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Big Bucks to get beat here but go on to win The World Hurdle. I think Punchestowns could well win this race as he was a very immpressive course and distance winner, and if he wins Nicky Henderson may well decide to give the World Hurdle another shot.
^^Funny you should mention that.
I was looking for an antepost price about Punchestowns for the World Hurdle at the start of the season, but couldn’t find one (don’t have a Betfair account).
We all know how difficult it can be for second season chasers and Puchestowns never convinced some over the bigger obstacles.
I’ve heard Nicky Henderson say, on more than one occasion, how he would do things differently if his horse and Big Buck’s were ever to meet again.
There’s certainly some unfinished business there as far as Nicky is concerned, but he did say that a return to hurdling is highly unlikely for Punchestowns, but a good performance on Saturday may give him something to think about.
I recall making a post following the World Hurdle when Big Buck’s defeated Punchestowns – who looked all over the winner at one stage – by suggesting that Nicky henderson employ different tactics if he held any hope of reversing the placings with the Nicholls horse in future.
My advice then, as it is now, is to track Big Buck’s and if still in contention going over the last, try to do a "Sea Pigeon" on him. In other words, pounce on the run-in.
Easier said than done, I know, but I believe it may be the best way of enhancing his winning chances. Slugging it out with Big Buck’s from say, two out, is simply not an option, imo.
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I’d agree with that.
I always thought Geraghty was more concerned with drawing the stamina out of Kasbah Bliss in that Stayers Hurdle than he was with Big Bucks. I think they thought Punchestowns would turn around the 4l from their previous clash in the Cleeve Hurdle because of his 8lbs pull in the weights. They probably inadvertantly set the race up for Big Bucks by going for home too soon and thinking that their main danger was the French horse.
Big Bucks is clearly a fine horse with a hell of an engine but lets be honest, he hasn’t really beaten that much in the past 18 months. If Punchestowns was to sit on his tail the whole way round and try and chin him late on they might just get him beaten. It’s worth a shot anyway.
I was just beyond the winning post for that Stayers Hurdle (2009) and had also been there for the Cleeve.
On both occasions Big Bucks’ looked comparitively fresh after winning (he looked totally unpeturbed after the Cleeve) whereas Punchestowns had the look of a horse who had given all in a big race….tired in other words.
In my view, there is a fair bit between them in terms of class and a significant weight concession would be required for Punchestowns to overcome BB.
In my humble opinion, I cannot envisage any tactical innovation that would help him at level weights.^^He was entered for the race, but has obviously been taken out. Shame.
He does hold another entry on the card.
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That’s Nicky’s new tactic…..take him out the race so he can’t be beaten.
Looks like he’s out to grab some easy place money.
I see he still has two entered and Carols Legacy looks like missing the Welsh National to run. With Duc De Regniere also entered 2nd and 3rd prize money could be his for the taking.
Of the others Lough Derg hasn’t hit form yet, Celestial Halo, Kayf Aramis and Restless Harry just had a tough races the other day, Afsoun looks way past his best, Duc already put Aracalis in his place and Oscar Dan Dan may be all he has to beat if he even turns up.
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Been heavy snow at the track JJ on top of the freezing ground. No chance of being on.
Rescheduled for Wednesday 29th December – Newbury…
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=15468
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Restless Harry e/w at 16’s.
The 3-mile hurdle divison is always the least competitive aspect of NH racing but at the moment it is at it’s lowest ever ebb. Big Bucks wouldn’t be able to win at 2 or 2+1/2, but because of thelow quality of the opposition he looks like a superstar
The 3-mile hurdle divison is always the least competitive aspect of NH racing but at the moment it is at it’s lowest ever ebb. Big Bucks wouldn’t be able to win at 2 or 2+1/2, but because of thelow quality of the opposition he looks like a superstar
Ridiculous! Of course Big Bucks would not win over 2 miles but then See The Stars would never have won a July Cup! How does that detract from his record?
Over the last few seasons he has beaten the likes of Karabak, Punchestown,Time for Rupert, Diamond Harry, Mighty Man, Kasbah Bliss,Fair Along, etc. Real low quality aint they?
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