very good horses with bundles of stamina in and she will really be tested. Gun to my head, I think she'll fall in a hole after the last and finish an honourable third before settling better and coming back to get up the hill and win next year's RSA.
Report Ballydoyle March 4, 2014 12:12 PM GMT
I'm on at 6-1 and will be hitting the pink at odds on in running as there is definitely a doubt.
Report BarryM March 5, 2014 12:35 AM GMT
Paddy M is wrong. One of the horses she's beaten (twice) was 4th in last year's champion, beaten just over 7l by an all-out Hurricane Fly. The horse that fell at the last as she disappeared into the distance at Donny wasn't too far behind MTOY in a grade one at Newcastle. And she travelled last time like a 2 miler, and quite a fizzy one at that. She should be in the Champion and would beat Hurricane Fly easily.
Report Eeternaloptimist March 5, 2014 1:10 AM GMT
Given the doubts I don't think they'll go a married mans pace and fully expect something like RDS to bounce out and look to grind out the kick of some of the speed horses like Annie. She'll not only have to stay but relish every yard because the true stayers will want her racing for 3 miles.
Report Steamship March 5, 2014 8:30 AM GMT
Im surprised to see that she is as short as 2.98 on here against established stayers, she has beat very little in slowly run races and although getting the allowance for being a mare she could also come into season. She makes the prices for other horses for me.
Report geoff m March 5, 2014 9:13 AM GMT
Steam:
she has beat very little in slowly run races
Really?

Zarkander (who shes absolutely mullered twice ) can hardly be classed as very little
Annies beaten Zarkander further than The New One & Hurricane Fly 
What more do you want?
Report Steamship March 5, 2014 11:17 AM GMT
Well I obviously want bigger than 2-1 for a horse that has beaten 19 rivals in her last 6 runnings.that has never won at the trip, that will go a faster early pace than she has gone before.

You could say she beat Pass The Time by 23 lengths, is that World Hurdle form?
Report geoff m March 5, 2014 11:45 AM GMT
So you think using pass the time (where she won in a canter)as a measure of her true ability as opposed to the thoroughly consistent top class Zarkander is more appropriate?
Report brassneck March 5, 2014 12:06 PM GMT
she can only beat what is put up against her.Cry
Report buddeliea March 5, 2014 12:15 PM GMT
Pass the time?? Laugh

Bringing up an opponent that gets stuffed in a canter is not how to read a horses chances.
Report geoff m March 5, 2014 12:23 PM GMT
Just for good measure tho Pass The Time did come out and win hcap hurdle off top weight 4 weeks later.
You cant have it both ways Steam claiming slow run races and then saying only beat a horse by a restricted amount of distance.
1 dictates the other.
Report Steamship March 5, 2014 2:01 PM GMT
I was being facetious about Pass The Time geoff. What I am trying to point out is that she is going to face something she never has before and at the price imo she is rank bad value. Crikey it's only an opinion Im not advising to have her shot.

Buddeliea you worry about your betting and I will worry about mine.
Report Autocue March 5, 2014 2:38 PM GMT
I think it would be a shame to let annoyance at the choice of race put you off backing her. IMO this is the best mare we have seen for a very long time and I don't foresee the trip being any problem whatsoever.
Report geoff m March 5, 2014 2:47 PM GMT
SteaM;
What I am trying to point out is that she is going to face something she never has before
I agree .
I was just questioning your dismissal of Zarkander who can hardly be classed as very little and who is a great yardstick to measure anothers form by.
Report Steamship March 5, 2014 2:54 PM GMT
I like Zarkandar but I don't think he has been at his best this season. What price would you back Annie Power at geoff?
Report shockster March 5, 2014 3:03 PM GMT
There's 460/470 available on here for Pass The Time in the Mares Hurdle.  Think I'll pass the time by looking elsewhere.
Report buddeliea March 5, 2014 6:07 PM GMT
Steamship,

Ok mate
Laugh
Report jasey March 5, 2014 6:18 PM GMT
3 class horses beat Zarkander this year.
TNO wins churdle MR 2nd AP wins world and Zark is placed.
Easy this game
Report brassneck March 6, 2014 12:36 AM GMT
Annie will do the talkingCool
Report ZEALOT March 6, 2014 1:34 AM GMT
Most of these opinions are made by moron
Report Autocue March 6, 2014 8:48 AM GMT
Skybet have an offer for new customers. Bet £30 and you get a £30 matched bet. The difference between this and similar offers from eg. Lads and Hills is that you get the free bet token as soon as you strike your first bet, not when it settles. Thus you can back the same horse and therefore get £60 on Annie Power NRNB at about 4/1. That's a good bet in my opinion.
Report Autocue March 6, 2014 8:51 AM GMT
Apologies, it's £30 of your money at effective odds of about 4/1. I should go into selling snake oil Blush
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