Precious little to shore it up bar Magic Figures. Thistlecrack was giving nothing away and was just pipped. As he was 176+ prior to this race 179 is perfectly reasonable and Many Clouds seemed to me to have improved so the figure is feasible. That is if nothing comes to light in the next 24 hours.
Terrible news about Many Clouds and it might be bad news for the sport. Remember the handsome fellow was in distress after his National victory. The Sunday press could be full of it tomorrow.
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They all stay as they are after The Clarence House.
Cue Card 185
Djakadam 180
Thistlecrack 179 s/t/r
Smad Place 175
Outlander 175
Champagne West 173+
Don Poli 173
Irish Cavalier 172P
Minella Rocco 172
Native River 171
Road To Riches 171
Bristol De Mai 170+
Alary 170
I may have to revise the figure for Champagne West but it could only go one way. Handicap form to be sure but it takes a belter to win the Thyestes with a big weight. He now has three bits of form to suggest that he should take on the cracks.
I have edited the Clarence House figures. Hank's horse might go well there as they are in such good form.
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I have heard no excuse for Thistlecrack , not that there was any need for one really , so I am quite happy with 179 for him. Paradoxically I now see him in a better light than I did before his defeat. Tough as teak and talented but still hopelessly underpriced.
Therefore knocking out the fanciful my short list at present is as follows;
Cue Card 185
Djakadam 180
Thistlecrack 179
Outlander 175
Champagne West 173+
Bristol De Mai 170+
I have Cue Card in at 12/1 and Champagne West at 700+ both for coppers. Although I would be happy to see Champagne West run here I expect Mr Brookhouse to opt for the Ryanair for which I had the horse at 200, for coppers and , after hedging , a free bet. If I can find time I will put the Ryanair figures up.
The worst value of the market leaders in The Cup is Native River. At a general 9/2 it looks like another case of mass hysteria. Where is the form to say that he should be a 9/2 shot?
EDIT: Interesting that they have decided already to go for Gold with Champagne West. I laid a little bit off this afternoon and have managed to give somebody credit for the bet. I was under the impression that it was all cash on here except for Harry perhaps. If it was Harry it will be the first time he has ever managed to get a bet on tick with me.
Thistlecrack 0+
Smad Place +1
Silviniaco Conti +3
Many Clouds +4
Kylemore Lough +6
I have just glanced at the prices. 2/5! That is very short , too short I feel.
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Thyestes Chase
If Champagne West is as good as our provisional rating for him he will trot up. At double figure prices the chance has to be taken.
Pete The Feat 0
Dynaste +3
Rocky Creek +8
Gasline Boy +10
Cloudy Too +10
Benny's Mist +11
The top fellow has the form but is a risky proposition. If my life depended on winning something on the race I would have to side with Rocky Creek and Jack Sherwood Esquire e/w.
We hear that Benny's Mist will shorten.
I will watch if I can find ITV4.
Cue Card 185
Djakadam 180
Thistlecrack 176+
Outlander 175
Smad Place 175
Don Poli 173
Champagne West 173P
Many Clouds 172
Minella Rocco 172
Irish Cavalier 172P
Native River 171
Road To Riches 171
Bristol De Mai 170+P
Alary 170
If Cue Card is not given his chance it will be a shame.
Outlander 175
Don Poli 173
Djakadam rests on 180
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Another improver is Sir Valentino. Impossible to rate with any degree of confidence but surely he has improved from 166. Tiara could not have run up to his best mark but if he was 7 below it the runner up would be around 172. Provisionally then 172P and it could be more.