Me voici in the 235 for me, though I'd guess they'll pull him out if it dries too much. Calgary bay, with some in running lays, the favourite has needed longer breaks between his runs, though if he's in decent form can't see anything getting near. Oiseua de nuit and lennon in the 420, both win bets, the former ran a cracker at donny the time befor last behind kalahari king and looks a big price here. Lennon also ran in that race- only his second since more than a year off and showed up well until between the last two, has run at cheltenham since but that isn't his track, this has been in the past. Sir harry ormesher in the last, would have won the void race at donny in december, came back in january to make up for that and is just about 6lb higher now. He did run in the coral cup and was off the bridle for a time before staying on passed beaten horses without being beaten up. Hopefully choc will be more inclined to give him a crack when he misbehaves tomorrow.

Agreed fastbear . . .

On form Imperial Commander will add the Totesport Bowl to his Cheltenham Gold Cup and on the face of it, at evens, he looks very good value to do so.

But the Mildmay course at Aintree is chalk to Cheltenham's cheese; nor (despite NTD's claims) is it that similar to Haydock other than being left-handed. The Mildmay is sharp and tight and big long-striding horses like IC (and Denman) are at a considerable disadvantage there.

IC is reported bouncing by his trainer but his owners have voiced reservations about the wisdom of running him here just 20 days after a monumental performance in the Gold Cup. There is also talk of him being best fresh though I think that remains to be proven. What is certain is that he will not be given a hard race - backers will probably know their fate after the first circuit.

In my opinion, the track will negate much of the 23lbs plus he, theoretically, has in hand.

Calgary Bay is another who, on build, will probably find it awkward round here. Arguably he did not have as tough a race in the Gold Cup as IC, but he has much to prove form-wise as well.

Nacarat is a horse I've always thought over-rated. He has never come close to replicating his RPRs in both Racing Post chases (170 in each) and much of his reputation, imo, was built on his victory in that race which very much went his way. On reflection, his defeat of Possol (rcvd 4lbs) at Kempton was far from great form.

What a Friend, on his Lexus run, and, arguably his Hennessy performance, will ideally want a longer trip, though I note his jockey said he will improve for better ground. Still, he might find himself outpaced and the run-in running out before he can gather in the leader.

That leaves Carruthers, a horse I'd have been happy to lay after what looked like he'd literally run himself into the ground in last year's RSA. I thought he might never come back from that in a race which has bottomed some promising novices.

But Carruthers has proved remarkably tough, bouncing back with a decent run at Wincanton before trouncing Big Fella Thanks at Newbury. He then failed to give 6lbs to a rejuvenated Taranis at Cheltenham prior to another valiant but fruitless run at the Festival.

Still, Carruthers is tough and talented and should be ideally suited by the Mildmay track (he's unbeaten left-handed on sharp courses). I believe he acts well on decent ground, despite his reputation as a heavy ground specialist.

Many races, are won, imo, by the horse who is ideally suited to the way the race is run rather than by the best horse in the race. For me, Carruthers is much more likely to get his ideal conditions tomorrow than any of his opponents, and at around 14s, he looks well worth an interest.

Grade 1 even...

I have no argument with that HFC - WAF certainly much less exposed and very probably a 'better' horse. But if the race pans out as I think it might, the 10 to 12 point difference in price is much too wide.

After a nice day out on course tomorrow, and so far i will mostly be backing.

Bougler w/o fav
Notus De La Tour e/way (cracking eway bet imo)
Carruthers
Island Flyer
Pigeon Island (was thought to be better on good ground, so surprised he won so well when it turned soft at Chelts, has more to give on hurdle form)
The Nightengale (if only be default)
Silverhand- nap

2.00 Big Bucks
2.35 Sanctuaire
3.10 Imperial Commander
3.45 Trust Fund
4.20 Doctor David
4.55 Somersby


The Punters will be striking back tomorrow!

you can say that again

think Kayf Aramis could turn form with Souffleur if there is good in the going des.

200 souffleur e/w @16
310 carruthers win @16, calgary bay win @20
345 van ness win @55 place @12
420 pigeon island win @7, safari journey win @10
455 hey big spender win @8
530 donelessthanme e/w @20, pascha bere e/w @40

gl all B-)

Also followed nosey in on War Party at Taunton :-)

Since when did Bouggler forget how to jump? :-(

Big run from Possol. Just shows that there isn't much in the way of depth in the staying hurdling division.

The beeb making a great attempt at beating C4 for artfy farty pics here.

Jim Macs commentary there was appalling .

One of the worst-ever imo, wonder if 'Croc' over-indulged at the press-room lunch ?:|

:^0

Just said what he expected to happen instead of what was in front of his eyes (if he could see thru them, that is)

would love to see Nacarat win

:x

BOOOOMMMMMM!!! Hope IC is OK.

Looks like Bobby dazzler was right, hope he's ok.

Note for next year - Silver Adonis related to Papillon.

some day for turn ups this!!