With only 3 weeks to go until Christmas, I think enough water has passed under the bridge this season to be able to attempt to judge and test last seasons festival form. Personally, in my opinion the bumper form is absolutely toxic.
Here is 1-10 in the finishing places (Its yielded 2 subsequent winners) 1- Ballyandy (Beaten 3 times), 2- Battleford (Turned over by 11 lengths at 1/3), 3- Bacardys (Fell at last - voided opinion),4- Castello Sforza (Beaten at even money), 5- Westend Story (Well beaten today at even money), 6-1 High Bridge (Beaten at 4-6), 7- Augusta Kate (Won impressively), 8- Very Much so (Eye catching run in G1 Bumper in Ireland), 9- First Figaro (Beaten twice), 10- Rather Be (Won impressively).
However the 11-23 placings have yielded (4 winners) - Avenir D'une Vie, Geordie Des Champs (4 time winner), Ballymalin (Dual winner), Spirit of Kayf (Dual winner).
In contrast, I know the Ryanair is crabbed as a race, but the form has yielded a subsequent bet victor winner, bet victor runner up, Peterborough chase winner, Grand National fourth & JN Wine Champion Chase winner and arguably Irelands best Gold Cup horse!
Just a couple of personal views from last years festival. Anyone have any different views?