Captain Conan

Less impressed thhan you SOF but he did show grit and determination to come back and win, if you don't subscribe to the theory that Third Intention does nothing when he hits the front. Wouldn't be rushing to back him on that performance, but I wouldn't be a big layer either.

Think they were trying to teach him a thing or two by covering him up yesterday. Not sure he'll be covered up at Cheltenham though. I'm a fan, for sure, but wasn't all that impressed yesterday. He'll stay-on up that hill for my money, but I worry about him getting out-paced at points. He has tactical speed, but not in abundance, so I'd say the 5/1 is a little skinny. I have actually backed him for the Jewson at 6's and my confidence is slightly waning.

There is absolutely no chance of him being outpaced if he runs in the Jewson.

Whether he'll get home is another matter.

Disagree. Everything about his running style to date suggests staying is more his game than a real speed test. He has looked to get out-paced when those around him have quickened over hurdles, before running-on. I know he's hardly likely to up against real speed merchants in the Jewson, which might prove you correct. However, I'm certainly not worried about his ability to stay-on up the hill.

When was he outpaced over hurdles ?

in the tolworth??

Leopardstown from memory. They went a slow pace (surprise) and when they quickened off the turn I seem to remember him dropping out rather quickly before running-on. My memory isn't brilliant, but that's how I recall it.

He hardly "ran on" at Leopardstown. He was tailed off.

Did you watch his Kelso run ?

When he pulled like a train?

I thought he just collapsed quicker than a cheap millets tent at kelso found zero after pulling most of the race

sandown he was outpaced if you have seen the race

There's always the angle that he's not going to be fully wound up this close to Cheltenham, and that the less than impressive run could be forgiven on this count.

Yep,thats fair comment,but really that opposition yesterday was not good JC.

Agreed. He was obviously ready to run on NYD and a month is a long time to keep him ticking over. I just had it in my mind that he'd be more impressive than he actually was.