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I can’t see anything for either of these over hurdles anymore and would like to see them go chasing now. Might not make much difference but they are falling between 2 stools in the hurdling sphere at this stage – rated too high to win a handicap and not good enough to win the top prizes. Bit of last resort about it but no point in persevering with them over hurdles IMO.
I’d like to see Black Jack Ketchum go to a decent trainer.
He may not ever have been the superstar that he was touted as, but even on last season’s form, he is a far better horse than he has shown this term. Yesterday’s performance really was a sad sight…
I think it was the intention that Afsoun was to have taken to the fences before now and I suppose its just the overall weakness of the hurdling division that has kept him in that sphere. I still think theres a possibility he could well in the champion. Could be quite effective battling late up that hill
As for BJK, something has to be done…..
If Jonjo is to be believed, it doesnt look likely that Black Jack will be over fences any time soon.
I’d like to see Black Jack Ketchum go to a decent trainer.
He may not ever have been the superstar that he was touted as, but even on last season’s form, he is a far better horse than he has shown this term. Yesterday’s performance really was a sad sight…
TDK,
I am not a massive fan of O’Neill, but why do you think its the trainer’s fault? It could be that the horse has its own mental or physical problems.
JohnJ.
I just don’t rate the guy at all JD.
BJK has gone the same way as the owner’s very useful Firedragon and a good few others from the yard in recent years. Don’t let the odd big race win cloud the issue – Jonjo consistently underperforms given the equine talent at his disposal.
TDK, I see what your saying, though the only thing I would say to counter your argument is that he did train the horse initially to some success in his novice days and now the horse has regressed, pretty much like Fire Dragon.
Perhaps BJK was just an outstanding novice, which is not uncommon. I certainly don’t think that O’Neill has got the ammunition that Nicholls has had over the last few years.
JohnJ.
Chicken and egg though isnt it?
If you had a decent horse, you would surely (these days) be far more inclined to send it to Nichols or King than JJ?
Without bashing JJ (whos seemingly a nice enough bloke) too wantonly, wouldnt it also be fair to say that he has had the initial advantage of being a popular and big name thus able to attract more attention and support (not least from JP) ?
BJK = Overhyped
Take a look at the races he won as a novice and find me a decent hurdler in either of the fields he beat at cheltenham or aintree.
9 length’s in a crap G2 against a bunch of mediocre future chasers..
I don’t think it’s much to do with Jonjo.. He’s managed to keep ED progressing.
Fire Dragon won a decent race once under optimum conditions on his favourite track when one or two had a n off day. He was a decent hurdler but not much more.
Despite all of this though I would agree there are plenty of better trainers around.
After winning his first eight races in such an easy manner against moderate opposition, it is perhaps true that BJK was all hype.
However, given the company he’s been keeping since the 06-07 season, he’s only disappointed in one race prior to yesterday – the Cleeve Hurdle last year on unsuitably heavy going. The remainder of his efforts have been solid.
The horse may be no OAP after recently turning nine, but he was two, three and four years older, respectively, than any other horse in the race bar Redemption, so perhaps his time has come and gone.
I thought BJK was running well up until the point where he made that mistake would no one see that as a possible excuse?
Afsoun I find a bigger git than Black Jack Ketchum. At least BJK has proved in the past that he can win races, Afsoun just proves that he can manage to find a way to lose any race.
Horrid horse.
Afsoun I find a bigger git than Black Jack Ketchum. At least BJK has proved in the past that he can win races, Afsoun just proves that he can manage to find a way to lose any race.
Horrid horse.
I have to agree with Danny here in that I thought BJK was running well until he really flattened that hurdle. Thought the horse was lucky to stay up. I am not saying that he would have won but it probably blew any chance he had.
My twopenneth
Afsoun can spoil his chances before the start, however, when he does not do this he is probably capable of mixing it in top company
Like Bosranic states BJK’s overall form is solid, but he has been over-hyped and imo he will probably always be found wanting when put in against top company
My twopenneth
Afsoun can spoil his chances before the start, however, when he does not do this he is probably capable of mixing it in top company
Mixing it yes but winning?
I wouldn’t be confident of him winning a race at odds of 1/2. He’s what I call a professional loser.
Maybe I’m being a bit harsh I dunno, I just think he’s a wimp.
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