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Shiekh Me Hand
25 Aug 14 05:18
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Date Joined: 09 Jul 05
| Topic/replies: 1,287 | Blogger: Shiekh Me Hand's blog
Just had a cheeky look at the "possibilities" for next year.. oh dear.. what a poor bunch, checked the ante post books and oh my goodness..Holywell is favourite in a couple of books... chri.st Nortons Coin would be fav against some of the pigs on this list.

Can anybody please tell me how a horse that gets beat round Catterick can be fav for the big un!!  blimey!! "Hi George" has not been seen since it beat the Gold Cup fav, must be saving it's mark for a handicap round Cartmel :)
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Report cufcno1 August 25, 2014 10:19 AM BST
Was never going to win around catterick over a trip that never suited,was obviously being set up for the handicap at Cheltenham,johnjo will get to improve and the horse loves Cheltenham.
Report Makybe_Diva August 25, 2014 11:58 AM BST
"... chri.st Nortons Coin would be fav against some of the pigs on this list."

That's a horrible thing to say.

Also an insult to pigs. Pigs are lovely creatures.
Report cufcno1 August 25, 2014 1:03 PM BST
Stick to ur Shiite who gives a toss flat racing threads then
Report Quvega August 25, 2014 2:04 PM BST
The GC is often low on quality but this one looks no worse than some before the exciting Kauto/Denman era. Infact doesn't look that bad at the moment. Last 2 winners, KG winner, last seasons RSA winner & 2nd just off the top of my head. Horses like Kauto and Denman are the exception rather than the norm.
Report Makybe_Diva August 25, 2014 5:59 PM BST
Very good post, Quvega.
Report andy85 August 26, 2014 11:58 PM BST
I will be honest and say I think it looks a good race.  The older guard Bobs Worth, Silviniaco Conti, Cue Card, Sire Des Champs, First Lieutenant, Lord Windermere and Dynaste. The young pretenders Champagne Fever, Holywell, Taquin Du Seuil, Smad Place, O'Faolains Boy etc.

Ok maybe theres no Kauto/Denman quality, but its an intriguing and deep field at this stage if most of them target the race.
Report Makybe_Diva August 27, 2014 11:18 AM BST
Another very good post, from Andy.

I'm getting excited already! Excited Blush
Report Howdi August 27, 2014 12:46 PM BST
not a classic though , is it.
Report cyclops August 27, 2014 1:43 PM BST
How can anyone speculate on the quality of a race seven months hence?
Report .Fidway. August 27, 2014 5:21 PM BST
Silviniaco Conti could win the Betfair chase and King George by 20 lengths,Holywell wins the Hennessey,Irish Hennessey and the Lexus. Champagne Fever goes through his season til Cheltenham unbeaten then lo and behold we have a Gold Cup to savour.
Report Howdi August 27, 2014 11:39 PM BST
cyclops    27 Aug 14 13:43 
How can anyone speculate on the quality of a race seven months hence?

by the lowly handicap ratings of some in the betting, thats how.
Report Howdi August 27, 2014 11:40 PM BST
good luck with that project, fidway
Report neill d August 28, 2014 5:29 PM BST
Can see McManus running More of That as a novice and winning with it.
Report Tory August 28, 2014 8:55 PM BST
If Simonsig wins the KG then do you reckon they'd consider the GC? If SS comes back 90% the same horse then he's QM, and the Ryanair just isn't as prestigious
Report cufcno1 August 28, 2014 10:41 PM BST
Looks a bit headstrong to get gold cup trip,agree regarding Ryanair though !
Report JOCI Club August 28, 2014 11:04 PM BST
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| Topic/replies: 7,061 | Blogger: .Fidway.'s blog
Silviniaco Conti could win the Betfair chase and King George by 20 lengths,Holywell wins the Hennessey,Irish Hennessey and the Lexus. Champagne Fever goes through his season til Cheltenham unbeaten then lo and behold we have a Gold Cup to savour.


......then something like On His Own wins the Gold Cup or another Synchronised or Lord Windermere, or even The Giant Bolster.

The Gold Cup has had a funny couple of years, and it needs a bit of 'rescuing'.
Report Tory August 29, 2014 11:20 AM BST
Possibly right cufcno1. Nonetheless, I've had a dabble at 36.8 - if he were to win the KG then he wouldn't be that price and I'll get a free trade out of it
Report cufcno1 August 29, 2014 2:09 PM BST
Fair enough Tory,hopefully comes back the same horse
Report Howdi August 29, 2014 5:41 PM BST
Simonsig's dismantling of Hinterland , although a long time ago, reads well. I love him but can't see him staying Gold Cup trip but I think he's worth a dabble in champion chase market, with doubts over Sprinter and I think he could be a better horse than Sire de Grugy.
Report cyclops September 3, 2014 10:03 AM BST
Well, yes, Howdi, but there are plenty who will prove those marks to be ridiculous in the months ahead. I'm not saying it won't be a poor Gold Cup but to bemoan the quality of field this far in advance is barking.
Report Howdi September 3, 2014 6:52 PM BST
not in my opinion and ive seen more gold cups than most.
Report cyclops September 4, 2014 10:56 AM BST
Ditto. (Every one since 1970). We'll just have to preserve this thread and see how the field looks once the race has been run.
My point is that often you can't even tell the quality of a race as they line up, let alone more than seven months ahead.
The Champion Hurdle, for example, of 2007 looked like being a classic as the two previous champions Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca were taken on by the hugely touted Detroit City, along with three other Grade One winners. As it happened, the first two cut each others throats, the latter never went a yard and all were chinned by the little rated or considered Sublimity, who never posted a comparable performance again. What had looked mouthwatering was generally considered below par and unsatisfactory.
Similarly, last season's Gold Cup looked at the least a very fair renewal until the final fence, from whence it descended into farce.
And, to copper bottom the argument, most people thought Mill House just had to turn up..............
History unravels the quality of performance, not foresight.
Report Howdi September 4, 2014 8:39 PM BST
^^^ just like been told i'm barking, when I have a decent grounding on the subject.
Report Howdi September 4, 2014 8:39 PM BST
** just don't
Report bonnie September 6, 2014 11:35 AM BST
boston bob or champagne fever for me - bob got his act together at the end of last season and fever could be the staying superstar that the gold cup needs.

lokking forward to next march !!!
Report Howdi September 6, 2014 12:36 PM BST
^^^ I like Bob be interesting to see he hoes lover Fever too but will he settle.
Report Shiekh Me Hand September 7, 2014 5:09 AM BST
Thanks to all for contributing to the piece.

Still stick to my guns and believe that this years renewal is going to be very anti-climatic.

At time of writing- we have co-favs of 3 at around 9/1 - Bobs Worth - Silvinacio Conti and Holywell - God help us.

The Giant Bolster and Ma Filleule are currently available on the books at around 25/33's - I rest my case.

Cyclops - not too sure what you are chatting about pal to be honest with regards to the 2007 Champion Hurdle... I'm saying this Gold Cup looks bobbins and will be bobbins.

If I was an owner and I had a half decent novice come the New Year, I would be aiming at the big pot over the RSA more than in any other year.
Report Shiekh Me Hand September 7, 2014 5:10 AM BST
Sorry- Should read ...

The likes of "The Giant Bolster and Ma Filleule...."
Report brandyontherocks September 8, 2014 9:31 PM BST
Bobs Worth.         Winner 2 years ago. Brilliant course/festival record.
Silviniaco Conti.   King George winner.3x Grade 1 winner.
Cue Card.           If back to his best before injury the 2nd best NH in training.
Sir Des Champs.     2nd in Gold Cup. Festival winner. 3x Grade 1 winner.
Simonsig.           If he stays has to have a huge chance.
Holywell.           Highest rated novice chaser since Gloria Victis in 2000.
Champagne Fever.    2 time Festival winner. Beaten a balls hair in the Arkle.
OFaolains Boy.      Last seasons Sun Alliance winner.

IF they all turn up will it be the greatest Gold Cup? NO
Will it be the worst for years? No

If you think its the worst in years, then surely last years winner, Lord Windermere, at 16-1 has to be a stonking bet!!!!!
Report Howdi September 9, 2014 12:09 PM BST
a balls hair Grin
Report Makybe_Diva September 9, 2014 8:19 PM BST
The Giant Bolster Love

I'm hoping Cue Card can get back to where he was last year.

Wish Joe was still riding him. No offence meant to Daryl Jacob.
Report Shiekh Me Hand September 11, 2014 3:04 PM BST
Brandyontherocks...

If this, If that, Won this 2 years ago,, If he stays.

What a load of old codswallop.

Stop trying to make excuses, this lot stink.

You are looking at the field for the Cheltenham Foxhunters in 3 years.

Think Holywell shows how bad the novice chasers must have been if that thing is rated 2nd to the mighty Gloria Victis. Handicapper must be having a laff..

Put Denman, King Kauto in this field and they would be 1/5 - I would even bet on Neptune Collonges to beat this lot home.

Bob's Worth - Runs 2 x a year . Dodgepot
Silvinacio Conti - My grandad comes up the hill quicker and he is 88 and in a wheelchair
Cue Card- Injured
Sir Des Champs - Morning Glory
Simonsig- See Cue Card
Holywell - Do me a cheesy Quaver
Champagne Fever - 2016 Winner
O'Faolains Boy - Would back Holywell to beat it in a match...and that's saying something.
Report Makybe_Diva September 11, 2014 9:21 PM BST
"Silvinacio Conti - My grandad comes up the hill quicker and he is 88 and in a wheelchair"

Shocked
Report Howdi September 12, 2014 1:32 AM BST
Laugh
Report cufcno1 September 13, 2014 6:48 AM BST
Bob's worth a dodgepot ?
Report Howdi September 13, 2014 10:35 PM BST
i laughed at that although Bob has a few questions to answer after that Gold Cup performance.
Report FCH September 22, 2014 11:12 PM BST
I've been there for every Gold Cup since Silver Buck in 1982.  Its far too early to tell what the quality of the 2015 race will be like.

Remember that we have been spoilt in recent times with Kauto Star, Denman, and good one-off (in the Gold Cup) performances by Imperial Commander, Long Run and Bobs Worth.

I would be surprised if the rating of the 2015 winning performance is as low as 2012 (Synchronised) or 2014 (Lord WIndermere) which were imo the poorest renewals since Cool Dawn in 1998.
Report Wayward Lad September 29, 2014 5:43 PM BST
I agree with FCH in that it's early days yet to consider the Gold Cup when the staying chase division seems to be in a state of flux. No matter which way you look at the result last March, there was an awful lot of egg on peoples faces. A lot of trainers talked-the-talk, but their horses couldn't walk-the-walk.
You have to ask whether Bobs Worth was truly worthy of an OR180 rating after his 2013 Gold Cup win, when he patently didn't stay up the hill last March.
I never rated Long Run as a OR182 wonder-horse, and the highest rating I ever gave him was 172 when he ran 2nd in the KGV to Kauto Star in Dec2011.
In fact, after Synchronised won the GC the following year I was telling anyone who'd listen (via my blog) that too many trainers had been paying the "cartel" at the top of the staying chase division (Long Run / Imperial Commander / Denman / Kauto Star) a bit too much respect
The Gold Cup will not take a lot of winning next March on what we've seen in the past 12 months, and we may even see a novice chaser come to the fore.
Report Shiekh Me Hand October 10, 2014 9:24 PM BST
First off the "Young Pretenders" list ran today... Taquin Du Soleil ... Can we even say that he "ran" today?

I don't know about you but I just checked Bet3.6.5. and TDS is currently 14/1 joint 4th favourite for the Blue Riband of the NH game.

The way he ran today got my juices flowing for March (and before you start, I did note that he has won his first start for the previous 2 seasons)

Surprised
Report Shiekh Me Hand November 1, 2014 3:57 PM GMT
Taquin Du Soleil and Silvanacio Conti - Did not run like potential champions today.

May as well move the Gold Cup to Market Rasen :)
Report Shiekh Me Hand November 5, 2014 4:45 AM GMT
Cue Card - Are you having a bubble
Holywell - As much as i have berated this horse, he is the only one of the disappointments that was not that bad... Still never wins a "good" Gold Cup.

So, where are ya's? Brandyontherocks?> How does your list look now?

Terrible, and only gonna get worst...

Should be 25/1 the field.
Report brandyontherocks November 5, 2014 7:17 AM GMT
So, where are ya's? Brandyontherocks?>





Today Sheikh I am in a small disused office, bound and gagged with two transvestites and an over weight dominatrix.
Report FOYLESWAR November 5, 2014 12:08 PM GMT
^^^^brandy is lucky at cards too^^^^
Report sageform November 5, 2014 3:03 PM GMT
Just looking at the King George list and as said above, the 3 mile division is a hard one to sort out at the moment. Simonsig might be a long way the best if he stays but Bobs Worth could be a factor if coming back to 2013 form. The Gold cup form from last March has not been advertised by any of the front 4 as yet.
Report Howdi November 5, 2014 3:21 PM GMT
agree ^^^ bizzare scene
Report Shiekh Me Hand November 6, 2014 2:33 AM GMT
Brandy ... god bless ya.

Sounds like the old Fr.ed D.one shop in sunny salford i used to frequent. I wish you luck sir :)
Report blackballed1 November 6, 2014 10:29 AM GMT
Agree that no one horse sticks out right now, I can see sizing Europe having a go at it this season the still has plenty zest going on punchestown spring and the way he stayed on to mow down Road to riches last time was a joy to watch and we seen what that horse done on Saturday past when it ran a few potential gold cup horses ragged! And it's well known the pots would have loved to have run him in the big 1!that and the fact he seldom ever runs a stinker at Cheltenham! I think he would have a massive each way shout!
Report shockster November 6, 2014 10:43 AM GMT
Wow Blackballed, never saw that coming. 13yr old come March, having never run over the trip. REALLY!!!!  Good luck with that project, would be an amazing spectacle and truly would be the worst Gold Cup ever.
Report foolsgold123 November 6, 2014 11:24 AM GMT
Sizing Europe simply does not stay. Still think Bobs Worth looks the most likely winner.
Report blackballed1 November 6, 2014 11:28 AM GMT
What's age got to do with it he might be going on a teenager but he beat a very good race fit horse first time out who went on to show how good he is! The trip might be an unknown but no more then it is for the likes of a few others! So don't see why it would be without possibility! These things happen as upto Saturday mehora hadn't won over that trip! Not saying it will win but can't see them going champion chase and the owners would most probably rather give him a crack at it over the Ryanair since its bound to be his last race! That's even if he don't get retired before then each to there own fella! But I would love nothing more than seeing one of my favourite horses run well on the day
Report blackballed1 November 6, 2014 11:34 AM GMT
Ps I know it's unlikely he will stay but could still see him run a cracker! Of the younger ones I would go for smad place to win again good record at that time of year and not far away in rsa, don't really like conti, bobs worth etc so most defo see a younger horse improve past the so called bigger guns!
Report shockster November 6, 2014 12:59 PM GMT
I'd be absolutely amazed if Sizing Europe even has an entry.  The horse has been great over the years but the Gold Cup is way too hard for him now.  I really believe the winner will not have run in The Gold Cup before and that's where I'll be concentrating.
Report shockster November 6, 2014 1:00 PM GMT
I know SE has not run in it previously, before somebody tells me.
Report blackballed1 November 6, 2014 2:15 PM GMT
He ain't even in the betfair market for the Ryanair which surprised me as it's the more likely option you would think. I like you see a newbie winning the gold cup next March!
Report Howdi November 6, 2014 3:07 PM GMT
smad place to win again?
Report Steamship November 6, 2014 8:55 PM GMT
I think we could see something from a staying chaser improving through the season and being one of the favourites on the day.

I was impressed with Mendip Express yesterday. Before the Newbury race where Smad Place beat him then he was only 1lb behind him on official ratings. He is a Cheltenham winner over 3m 2f. I can accept he was wrong towards the end of last season.

I may be wide of the mark with Mendip Express and he is not even quoted in the betting but a win in the Welsh Nat could see him progress into being a fancy.
Report Arklearkle November 6, 2014 9:57 PM GMT
I dont understand how anyone can say the 2014 GC was worse than the 2012 and 2013 running. After all the 2013 winner finished 4th in 2014 and The Giant Bolster has finished 2nd 4th and 3rd in the last three runnings. I agree totally with whoever said one has to wait until after the race to decide on the quality. The Gold Cup is decided by the last two and a half furlongs and the hill and there are not many who can come through that test in a truly run race. Besides there are very few who can do that with style. But the race is over 3 miles and  2 1/2 furlongs and the class of the race is determined by how well the field can handle that test. Having a bundle of classy (?) 2m 4f and 2m 6f horses in the field would not raise the class of the race (or even 3 milers).
Report Shiekh Me Hand December 7, 2014 4:50 AM GMT
Have the feelings changed on this subject? Definitely not for me.

Still shapes up as a race lacking ANY star quality.
Report blackngold December 9, 2014 7:23 PM GMT
anybody aware on when morning assembley starts his season? taken a few juicy prices on him for the gold cup..after all r.s.a form going into the gold cup is usually pretty solid..i agree however it is wide open this year something needs to step up and show they are a worthy contender..cheers
Report Shiekh Me Hand December 28, 2014 7:21 PM GMT
At last, 2 performances that make the race a little more exciting...

R2R and Silvanacio... may not be a complete washout after all.
Report thornton reed February 12, 2015 8:05 AM GMT
I think the  Gold Cup is shaping up to be one of the races of the festival at this point.

Silviniaco Conti- has been far and away the best staying chaser this season but has it all to prove at Cheltenham
Many Clouds- young(ish) Hennessy and Argento winner who looks as tough as they come
Road to Riches- looks a completely different horse this year and in with a chance
Coneygree- 5/6 over obstacles, 3/3 over fences, exciting to see a novice pitched into open company
Djakadam- still 'could-be-anything' and I was really impressed with last time. Has to step up but certainly has the potential
Carlingford Lough- get the feeling he'll be a shorter price come the day, proper stayer and a decent chance of picking up the pieces should some falter in front

Throw in Bobs Worth and Lord Windermere and it's hard to argue it's a poor renewal.Admittedly it isn't Kauto, Denman and the commander but then what is?
Report judorick February 12, 2015 5:21 PM GMT
certainly looks a lot better than the 9 runner renewal in 2013 when Bobs Worth beat Sir Des Champs and Long Run, subsequent events have proven that to be a very weak heat indeed

only Silviniaco Conti, who fell, has achieved anything from that race
Report buddeliea February 12, 2015 9:30 PM GMT
Most competitive gold cup I can remember.
Absolutely fascinating race,really looking forward to it.
Report stevo1 February 12, 2015 9:48 PM GMT
Yes agree competitive no awaiting superstar,any of 10 could win at present. But will be giving Conti one last chance on day as think he will drift to decent price. At present on Djakadam 50/1 Carlingford Lough 33/1 and Smad Place, all have some sort of chance.
Will wait few weeks and lay back some of above,for my free bet on Conti.
Report ACStafford February 12, 2015 11:04 PM GMT
It's funny how much a few months can change things. I agreed with the OP at first, but now I think it looks a cracker. Conti is the class horse, but with Cheltenham question marks and a number of improvers in the field, it's a very intriguing race.
Report Howdi February 16, 2015 12:00 AM GMT
intriguiny yes, classy 1/7 not
Report Howdi February 16, 2015 12:01 AM GMT
judorick • February 12, 2015 5:21 PM GMT
certainly looks a lot better than the 9 runner renewal in 2013 when Bobs Worth beat Sir Des Champs and Long Run, subsequent events have proven that to be a very weak heat indeed

only Silviniaco Conti, who fell, has achieved anything from that race....v hars h bobs worth won the lexus
Report Shiekh Me Hand February 19, 2015 9:15 PM GMT
From a "punting' perspective (and that's how we should always really approach it, I think it is possibly the most intriguing race over the festival.

Still sorely lacking a superstar but that won't be a worry when about 9 of em are in a line coming to 2 out with everything in with a chance of winning :)

Just have a sneaky suspicion that the gambling gods are gonna throw this and the National McCoys way! Wouldn't that be something to see!

Good banter folks!
Report Shiekh Me Hand March 13, 2015 3:40 PM GMT
Think that my title should have been changed as it was one of the best "gold cup' races i have seen in a long time, think that my initial assesment was spot on at time of writing, they WERE a bunch of pigs and the 1st 3 were not even in the betting when we first made analysis !!
Great Job by me and yep I lumped on Coneygree :)
I am amazing... Your all very welcome Tongue Out
Report Howdi March 13, 2015 4:06 PM GMT
apologies from me
Report trigger3 March 13, 2015 4:08 PM GMT
It may well have been the best gold cup since the 2011 running with Denman, Long Run, Kauto Star & Imperial Commander. Certainly you would have to say it was better than last year when you consider how far down the field the other horses involved in th finish last year were today. It also proves that the lifespan of a top chaser is short and it takes a special one to come back multiple times. There are a whole host of exciting young chasers to look forward to next season with Don Poli, Coneygree, Djakadam and Vautour.
Report Shiekh Me Hand March 13, 2015 4:16 PM GMT
Next year ..if they arrive sound - could possibly the best for a long long time

Coneygree - Vautour and Don Poli.... Wow
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