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Fantastic win for a truly great horse, and the reception from the crowd the loudest and longest I can recall..
Long Run could possibly have had him though, with a few better jumps. Made ground on the flat throughout the last 3, only to lose it with poor jumps and slow recovery. Would dearly like to see him with a top jock on board, even if only to prove it’s not SWC that’s the problem.Would it "prove" anything though Reet?
If BG were to ride Long Run in the Gold Cup, jump better than today and win.
SWC also won the Gold Cup with a better display of jumping than he gave on either of this season’s efforts. SWC has also won the King Geoge on Long Run.
Value Is EverythingI’ve run out of superlatives for KS. Well done to all at Ditcheat and all who kept the faith in backing him.
A mention for Sam Waley Cohen: the main reason he sometimes look incompetent on the horse is that LR’s errors are almost exclusively leaving its hind legs in a fence which jolts the jock as the rear-end comes up with the impact, thus unbalancing him.
I think the only way a jock change might improve this – and it’s a big might – is if the jumping problems are down to confidence. Long Run’s been extensively schooled and he runs as though he recalls this schooling until he makes his first error then everything goes to pot.
He doesn’t arch his back properly (concave) and perhaps that is simply part of his physical make-up.
There can be no doubting his engine but with the jumping problem now looking ingrained, it’s hard to understand why he retains favouritism for the Gold Cup.
There can be no doubting his engine but with the jumping problem now looking ingrained, it’s hard to understand why he retains favouritism for the Gold Cup.
Because Steeple, KS will be 12 years old come March and at that age the vast majority of horses will be well on the downgrade. Long Run only has to make up 1.25 lengths on today’s run. And even if there is no deterioration in Kauto’s form; in another 2.5 furlongs today, Long Run would’ve been well in front.
Long Run is looking increasingly like a stayer.
Value Is Everything"steeplechasing" wrote: There can be no doubting his engine but with the jumping problem now looking ingrained, it’s hard to understand why he retains favouritism for the Gold Cup.
Reason’s why he’s still favorite: 1) Only beaten a length and a quarter. With another two furlongs, who’s to say he wouldn’t have passed Kauto Star? 2) Today Kauto Star was truly sensational, jumped like a buck. Long Run on the other hand jumped poorly, and has room for improvement. Two less mistakes could mean five lengths. 3) Age. If Kauto was a nine year old, he’d be favorite without doubt.
That is not to say I think Long Run will turn the tables, but valid reasons why he’s favorite in my opinion. I do think that he’ll surely be placed and if 3/1 was available closer to the time it could be a each way rather than win bet, even if it’s not quite a ‘bet to nothing’.
On Kauto Star, what more can be said
He’s one of the all time greats, and the best I’ve seen in my short time following races. He’s phenomenal.There can be no doubting his engine but with the jumping problem now looking ingrained, it’s hard to understand why he retains favouritism for the Gold Cup.
Because Steeple, KS will be 12 years old come March and at that age the vast majority of horses will be well on the downgrade. Long Run only has to make up 1.25 lengths on today’s run. And even if there is no deterioration in Kauto’s form; in another 2.5 furlongs today, Long Run would’ve been well in front.
Long Run is looking increasingly like a stayer.
I like LR a lot but cannot see how they will eliminate these back-end errors: at best they will rob him of energy and at worse, a bad one will bounce his jock out the side door. His form is littered with mistakes and I wouldn’t back him at 5/2 on the day never mind now.
I have nothing but respect for Kauto Star – any horse which can win a grade 1 race on five different has to be special. He’s a star – the second best ever, no doubt !
However ( yes, there is a but
), had Long Run been given a more enterprising ride ( he jumped fine in the main ) he would, in my opinion, have prevailed.I still feel that Master Waley-Cohen’s inexperience and lack of professional nous and abilty proves to be a hindrance more than a help. Ruby Walsh and Waley-Cohen are world’s apart in terms of ability. Walsh probably has the best tactical brain out there and there is no finer judge of pace or race tactics. Those attributes alone are worth at least 7Ibs of a start.
Kauto jumped superbly – I think Long Run made one mistake but the difference is the cool headed pro against the panicky amateur.
My belief is that had Barry Geraghty ridden Long Run today, that horse would have won.
Long Run can turn the tables at Cheltenham. Although, If Sam Waley-Cohen is aboard in March, I may have to buy a hat and hold onto it for the duration of the race.
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
You f****** Beauty oh ye of little faith.
Excuse me for being indolent, but did you actually post anywhere in this thread that Kauto was your clear idea of the winner?
Zip
There were plenty of youngsters cheering at Kempton today, and in their yoof-stylie parlance this was an "epic win."
I’m rarely almost crying when watching a horse race (I’m so
used
to losing), but I almost was on this occasion.
Kauto is the best National Hunt horse ever. It was a lovely ride from Ruby and I think that could get more recognition, he knows exactly what the horse has left and when to ask for it. They were in pulverising unison.
As others have said, Sam Long-name has ridden Long Run to some grand victories and I would say it’s the tactics more than the jockey that were at fault, unless the tactics were purely of the jockey’s making?
I’m sure the Long Run team pondered hard about how to beat Kauto…but sitting off him by so many lengths and allowing Kauto too get him out of his comfort zone and making jumping errors is not the way to go. The Gold Cup will be Long Run’s best chance of beating an in-form Kauto as he does look like he wants a real stamina test to get into a rhythm.
However, can anyone who witnessed one of the greatest races ever today honestly say that Kauto would not have found more if the reigning champ had got to his withers?
I think kauto had more in the tank. Also, over the Gold Cup trip he will be ridden accordingly.
Credit to the connections of Kauto for the way they’ve handled this legend, and TBF to Nicholls (who I know can talk some tendentious poos sometimes) he was right about his stable star not being 100% last season and at least we know if the horse is well they won’t duck further big races.
As for Captain Chris, ran respectably, but I was disappointed he was beaten almost 20 lengths. Not sure he’ll ever win a half-decent King George – maybe he’s more of a 2 and a half miler.
Shame about Master Minded’s injury. Will we see him on the course again?
Zenyatta’s final race was nerve-tingling, she is every inch the superstar, I guess Kauto is the same, just different personalities – but they both KNOW how supreme they are.
Zip
I had wondered if perhaps the Beecher Chase was Kauto Star’s Gold Cup – today was incredible. On the whole, I think that the extra distance at Chelter’s will favour LR, but his jumping hasn’t been as good and that’s a bit of a worry. I don’t know, but I’d be v. surprised if SWC isn’t on board. The race stats for KS winning the Gold Cup back aren’t good – it would be completely unprecedented. I’m reely looking forward to seeing him try. He was so impressive – there was one massive jump. Blimey!
I see you edited the above post zippy from the original one saying I had said 4 different horses would win the race to another slice of your childish garbage.
I think I said on page one Kauto Star was a cracking bet at 11/2
I think I said Captain Chris was the most sensible bet and the biggest danger to Kauto which if he hadn’t blown up after passing Long Run he may well have finished 2nd. Thought I was a bit unlucky there.
I defintely said Master Minded wouldn’t stay about ten times.
I said Golan Way would be pulled up and he was and that Nacarat had no chance.
I think I more than hinted a hundred times that Long Run wouldn’t win so which 4 horses you are blathering about I have no idea.
As far as what did I bet
I think I said that I had been backing Kauto all week which I had, but actually my first bets on him were on the 22nd and 26th of November at 5.74 and 6.33 followed by spat of bets at odds around 6 which continued right up until a few days before the race.
You’ve made an accusation, now how about you back it up with hard cash?
Say 2000 quid if you have the balls to accuse you should have the balls to back it up with a hard cash bet.
I’m perfectly willing to post a video up showing the bet and I’ll give you 5/1 if I can’t.
You’re out of order Zippy give it a rest mate.
I had wondered if perhaps the Beecher Chase was Kauto Star’s Gold Cup – today was incredible. On the whole, I think that the extra distance at Chelter’s will favour LR, but his jumping hasn’t been as good and that’s a bit of a worry. I don’t know, but I’d be v. surprised if SWC isn’t on board. The race stats for KS winning the Gold Cup back aren’t good – it would be completely unprecedented. I’m reely looking forward to seeing him try. He was so impressive – there was one massive jump. Blimey!
Funny thing I was listening to Rory Delargo who was saying he’s never seen a horse who jumps better than Kauto Star and how he gains so much ground on his rivals.
I just don’t see it. He certainly jumped really well today as he normally does but I think Master Minded eg is a far better jumper and of course my new hero Sprinter Sacre is better than them all
I love the horse as many do but I can’t see him possibly winning the Gold Cup although Paul Nichols has already said he must be the one they all have to beat. I think Paul better have a plan to flatten the course with some JCB’s or face facts, Kauto’s days of getting up that hill are over.
I’m no Long Run fan but he did impress me today and I’d be surprised if anything can beat him in March. Only horse who might if he stays is Rubi Light but of the old brigade there’s nothing fro him to worry about bar jumpimg round.
Maybe we’ll see him in the national one day he’d soon learn to jump then faced with the chair.
HurdyGurdyBurdy,
I did indeed edit my above post – as it contained a spelling error. The post you refer to where I point out that you seem to have selected half the field in this King George thread sits proudly in the Christmas Hurdle thread.
Yes, you did say earlier in this thread that you fancied Kauto E/W at 11/2…and then weren’t sure if you could call the race as it was too hard, then there were the other contenders you liked…and Long Run could be difficult to beat, of course.
Anyways, all I’m asking is that you make your selection(s) clear for those of us putting our hard-earned on your tips.
As for "childish garbage" – I shall direct you to the pots and kettles section of the forum.
Zip
Spelling error my ass zippy
ya bottled out of it.Time for me to edit I din’t realise you were having ago on 2 separate threads. What an awful man you are.
I did say I was having a tiny bet on Rock on Ruby to start with as I didn’t think Binocular showed enough on his first run to suggest he was making a comeback.
If you go back and read the entire 4 pages you will find that once I had spoken to a friend who works at Seven Barrows he convinced me that they thought he was better than ever and a certainty for the race and when Nicky went public saying he was certain he was back to something like his best that sealed it. I also said I would be an idiot not to back him so I did.
I’ll try and simplify it by putting the word nap next to the horse I am backing just for you pal.
Sprinter Sacre (Nap) How’s that?
I said in my preview that Kauto Star should be considered the most decorated National Hunt horse in history and he reinforced that impression this afternoon.
He has taken equine brilliance to a whole new level in this sport, setting new records and smashing those held by some of the most distinguished names this game has ever witnessed.
The fact is that National Hunt racing has never seen anything quite like this chap – ability, versatility and longevity. The list of his achievements with the adjective ‘only’ present is continuing to grow. In short, it means that Kauto Star is doing things that no other horse in history has achieved.
* The only chaser to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup
* The only chaser to win five King George’s
* The only chaser to complete the King George / Cheltenham Gold Cup double on more than one occasion.
* The only chaser to be rated the best chaser at every distance in the same season
*The only chaser to win Grade One races in seven successive seasons.
*The only chaser to win seperate Grade One races on four occasions.*Record holder for winning distance in the King George.
Kauto Star was winning his first Grade One this very month back in 2005, courtesy of his first Tingle Creek success over two miles. Fast forward six years to this afternoon, and he was winning his fifth King George over three miles against the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, with an Arkle winner back in third.
Combined, the first and second were competing in their thirty-third contest, seven shy of Kauto Star who was making his fortieth appearance on a racecourse. When Kauto Star was making his debut in this country, Long Run had not even been born. Captain Chris made his racecourse debut at Kempton in February 2010 – not two months had passed since a certain horse won a record breaking fourth consecutive King George at the same venue.
Whilst the vast majority of racehorses depend on certain conditions to perform at their very best – even the great ones – Kauto has demonstrated top class form on many stages. Right handed / left handed. Galloping / sharp. Flat / undulating. Fast ground / soft ground. Two miles / three miles.
It doesn’t bother him in the slightest. How many horses could win a race, which arguably boasts the greatest roll of honour in National Hunt racing, five times when showing a clear preference for going the other way?
It’s hard to put a finger on just what has rejuvinated him this season. Obviously, the excuse issued by Paul Nicholls has been somewhat justified, but his entire demeanour has changed. Perhaps the change of tactics have not only helped him physically, but also mentally. He clearly enjoys being out in front and his jumping has never been so assured – he appears to love his job now more than ever.
Long Run ran a highly respectable race, but he is not a natural over fences. Sam Waley-Cohen did absolutely nothing wrong and rode a similar race to last year. He wasn’t able to be quite as prominent on the second circuit on this occasion because his horses jumping just wouldn’t allow it. It will be interesting to see the respective splits from 2010 and 2011, but I got the impression that Long Run was taken out of his comfort zone when Kauto turned the screw and his jumping suffered as a result.
Rather than Long Run lacking for help in the saddle, a fine horseman like Waley-Cohen was lacking for help under the saddle.
In my opinion, both Captain Chris and Somersby stayed – connections of both horses certainly share that opinion.
Captain Chris could still be the fly in the ointment come March. It’s hard to believe he won an Arkle because he was struggling to keep up at some stages of the contest. His jumping was once again far from fluent, but he improved in that department throughout last season and I expect you will see a much improved performer around Cheltenham. He was still a danger turning for home, despite going a shade quicker than he would have liked and never jumping – that tells you all you need to know about how good he could be.
It will be an interesting few months in the build up to Cheltenham, but today belonged to a horse with peerless ability. I’ve often heard the saying ‘Reach for the stars and you won’t get stuck in the mud’. No chaser has ever reached higher than Kauto Star.
A horse doesn’t magically decline upon his 11th or 12th birthday, or beyond that. Kauto Star is still very much in the prime of his career. It seems like people have been laying Long Run every race expecting him to improve his jumping, but maybe he just isn’t as naturally graceful as Kauto, no matter what jockey is aboard. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again-bet against the greatest steeplechaser of all time at your own risk.
He’s one of the all time greats, and the best I’ve seen in my short time following races. He’s phenomenal.
), had Long Run been given a more enterprising ride ( he jumped fine in the main ) he would, in my opinion, have prevailed.
ya bottled out of it.
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