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I agree regarding Battleoverdoyen but think that’s a little harsh on Allaho. Most would agree that 3 miles would be stretching him stamina and that perhaps a stiff 2 and a half would be more his bag. Obviously that would throw today’s race into the equation, although barring him trailing home in last it’d be difficult to comment on that too much. Disappointing sure but surely too bad to be true. Previously he’d only run over that trip twice; once first time up post-Christmas last year and then the run immediately following that where he bolted that. I wouldn’t give up on him yet.
Champ’s obviously a horse with a lot of natural ability and, should he be able to brush up his jumping could become a Gold Cup player. The RSA looks strong to me.
Not sure what to make of it all, not that we saw much!
Min is rated about 17 lbs higher than Tornado Flyer and has only just beaten him. Melon has run OK but Battleoverdoyen continues to disappoint, Allaho ran poorly and it is difficult to take much encouragement from Le Richebourg.
Jockey reported that Allaho made a mistake at the 4th last, took a blow, and will come on for the run.
Just been reading Lydia Hislop’s “Road to Cheltenham” column on the RTV site. She was very critical of this race going ahead in the fog.
I think she is right. Even if it was safe (which I take with a pinch of salt, given the poor visibility that was getting worse by the minute), racing is a spectator sport. What is the point of a race that cannot be seen?
I expect a lot of people were put off having a bet in the race and in running betting was rendered impossible. Even the camera operator thought Melon was in front and missed out Min and Tornado Flyer!
And on a more serious point, what if a rider committed a serious riding offence during the race? How could the stewards know?
It was not quite as bad as the infamous race won by Clyne at Haydock in December 2016 when even the winning post could not be seen from the stands – but it was close!
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