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Even on his 11th ‘birthday’, and allowing for my bias as I’ve always liked the horse, I think Bobs Worth is a great price at 12s for this.
He’s unbeaten over hurdles, three of those at Cheltenham. He’d prefer better ground, but I think he’ll act okay on this and his stamina in these conditions will be an asset. And yet he retains enough speed to have won over a sharp twenty furlongs at Aintree. If all stand their ground, he should be a solid EW bet.
One of TAPK’s big winners from last years festival runs in this and I really cant believe he’s trading at 7’s.If I had Gingers ability to create my own tissue I’d go 7/2 about Whisper.Good luck with ‘Bobs Worth’ Joe,We’ve both gone for one of Nickys and yet he could still win it with the Fav and do us both.However my fellow will float across this Heavy ground and 21/2m will feel like 3m so I’m pretty confident this ‘Top Notch’ will find it all a bit beyond him at this stage of his career.When TAPK goes in hard mermaids cross their tails,I’ve got that feeling again!
Here’s my 100% book:
Top Notch 2/1, Virgilio 9/2, Cole Harden 5/1, Camping Ground 17/2, Whisper 17/2, Bobs Worth 16/1, Lil Rockerfeller 33/1, Aurore Destreval 33/1.I’ve been waiting for Top Notch to run over 2m4f and taken 5/2. Races asthough will improve at the trip; albeit with Cole Harden coming back in distance this may feel more like 2 3/4m than 2 1/2. Form of the Fighting Fifth been franked by the winner making Nichols Canyon pull out all the stops. Top Notch goes really well on very soft ground. Something we do not know about Cole Harden or to a certain degree Whisper.
Warren’s wonder horse’s very best form is in the Stayers Hurdles at both Cheltenham and Aintree, run on significantly drier surface than today. Even if effective on this softer ground we don’t yet know whether he’s still as effective after another breathing operation. Another question mark is whether Cole Harden is as effective coming back in trip to 2 1/2 miles? Staying on again over 3m at Newbury after looking like being swamped on reappearance for a 6 1/2 lengths third, giving 4 lbs to Thistlecrack. Not a bad run, but probably not his best either.
It was pretty soft for Whisper‘s second to Saphir De Rheu at Ffos Lass, but so far his very best form is on better ground and perhaps even more importantly in the Spring. I was at Newbury for his reappearance too, didn’t seem to be moving properly. Good thing is stable are in good form.
Bobs Worth is the other Henderson hurdler. Will love the track. Great chance on the best of his form, but that’s years ago. I backed him for the Hennessey on the back of what looked an encouraging hurdles reappearance, but in truth it’s probable no horse ran anywhere near their form in that race. Did seem more interested making the running at Aintree, dropped out and never going at Newbury. With Cole Harden and possibly stablemate Top Notch it’s doubtful be getting his own way in front. Action may not be suited by heavy ground (goes on soft). This probably the last throw of the dice at this level. Henderson has mentioned veterans chases.
Lil Rockerfeller won a Sandown 2m Handicap and does stay this trip well, but has quite a lot to find at this level. May be best right handed too.
Arore Destruval is one of those strange things, one I’d be more likely to back at a shorter price than is now. On form has a bit to find. 1 3/4 lengths second to Irving in a poor Fighting Fifth last year on similar ground. Proven at the trip and won only subsequent start, looking unexposed for John Quinn. Now with Rebecca Curtis who’s in good form at present. Trouble is the mare hasn’t been seen for two days short of a year. Comes here instead of a Mares listed race tomorrow. Not knowing her fitness I’ve tentitively made her a fair 33/1 shot, but an early market move tomorrow could easily see me take 20/1.
Camping Ground looks worth a saver @ 10/1. Progressive hurdler, 2 lengths fourth under top weight in Imperial Cup only hurdles start in Britain. Fell before showing what he could do in Peterborough Chase on reappearance last time out. Went well on heavy ground in France. Wouldn’t be the first time an ex-chaser made his mark in this sphere.
Virgilio is my other main bet @ 11/2. Massively impressive all three starts in Britain for excellent Dan Skelton yard, no knowing where the improvement will end. Winner off mark of 138 at Aintree at beginning of December (similar ground and trip to today) winning eased down by 8 lengths from Un Ace.
Value Is EverythingA bit surprised David Bass is riding Top Notch. I would have thought if he’s the best horse then Nico or Barry would be riding him but maybe it’s something to do with who gets on best with each horse.
A bit surprised David Bass is riding Top Notch. I would have thought if he’s the best horse then Nico or Barry would be riding him but maybe it’s something to do with who gets on best with each horse.
Suspect it is something to do with the owner’s preferences Kasparov.
Jacob rides them when fit, Bass might be second in line?
Value Is EverythingArore Destruval is one of those strange things, one I’d be more likely to back at a shorter price than is now. On form has a bit to find. 1 3/4 lengths second to Irving in a poor Fighting Fifth last year on similar ground. Proven at the trip and won only subsequent start, looking unexposed for John Quinn. Now with Rebecca Curtis who’s in good form at present. Trouble is the mare hasn’t been seen for two days short of a year. Comes here instead of a Mares listed race tomorrow. Not knowing her fitness I’ve tentitively made her a fair 33/1 shot, but an early market move tomorrow could easily see me take 20/1.
Seems a bit of money for Arore Destruval this morning so taken a bit of 22/1.
Value Is EverythingHaving watched both Champers On Ice and Seeyouatmidnight both make all to win I now have a good feeling about Cole Harden in this..
I know the drop in trip probably isn’t ideal and I know this is just another stepping stone to defending his World Hurdle crown in March but I still think he will prove too strong..
Gavin Sheehan as good as there is from the front and I can see him making this a test…the vastly improving Virgilio was the only other of interest to me but after watching Skeltons early runners today I will pass and stick with Cole Harden to lead them all a merry dance and half in price for his defence…
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