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Love this race, a real stamina test at 4m 1f.
The three Im interested in at this stage are Halcon Genelardais, Sherwood’s Folly and Wild Cane Ridge.
Halcon Genelardais is the class act but its a tall order with top weight, although a mark of 150 is only 3lb higher than for his Welsh National win in 2006 and has run some very good races since (3rd in 2008 and placed in two graded events at Cheltenham). Not much form this season but plugged on for 4th in the Betfair Chase in November. This is a much easier race and I would be on eachway.
Sherwoods Folly is a dour stayer and has been in good form this term, a decent third over 3m4f at Haydock and loves soft ground. He is feasibly treated and should be involved.
Wild Cane Ridge, the former very useful hurdler, also adores bottomless ground and had a good prep run at the course last month behind Itsteescomponents, that would’ve put him spot on for this and his current mark of 129 is lenient.
I was very impressed how Galant Nuit won a very good race at Cheltenham last time, but at 7lb higher it’s asking a lot for an inexperienced 6 year old to triumph in such a gruelling race against seasoned stayers, hence why I’m leaning towards the doughty old boys such as Halcon Genelerdais and Wild Cane Ridge. That Cheltenham win was only his second win in his career as well.
I like the look of Ballyfoy at 8/1 and – just because I love the flimmin’ horse – Eric’s Charm looks extremely tempting at 14/1 (and, yes, both of those are e/w!)
BlueSky @pghenn.bsky.social
So don't run, just like the others always do
Does Halcon still enjoy the game?
Merigo looks good to me with the prep run in the bag and is young enough to have improved on last year’s win.
He’s still only 10; this year hasnt been too great but is on a reasonable mark.
I first turned to Merigo but at 5/1 he’s a bit on the short side in a tough race, though undoubtedly this is his target of the season as was last season. I may go back to him on the day, though.
Philson Run at 14 years old… wow
I haven’t had a chance to size this one up, but there were a couple of entries that intrigued me…
Galant Nuit will run providing that he works well on Thurs. Horses need to be 100% for such a test. This has been his target since November but if he is not right, he won’t run.
He is only 6 and he has only won two chases. That doesn’t worry us though as we ran the then 6yo Nine de Sivola in it to finish 2nd and the two horses are not dissimilar.
Soft ground is important to Galant – he ran very well at Aintree (2nd) and Cheltenham (1st) when getting it.
He won off 125 at Cheltenham in Nov & races off 133 on Saturday. Hopefully Halcon Generlardais will stay in & keep Galant on 10st9b.
He runs best fresh and so the break since November is not a worry.
Trip wise, he should get it fine. He needed all 3m3f of the Cheltenham race last time out.
This is always a very competitive race and so "hopeful" rathe than "confident" is the mood…though if he does run it is because we think he can run a big race.
Thanks David – it is much appreciated when connections say something before an engagement.
Very best of luck to Galant Nuit’s connections. Hope he gives a good account and comes home safe.
Ballyfoy is the one I’ve gone for. In form, trip and ground no problem. Galant Nuit and the top weight are the two dangers IMO.
Halcon gets the nod for me. Should relish the going and trip and now back down to a very realistic handicap mark.
It’s nice to see connections opinions on here. I’m a big fan of the Ferdy Murphy yard and like the way he gives them a lot of time to adapt to the game and strengthen up (as with The Hollinwell) and the team of chasers invariably jump really well. For this reason at just 6 y/o I feel that Galant Nuit may come into his own in the next couple of seasons, though that Cheltenham win was very promising. This is usually a tough race for younger chasers (though Merigo won at 8 y/o) hence why I prefer the 9, 10 and 11 year olds who have the requisite experience.
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