Congratulations to the soothsayers who backed this horse today. Even knowing he won it, if they ran the race again tomorrow I wouldn't back him.
Hobbs is understandably elated and talking of the King George next season but I believe today's form should be treated with extreme caution. The fact that WOA was second should sound its own warning.
Denman ran no race. 2nd fav, Cooldine is simply not the horse he promised to be in the RSA. Third best, J'y Vole unseated when still travelling well, Tranquil Sea looks like he must have soft ground and the only other finishers were Siegemaster and Follow the Plan.
Despite Kauto's disappointing Gold Cup run, I cannot see POS getting within a distance of him at Kempton.
It will be interesting to see what sort of field turns out for the KG. Denman certainly won't be there and I doubt IC will either. Sizing Europe must be a possible as he doesn't look to me like he can cut it at the top level at 2 miles. Somersby would, I suppose, be another but he's beginning to look a bit over-rated too though there is always the chance he has a strong preference for going right handed (3 of his 4 wins going that way).
Genuine good ground would bring Albertas Run into contention but he'd be no ante-post proposition. What else?
After what seemed the most promising Cheltenham for years on the run up to it, next season already looks a complete puzzle. To me at least, but one horse I will not be backing is Planet of Sound.
Still think Long Run might be interesting by the time King George comes around.
The Irish staying chasers are a poor lot at the moment - even though Joncol did n't run you can tie him in with most of the from lines.
Weapons Amnesty on a sound surface is an honourable exception.
Still think Long Run might be interesting by the time King George comes around.The Irish staying chasers are a poor lot at the moment - even though Joncol did n't run you can tie him in with most of the from lines.Weapons Amnesty on a sound surface
plenty (me included) thought he was a non-stayer. Ignored the fact that he was by Kayf Tara Today looked a proper race in running & i won't be as dismissive about POS as SC above. Seem to have read somewhere that POS needs big open tracks
plenty (me included) thought he was a non-stayer. Ignored the fact that he was by Kayf TaraToday looked a proper race in running & i won't be as dismissive about POS as SC above. Seem to have read somewhere that POS needs big open tracks
ben - it was mine up until about this time last night :^0 then you seen the biggest change of mind ever! Think he's going to have a breathing op in the summer, had the tt on today for the first time after choking lto, reckoned he was choking when he fell at too - Ruby mentioned that after the race today on Rte.
ben - it was mine up until about this time last night :^0then you seen the biggest change of mind ever! Think he's going to have a breathing op in the summer, had the tt on today for the first time after choking lto, reckoned he was choking when he f
Interesting, will need to step up again to beat Kauto still imo, but that could be the answer. Look forward to seeing him next season, well done with your bet btw ;)
Interesting, will need to step up again to beat Kauto still imo, but that could be the answer. Look forward to seeing him next season, well done with your bet btw ;)
Yes, his first attempt at the trip which, I accept, might have accounted for some of the apparent 'improvement' (Hobbs was much keener to emphasise the effects of the tongue tie).
As for the time, last year's official going was soft to heavy though it was described by one owner of a runner in that race as 'almost unraceable' in places.
Yes, his first attempt at the trip which, I accept, might have accounted for some of the apparent 'improvement' (Hobbs was much keener to emphasise the effects of the tongue tie).As for the time, last year's official going was soft to heavy though it