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I think the notion that Brave Inca "needs" AP McCoy tomorrow will be dispelled with Ruby booked to ride the Champion Hurdler. Inside track will really suit the speedy Iktitaf and I find it hard to call. A good run from BI will leave me more than happy and a defeat will encourage the bookies to push out his price for the Champion again. Looks a fascinating race.
Quote: from trackside528 on 3:04 pm on Dec. 29, 2006[br]Fantastic performance again today from Brave Inca, wasn’t sure considering the track/ground were not in his favour.. looks to have improved again since the Hattons Grace..
Speaking of dogs (eh Grasshopper), shades of Harchibald in the runner-up’s performance today? :o
Second didn’t appear to find much though that may be attributable to jockey’s much discussed style!
The runner up quickened right away from the third horse after the last, but was simply not good enough against Brave Inca. Once again little or no credit given to the now 9 time Grade 1 winner who is not a "worthy" Champion Hurdler…..
BRAVE Inca indeed.
They shall not pass.
PS…………..is it me or does Iktitaf have a rather high head carriage?
Colin<br>
(Edited by seabird at 6:27 pm on Dec. 29, 2006)
Well he should have quickened up from the third FFS….
Ik’ seemed to dawdle a bit in his previous race and maybe didnt seem to go through with it today (need to wtach race again…rather than from 100 feet at Newbury). If so, then hes not my idea of a Cheltenham type at all
Carberry said he didnt like the ground but hes got form on heavy
If he is anywhere near the lead turning in at Cheltenham I cannot see him get beat to be honest.
Not at all concerned that his form this year remains at least a stone below what he was showing last year? He’a a horse I’ve got plenty of time for, was thoroughly deserving of his crown last year and has a record at the top level that makes him stand out among his contemporaries at present. But what he’s shown this season doesn’t warrant 4/1 quotes to retain his crown imo.
That said creditable opposition to him is, like last year, beginning to fade away. His stablemate Fethard Lady couldn’t be supported at present, Harchibald has question marks against him, as does Iktitaf after todays performance. Macs Joy looks the one horse that looks overpriced to me, but I couldn’t entertain backing him until he is at least being entered for races.
Take a literal view of the form book with a horse like Brave Inca will not get you very far. Some might think its barmy but after the Hattons Grace I said on here and elsewhere that I was really impressed with him, others differed. Again today really impressed with him. Conditions all wrong with everything against him and still comes out on top. He couldnt win a Hattons Grace in previous attempts yet he has done this year, he won comfortably today by his standards and to me he looks like he could be a better horse this year than last year. I suspect Brave Inca will be favourite on the day after his AIG win and common sense finally descends on the market.
Although not the same physical specimen BI reminds me of Monksfield. Whatever beats him at Cheltenham, if any, will know it’s had a race.
Again today really impressed with him. Conditions all wrong with everything against him and still comes out on top. He couldnt
Two no chancers and one that didnt go at all on the ground (so we have been told)?<br>
I was really impressed with BI today, he travelled and jumped better than he usually does. I can’t see any horse turning him over in the CH, certainly not Detroit City.
JohnJ.
Kauto Star beats proven 160 chasers 14 lengths on the bridle and is promising, Brave Inca is all out to beat Silent Oscar 6 lengths who is 40 lb inferior to him and you are ‘impressed’.
Is it anytihng to so with Brave Inca being green?;)
DJ,
My old mate, not at all! How could you think that of me!!!! I am sure that when BI gets good ground like the "Green" WoA, they will both show their worth;) .
JohnJ.
Kauto Star beats proven 160 chasers 14 lengths on the bridle and is promising, Brave Inca is all out to beat Silent Oscar 6 lengths who is 40 lb inferior to him and you are ‘impressed’.
Is it anytihng to so with Brave Inca being green?
Come on when have I not given KS the credit he deserves? DJ I give you more credit than this, BI would beat a 120 horse in the same style as he would beat a 160 horse….surely we all know that now at this stage.
DJ,
Just like to add, that I am definitely not patriotic in my analysis of horses. In recent years I have been more of a fan of Azertyioup over Moscow and Best Mate over Beef or Salmon. I think you are being a little unfair to call the "Green Card".
JohnJ.
Two no chancers and one that didnt go at all on the ground (so we have been told)?
Now Clive, I realise the British hurdle scene is not up to much but I think its unfair to call Al Eile a no hoper considering he is a former Aintree Grade 1 winner and a Haydock Champion Hurdle trial winner last year. Granted he seems to have lost it a bit but he was not a no-hoper. Indeed he beat everything bar the first 3 in the Champion Hurdle last year.
Iktitaf clearly goes on the ground but judging on his best form at Punchestown he is more effective on faster going. But that is the great thing about Brave Inca….any ground, trip from 2 miles – 2 miles 4f, makes the running or can sit in, jumps well, prefers big fields and fast pace but versitile enough to over come such draw backs time and time again. Throw in the fact he has won 9 Grade 1’s at the age of 8 and it just amazes me the lack of recognition the horse gets compared to a grey horse that has yet to win an all aged Grade 1 contest.
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