Corbetts Cross

donoghue in front out of trouble

anyone catch the IP 2 place on him?

low*

I was just thinking if that was a Willie horse (with a different owner) he would've been out on front. Unfortunately a lot of the time trainers' hands are tied as JP doesn't like his horses leading from the start unless they have to.

first time Derek O'Connor's sat on it, never looked comfortable

He obviorode with the amateur chase at Cheltenham in mind. I would assume they'll still go there. Horse actually jumped well when they were going quicker, but was awkward when they crawled.

I don't think he has been that convincing since he beat Found A Fifty over two miles. I wouldn't bank on him staying that trip, or even jumping round Cheltenham.

Cromwell in a bit of form. Can't see that lasting to the Festival.

Terrible tactics on a 1/4 chance to be 4th of 4 up the inside approaching 2 out. Always a chance something call fall in front of him or come back into his lap with no time to get going again (as with Lossiemouth's only defeat).

With that much in hand, he should of at least been clear of trouble on the outside on the home turn, or better still, kicked on a fence or two earlier and put the race to bed, instead of fannying around going for a showboat finish.

Exactly Jack and he ALWAYS does that, how he has been ptp champion loadsa times is totally beyond me. Never ever makes it simple unlike the Mullins winners, eg the one with Danny on tdy, never jumped a hurdle before on course either, made all, jumped well, kick on 2 out, a dream to watch, whereas O Conner makes you sweat every time, detest him.

You don't really think a 4s on shot in those colours was going to win do you...

Tbf - O'Connor rode a strong race on It's On The Line - much more positive, and managed to get a few more ounces out of him towards the line, when looked sure Billaway was coming to nail him.

credit where credit's due.

Horse remains only in the National Hunt Chase after being scratched from its other two entries