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Prof
I’d be more concerned that something is ailing him, and that despite a wind operation since he last ran He was at least put into the race on his first outing of the season, but in this case was never in the race and went out like a light from before the home turn.
I’m not sure who your comment is aimed at, but I’m sure Nicky Henderson would be concerned as any at the dismal showing.
Rob
For me the last novice season of last year, the class of the horses in it are just too good for the likes of Finian’s Rainbow.
You got Sprinter Sacre who is one of the best ever and throw in Al Ferof, Cue Card, Meonrah, Silviniaco Conti, Bob’s Worth, Sir Des Champs, First Lieutenant.
Just on a different level.
PS: there was no ‘aiming’ of the comment, it was mere commentary.
Out of curiosity: when a trainer says a race will ‘put the horse’ right for something else, is this not a form of public training?
"The Stewards noted the trainer’s explanation that the gelding was unsuited by the soft ground. They ordered FINIAN’S RAINBOW (IRE) to be routine tested."
He’s won on soft before so they should make a careful note. That said, his record on heavy is 0/3. One to be wary of, both as backer or layer.
He’s won on soft before so they should make a careful note. That said, his record on heavy is 0/3.
His win on soft was by 50-odd lengths in a three runner race where his only serious rival fell three out.
He would have won his heavy ground point in Ireland in 2008 but for falling when clear, but the highest anything else from that race has ever rated is in the 120s. He was 3rd in a Grade 1 novices hurdle in heavy, but a horse rated 125 finished in front of him.
Rob
I read somewhere suggesting that Ascot wouldn’t suit the horse so am not surprised at his disappointing effort
Why though? He’s won at Kempton which is much the same layout. He’s not obviously a left handed horse too. It’s too bad a showing to simply be the track
Why is it "a joke"?
Why is it "typical Henderson"?This was what I said in my preview:
15 Feb 2013, 18:23
Finian’s Rainbow could’ve needed the run chasing home Captain Chris in the Amlin. Another possibility is he didn’t stay the 2m3f in testing conditions. Or is it he doesn’t act so well on very soft ground? Or was there something wrong physically? Had an op since. Finian’s Rainbow would have as good a chance as any if producing his best. But there’s too many question marks to back him at current prices.As said, there were so many possible reasons for Finian’s Rainbow running poorly today.
Finian’s Rainbow has an action that’s usually disadvantaged on very soft ground with his best form being on a sounder surface (points toe). He’s also usually ridden more up with the pace, being over an extended trip they tried hold up tactics to preserve stamina, such tactics may not suit Finian’s Rainbow.
Henderson said this morning there’s a doubt about the ground but he needed to get a run in to Finians Rainbow before Cheltenham. ie Reading between the lines – not fully fit and it wouldn’t be an ideal race for the horse, but needs must. However, I don’t for one second believe Henderson expected the horse to run so badly. A run like that doesn’t bring a horse on, it sets him back.
Fact Finian’s Rainbow has had a breathing op should’ve sent a warning to punters. Up to them whether the price is worth the risk. If connections believed the Amlin disappointment solely down to ground and/or fitness he would not have had an oporation. Unless of course he’d had another problem since. Even if there wasn’t another problem – these ops are not always successful.
It is highly probable something was physically badly amiss today. Although this was always a "possibility", nobody could say it was a "likely" occurance.
Value Is EverythingMy attitude was this – and it made no odds to me, I had him a silly little forecast – if the ground is no good to him then take him out of the race. What is going on here? is the horse out to play or is he being prepped for something else or what? OK, as Rob says he may be ill.
Finians Rainbow has been terribly campaigned this season simple as that. He may have won a Melin (a poor one at that) but 2 1/2 on good ground around Aintree is nothing like the tests he was going to face this season being campaigned against more thorough stayers, all to avoid his stable mate.
There is a fair argument of course to avoid Sprinter Sacre but the horses best attributes are his speed and at two miles in jumps racing very few horses have the requisite speed to race at championship level for that distance, he does and it is what he is best at and if he was with anyone else he would have been campaigned to defend his crown.
Glut of riches in the Hendo yard and he has ruined Finians Rainbow this season as far as I see it and probably for the rest of his career now he is into double figures. How many other champions would you have seen handled in such a way, poor.
My attitude was this – and it made no odds to me, I had him a silly little forecast – if the ground is no good to him then take him out of the race. What is going on here? is the horse out to play or is he being prepped for something else or what? OK, as Rob says he may be ill.
If it was the ground Prof, how are connections to know the ground was the problem last time out if the don’t try again?
Would you just not run the horse until the ground turns good? Could be next season at this rate.
If he’s to run at Cheltenham connections obviously felt he needed a run and if that meant taking a chance on soft ground so be it.
And, of course he’s ‘being prepped for something else’: Cheltenham. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t fit enough to do himself justice, but if you think any serious Cheltenham contender is trained to peak in February you are being naive.
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