Posted by:
sageform
on Jan 15, 2018 at 08:39:42 AM
One of the aspects of top class racing is the level of drop out by winners of Group or Grade 1 races. I remember writing to Lord Oaksey in his Telegraph journalist days about 60 years ago pointing out how few Cheltenham winners or placed horses ran in the following season and nothing has changed.
Consider Faugheen, Douvan and Thistlecrack, Jetski at the top level. They might win another race or 2 but never reach the same level as on the big day. That is why horses like Arkle, Best Mate, Big Bucks, Bula etc. were so exceptional as they kept coming back at the same level year after year.
Posted by:
sageform
on Feb 24, 2011 at 06:10:04 PM
The trials are all but complete now, so barring injuries, going changes or jockey injuries, most of the evidence should be in the form book.
Supreme Novice: Cue Card still the obvious one but after Dunguib last year I am still holding off having a bet.
Arkle. Confidence in Captain Chris is fading after 3 defeats but Philip Hobbs can improve them on the big day. Ghizao looks the obvious choice.
CH. I hope that Jason can ride Peddlers Cross who is still my main hope. Still not sure about Menorah.
Neptune Novice. No real idea about this one. Henderson sure to have a strong hand as is Mullins.
QM Chase. Woolcombe Folly my only small bet and it looks between him, Big Zeb and Master Minded.
RSA. Wymott still my main choice but Wayward Prince has been very strong in the market. Time...
Posted by:
sageform
on Nov 15, 2010 at 08:01:11 AM
I was wrong about Nick Williams. His 2 ran well yesterday after a quiet spell for the yard. Jonjo and Victor Dartnell are the two who must have big concerns about their form at the moment. Menorah was impressive but I doubt if that would be good enough for an average Champion Hurdle. Tataniano very disappointing.
Posted by:
sageform
on Nov 14, 2010 at 11:19:55 AM
The last day of the meeting starts with 2 mile chases with few runners as usual. I have backed Kilmurry on the back of his course win but don't expect him to be the best of this lot later in the season. Tataniano is in my ten to follow but 5/4 is very short today. Don;'t have astrong fancy in the Greatwood-may be General Miller can go close. Riptide is a massive price in the 2.55.
Little Josh was not even in the 10 to follow list of 500 which saya a lot about his improvement. He paid a big compliment to Weird Al. Mad Max didn't quite stay 2.5 miles at that level.