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The Paddy Power will always be known to me as The Mackeson, and this race will always be known as The Massey Ferguson Gold Cup. Certainly better than its current moniker. The 2 races have always been closely linked, and this years renewal of The Paddy Power seems an obvious place to start.
John’s Spirit, is going for a 3-timer at Cheltenham, and although out on his feet in The Paddy Power, there’s the strong suspicion there’s more to come, it’d take a brave man to write him off in this. He’s at the head of the market at 8’s, and that seems pretty fair, for a horse who’s clearly got the potential to step up in grade.
Joining him at the head of the market is Colour Squadron. Very unlucky in The PP, and would probably have won, but for being hampered by the fall of Easter Meteor. Another few yards and it would have been his. The way he travelled into the race was eyecatching, and I don’t think a 7lb hike is going to make that much of a difference. Obviously a leading contender.
Opinion seems divided whether or not Easter Meteor was beaten at the time of his fall, but looking back at the way they finished, I think he would have went close, and to my eye, he didn’t look as if he was done with. Ran on Friday at Newbury, finishing second to the well handicapped Cantlow. That was another decent showing, but if he turns out in this that’ll be 3 tough races in a month, and he might just feel the pinch. Not doing too much wrong at the moment though.
Back in 4th, and a big price too, was Attaglance. Very likeable horse, and no stranger to big race success here. 3 out, I thought he would have got to them, as he was picking them off one by one, but into the straight, and he just couldn’t get to them. Although, there’s a chance he might need further now, it’s worth noting he’ll be running off the same mark here, and that should help. A bit ground dependent, soft or heavy, and his participation would have to be in doubt.
Behind these were Rajdhani Express, and Wishfull Thinking. Rajdhani Express will be running off the same mark, and that may just be enough to see him finish a lot closer this time. He didn’t do too much wrong that day, and the 20’s available look difficult to resist. Thought he might turn into, if not a Grade 1 performer, then just short of it this season, but if that were the case, then maybe he should have finished closer that day. He’s also entered up at Aintree next week for The Grand Sefton, and if he were to run, and win in that, then plans for the season might just change a a little. Would certainly be a big ask to turn out in both. If not for the entry at Aintree, I’d be having a go at the 20’s, that’s a great price. Wishfull Thinking travelled like a dream though the race, and was bang there when he got the ditch at the top of the hill, totally wrong. He lost all momentum, and never really got back into contention after that. Seen enough that day though, to not totally write him off, and he may just surprise a few. At his best, a class act. 25’s available.
Of the rest that day, Tap Night was another who travelled really well through the race, but from the top of the hill, could never get competitive, and was eventually beaten a distance. He continues to slip down the weights, but it may just prove that The Festival will be the best time to catch him. The same may also be applied to another of JP’s entries, Kid Cassidy, who may need to slip down the weights a couple of pounds. Dangerous to rule out though, considering connections. Cantlow is a very interesting entry, having been very highly regarded at one point, he’s never really delivered, but had a nice opener over hurdles first time out, and as I’m a sucker for that kind of prep, I had a long look at the 33’s available before he ran, and won, at Newbury on Friday. Did I take the 33’s?. No! The 16’s available still looks worth taking, provided he doesn’t get hammered for that win.
I thought that Nicholls may have considered running Unioniste with a decent claimer on board for The Hennessy, but looks as if this, admittedly more realistic option, may be the plan. Ultimately disappointing in The Charlie Hall, his chances here for a follow up, haven’t went unnoticed, and he’s third favourite at 10’s.
Noble Prince had an eyecatching return to form last time, having looked a light of his former self for some time. Don’t know whether or not this is a serious target, but if he made the trip, would be no surprise to see him go close. Previous Festival winner as well.
Salut Flo, at his best, would be close to the head of the market for this, but he’s got a long layoff to overcome, and he missed The PP. If Pipe can get him back ready for this, then it’d be some feat. He owes me nothing after last years Festival, and although I’d probably not back him, I’d be delighted to see him land it. The same connections have Ballynagour entered, and I’m sure there’ll be a few people looking to recoup losses from The PP. That running was a disappointment however, and he’s not for me. If he wins, i’ll just have to take it on the chin.
Katenko is also entered, and even providing that he’s got over his fall yesterday, I’d be slightly surprised if he turned back out in this. If he did, I’d find it difficult to desert him from what I saw yesterday. A wait and see job with him. Venetia also has Kapga De Cerisy entered in the same ownership. Won at Sandown on his seasonal re-appearance, and he was well on my radar, and was looking forward to a nice juicy price on him………but he’s obviously on the books radar too, and he’s available generally at 12’s, 14’s. Very interesting entry.
Some outsiders worth a mention. Double Ross, will be way down the bottom, but he will be match fit. Won well at Cheltenham last November, and if NTD is having a better time of it at this meeting, then I may just keep an eye on him.
Finally, and bear with me on this one……Gauvain. Really caught the eye, the way he ran over hurdles at Cheltenham last time out, and previously just short of top class. Long time since he’s been over the larger obstacles, and maybe for the best, since his jumping was always his achilles heel. If the recent runs over hurdles have got his confidence back, then he might run a decent race at big odds, though obviously asking a lot for an 11 year old to win this. Would be no more than a “fun” bet
should he run.Plenty of horses entered who are sure to appeal to others, and no doubt, a couple not mentioned will spring to prominence in the next fortnight.
Swaying towards Colour Squadron, Radjhani Express, Kapga De Cerisy, and Cantlow at the moment, but I’ll wait till next weekend probably, before having a bet, but plenty to chew over until then.
John’s Spirit is the obvious one, but I very much like Unioniste after his excellent win yesterday, only 5 but has experience in this type of race and has tonnes more potential than most of these. I think Rajdhani Express has a race like this in him too, ran well in the PP and could be bang there if jumping holds up.
Super write up VTC and I’m on
Colour Squadron
,I remember one of my old Favs
Exotic Dancer
doing the double,I missed him winning the Paddy Power and 25/1 was freely available prior to the race but I took 10/1 straight after the race for the December Gold cup and I have done the same with Phillip Hobbs horse as he should really have one last time out.He’s not the most straight forward of horses but like ‘Exotic’ I believe the penny has finally dropped.
Thanks Gord.
Yeah, Colour Squadron looks very solid, and you’ve got to be happy with 10’s.
I’ve taken a chance that the weather forecast is right, and if so, Attaglance looks to have a decent ew chance at 14’s. At a very big price, Double Ross, still looks interesting too. Stable coming back into form at just the right time, which is very encouraging, and he’s almost certainly the second bet, as he’s just far too big right now.
Win or lose, I’m looking forward to it, even though it looks as if it might lack the depth of The Paddy Power. Hopefully some of us will get a return.
Another cracking opening post, Bobby. I’ll hold off until later in the week, although I’m heading down for the meeting – first trip to HQ in a long time
The Paddy Power will always be known to me as The Mackeson, and this race will always be known as The Massey Ferguson Gold Cup. Certainly better than its current moniker. The 2 races have always been closely linked, and this years renewal of The Paddy Power seems an obvious place to start.
John’s Spirit
, is going for a 3-timer at Cheltenham, and although out on his feet in The Paddy Power, there’s the strong suspicion there’s more to come, it’d take a brave man to write him off in this. He’s at the head of the market at 8’s, and that seems pretty fair, for a horse who’s clearly got the potential to step up in grade.
Joining him at the head of the market is
Colour Squadron
. Very unlucky in The PP, and would probably have won, but for being hampered by the fall of Easter Meteor. Another few yards and it would have been his. The way he travelled into the race was eyecatching, and I don’t think a 7lb hike is going to make that much of a difference. Obviously a leading contender.
Opinion seems divided whether or not
Easter Meteor
was beaten at the time of his fall, but looking back at the way they finished, I think he would have went close, and to my eye, he didn’t look as if he was done with. Ran on Friday at Newbury, finishing second to the well handicapped Cantlow. That was another decent showing, but if he turns out in this that’ll be 3 tough races in a month, and he might just feel the pinch. Not doing too much wrong at the moment though.
Back in 4th, and a big price too, was
Attaglance
. Very likeable horse, and no stranger to big race success here. 3 out, I thought he would have got to them, as he was picking them off one by one, but into the straight, and he just couldn’t get to them. Although, there’s a chance he might need further now, it’s worth noting he’ll be running off the same mark here, and that should help. A bit ground dependent, soft or heavy, and his participation would have to be in doubt.
Behind these were
Rajdhani Express
, and
Wishfull Thinking
. Rajdhani Express will be running off the same mark, and that may just be enough to see him finish a lot closer this time. He didn’t do too much wrong that day, and the 20’s available look difficult to resist. Thought he might turn into, if not a Grade 1 performer, then just short of it this season, but if that were the case, then maybe he should have finished closer that day. He’s also entered up at Aintree next week for The Grand Sefton, and if he were to run, and win in that, then plans for the season might just change a a little. Would certainly be a big ask to turn out in both. If not for the entry at Aintree, I’d be having a go at the 20’s, that’s a great price. Wishfull Thinking travelled like a dream though the race, and was bang there when he got the ditch at the top of the hill, totally wrong. He lost all momentum, and never really got back into contention after that. Seen enough that day though, to not totally write him off, and he may just surprise a few. At his best, a class act. 25’s available.
Of the rest that day,
Tap Night
was another who travelled really well through the race, but from the top of the hill, could never get competitive, and was eventually beaten a distance. He continues to slip down the weights, but it may just prove that The Festival will be the best time to catch him. The same may also be applied to another of JP’s entries,
Kid Cassidy
, who may need to slip down the weights a couple of pounds. Dangerous to rule out though, considering connections.
Cantlow
is a very interesting entry, having been very highly regarded at one point, he’s never really delivered, but had a nice opener over hurdles first time out, and as I’m a sucker for that kind of prep, I had a long look at the 33’s available before he ran, and won, at Newbury on Friday. Did I take the 33’s?. No! The 16’s available still looks worth taking, provided he doesn’t get hammered for that win.
I thought that Nicholls may have considered running
Unioniste
with a decent claimer on board for The Hennessy, but looks as if this, admittedly more realistic option, may be the plan. Ultimately disappointing in The Charlie Hall, his chances here for a follow up, haven’t went unnoticed, and he’s third favourite at 10’s.
Noble Prince
had an eyecatching return to form last time, having looked a light of his former self for some time. Don’t know whether or not this is a serious target, but if he made the trip, would be no surprise to see him go close. Previous Festival winner as well.
Salut Flo
, at his best, would be close to the head of the market for this, but he’s got a long layoff to overcome, and he missed The PP. If Pipe can get him back ready for this, then it’d be some feat. He owes me nothing after last years Festival, and although I’d probably not back him, I’d be delighted to see him land it. The same connections have
Ballynagour
entered, and I’m sure there’ll be a few people looking to recoup losses from The PP. That running was a disappointment however, and he’s not for me. If he wins, i’ll just have to take it on the chin.
Katenko
is also entered, and even providing that he’s got over his fall yesterday, I’d be slightly surprised if he turned back out in this. If he did, I’d find it difficult to desert him from what I saw yesterday. A wait and see job with him. Venetia also has
Kapga De Cerisy
entered in the same ownership. Won at Sandown on his seasonal re-appearance, and he was well on my radar, and was looking forward to a nice juicy price on him………but he’s obviously on the books radar too, and he’s available generally at 12’s, 14’s. Very interesting entry.
Some outsiders worth a mention.
Double Ross
, will be way down the bottom, but he will be match fit. Won well at Cheltenham last November, and if NTD is having a better time of it at this meeting, then I may just keep an eye on him.
Finally, and bear with me on this one……
Gauvain
. Really caught the eye, the way he ran over hurdles at Cheltenham last time out, and previously just short of top class. Long time since he’s been over the larger obstacles, and maybe for the best, since his jumping was always his achilles heel. If the recent runs over hurdles have got his confidence back, then he might run a decent race at big odds, though obviously asking a lot for an 11 year old to win this. Would be no more than a "fun" bet
should he run.Plenty of horses entered who are sure to appeal to others, and no doubt, a couple not mentioned will spring to prominence in the next fortnight.
Swaying towards Colour Squadron, Radjhani Express, Kapga De Cerisy, and Cantlow at the moment, but I’ll wait till next weekend probably, before having a bet, but plenty to chew over until then.
Well done, amazing you could mention that many horses and yet not the winner
SHL
Won’t be betting until the runners are confirmed, but if Easter Meteor sorts his jumping out he’ll win this. 12/1 at the minute which is a cracking price!
Mr Nicholls is chasing the return of his Crown and has done me proud the last 2 week ends so I won’t be deserting him now! I have backed Granioso EW at 12s and feel confident he is a win proposition.
Another cracking opening post, Bobby. I’ll hold off until later in the week, although I’m heading down for the meeting – first trip to HQ in a long time
Thanks Joe…..still changing my mind every half hour
Well done, amazing you could mention that many horses and yet not the winner
It’s not that amazing Harry, I’ve got plenty of previous. It’s a recurring theme I’m afraid
Only pulling your leg. Well sort of, I thought Home Farm would have been a huge danger but he is not going now.
SHL
Attaglance for me. Still well weighted, good course form, decent price.
It’s not the best renewal.
I believe I read that his trainer said Attaglance is not ground- dependent, Venture to Cognac.
Also, regarding him wanting further, he was fast enough to break the track record, I think at Market Rasen – carrying 11.4 or some such.Toner D’Oudairies who came second to him at Cheltenham has been doing well in Ireland of late. Gone up to 152. Attaboy has only gone up 17 lbs since his first hurdling handicap mark! The more I tout his chance the more I feel I’m tempting Providence. Racing does that to you!
How can Attaglance be dependent on Soft ground when he’s won on Good and Good to Soft ?
Madness.
Still have a massive soft spot for Salut Flo, but will probably cruise through and find nothing..
I think Grandioso is worth a flutter here. He finished off last season with two promising wins, and ran a sound race carrying top weight to be a keeping on third in his return in a decent handicap at Newbury. 7/1 with Coral looks worth taking.
I’m having a bit of e/w as well on Ma Filleule who looked a decent prospect last year, before fluffing her lines at the festival. She ran better next time at Cheltenham and after the lay off she ran a decent enough race Kempton going down by 1 1/2 lengths to the odds on fav. 22/1 makes her worth an e/w.
Grandioso fits the trends, is progressive enough, should have something in hand at the weights, and is trained by someone with a good record in the race, so he’s my pick.
Twitter=@PGHenn
So don't run, just like the others always do
Grandioso is also my pick. He has the scope and lack of miles on the clock to be progressive again this season. I’ll be surprised if he’s not involved today.
Thanks for the good crack. Time for me to move on. Be lucky.
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