Cheltenham Festival
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Right here's my contribution to the Triumph Hurdle discussion ..... I think Fiscal Focus is totally overpriced at 16/1 for the Triumph Hurdle. I also think now might be a good time to back him before he runs in the Irish Champion Hurdle. He's probably being ignored because he's not trained by Mullins or Henderson or owned by Munir or Rich Ricci ! Although I'm sure his trainer is still very respected as I'm sure are his owners.
Going on his only hurdling experience to-date, could he have been more impressive? It was a fair effort for his first run. He jumped very well from what we can tell from the replay and he pulled clear very quickly and I feel his 2L victory over the hot favourite Kalkir didn't do him justice. It was probably a bit more comfortable than that. Don't forget that rival had a run under his belt too. They put a fair bit of distance into the rest as well and it's rare you see races won by big margins at Leopardstown.
He'll be getting a lot of weight in tomorrow's Irish Champion Hurdle for his age and if he improves again, he should be able to run a decent enough race which would see his Triumph odds shorten further. They should shorten more anyway as the race draws closer as one or two of those near the top of the betting miss the race. The association with Monksfield will probably be played upon quite a bit by the media too raising his profile another small bit.
Going on his only hurdling experience to-date, could he have been more impressive? It was a fair effort for his first run. He jumped very well from what we can tell from the replay and he pulled clear very quickly and I feel his 2L victory over the hot favourite Kalkir didn't do him justice. It was probably a bit more comfortable than that. Don't forget that rival had a run under his belt too. They put a fair bit of distance into the rest as well and it's rare you see races won by big margins at Leopardstown.
He'll be getting a lot of weight in tomorrow's Irish Champion Hurdle for his age and if he improves again, he should be able to run a decent enough race which would see his Triumph odds shorten further. They should shorten more anyway as the race draws closer as one or two of those near the top of the betting miss the race. The association with Monksfield will probably be played upon quite a bit by the media too raising his profile another small bit.
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I'm very interested to see how he runs tomorrow.
Out of interest, with the Triumph in mind, what do people think a 'good' run in the Irish Champion would look like? |
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Depends on pace, I think Plinth will set a good gallop like he did at xmas. So if he can get within 6 or 7 lengths of Arctic Fire it's a good performance. If he gets very close to him it's a very good performance. He has had plenty of runs on flat so doesn't lack experience.
I think he'll be smashed to pieces. He ran the 2 miles in 4m12s at Christmas. Fly ran it in 3m49.5s which is on another level entirely. |
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Good that they are taking the chance, far too many avoid grade one's.
If he is beaten less than 20L's then it will had been a good run. |
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I'd say they are running here to win .... it's interesting the last 4yo winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle was Nordic Surprise in 1991 trained by none other than Jim Bolger ..... they could also have waited for the G1 juvenile hurdle on Irish Hennessy day but are coming here instead probably leaving that race to Theophilus.
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Tbf to fiscal focus it was an absolutely desperate day when it beat kalkir,not saying it will beat any if the top 3 but will run a good race !
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What are connections thinking in running him here?Do they genuinely think they can win or hoping to grab a bit of prize money?
Has a potential triumph contender ever ran in a race of this nature given age and inexperience? Seems crazy that their even running the horse,Could easily ruin the horse. |
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Was looking at this one earlier. I like the horse. It's certainly an unorthodox prep run for the Triumph but that said, the owners are no mugs and must think the horse is capable of getting some prize money with his weight allowance.
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he is a complete unknown but he did beat kalkir on his first start over hurdles pulling clear...they say he needs soft but i'd say he will be ok on proper jumping ground, there are far worst 16/1 shots to have a stab at so agree with the opening post in regards seeking some value on the horse
i won't bet till nearer the day but do feel he is a tad of value so best of luck playing him |
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cant see a small runner race can ruin a horse.
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If he is beaten 20 lenghts, it will be a very poor un. He will have the run of the race, they will only start racing from the 2nd last. If he is beaten 20lenght in a 3 furlong sprint, getting first run, I would be very surprised. And copnnections v disappointed.
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I agree - the Triumph itself is a far rougher race where position is everything in a big field. A small field today with Plinth front-running. The other 5 will likely form an orderly position behind him. Plus as others have said Fiscal Focus has plenty of flat experience.
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todays run is probably worth about 3 juvenile races, will learn so much.
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Fiscal Focus traveled very well but disappeared out of picture very quickly. Disappointing run really and not surprising to see him drifting now. Maybe connections will find an excuse.
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I had the Triumph market on the laptop while the race was on, and he went to 6.0 for the Triumph turning for home
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Strange run really. Its as SYT said, traveled better than some good horses there but faded massively into last place. Hard to know what to make of it.
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wellchief • January 25, 2015 3:22 PM GMT
I had the Triumph market on the laptop while the race was on, and he went to 6.0 for the Triumph turning for home Surprised.....jesus wel spotted, sir  |
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Faded badly but ground much deeper than ideal and what he will likely be running on in March. I wouldn't be put off by the run.
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Will be beaten the same distance in the Triumph,Total freak of a result on his debut on heavy ground
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