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Very impressive from Thistlecrack today.
I still think he has a slight tendency to “bunny hop” some of his fences but he’s obviously got a huge engine.
I think they should go to the king george now, which would give them a much better idea of where they stand in regards to the gold cup.
Very impressive from Thistlecrack today.
I still think he has a slight tendency to “bunny hop” some of his fences but he’s obviously got a huge engine.
I think they should go to the king george now, which would give them a much better idea of where they stand in regards to the gold cup.
That’s fair comment judge, he doesn’t always hit the ground running but he has such an engine
that he makes up any loss between his fences. He’s still learning so he should improve, but
even at this stage he is safe, although no Desert Orchid, and travels so well it’s hard to imagine
anything staying with him.First time I’ve seen so many head on shots so can’t say if that’s his habit to go just slightly right at most fences. Certainly did so noticeably over the first 4 or 5 until the fizz went out of him, but then did it at a few more.
One small thing catches my eye: he ran down left at the second last, as he did at Cheltenham at the last and I wonder if Scu is sending some message down the reins to him that he’s nearly home? That might sound a bit daft but such a move is often brought on by weariness, yet he’s finishing full of running (and he jumped the last fine today). I continue having more doubts about the jockey than the horse.
Anyway, hopefully today quietens the ridiculous noises that came from so-called pros after Cheltenham, especially Mr Boyce who branded his performance ‘awful.’
First time I’ve seen so many head on shots so can’t say if that’s his habit to go just slightly right at most fences. Certainly did so noticeably over the first 4 or 5 until the fizz went out of him, but then did it at a few more.
One small thing catches my eye: he ran down left at the second last, as he did at Cheltenham at the last and I wonder if Scu is sending some message down the reins to him that he’s nearly home? That might sound a bit daft but such a move is often brought on by weariness, yet he’s finishing full of running (and he jumped the last fine today). I continue having more doubts about the jockey than the horse.
Anyway, hopefully today quietens the ridiculous noises that came from so-called pros after Cheltenham, especially Mr Boyce who branded his performance ‘awful.’
I thought the same, and you wouldn’t think he’d have any problem with the 3 mile 2 furlong trip of the gold cup, but then again blaklion was my bet in the hennessy today and it appeared he got outstayed, so you just never know.
One small thing catches my eye: he ran down left at the second last, as he did at Cheltenham at the last and I wonder if Scu is sending some message down the reins to him that he’s nearly home? That might sound a bit daft but such a move is often brought on by weariness, yet he’s finishing full of running (and he jumped the last fine today). I continue having more doubts about the jockey than the horse.
As you know I want the horse to go on and win the Gold Cup. The comments I made above were not meant to be critical just a reflection that the flamboyance had seemingly been replaced by a more cautious professionalism. That might be a good thing but personally I like to see a little extra spark now and again. I share your concerns about Scudamore, maybe for different reasons. He pretty much let Thistlecrack do his own thing today. The trainer noted that he only asked him at the last. I just fear unless he is far more pro-active there is always the chance that the horse will repeat the Cheltenham scares. Nothing like last time but he wasn’t fluent at the first ditch today. Maybe he is just doing what he feels is necessary to win the race and will ride him differently once he steps up in grade?
Stilvi, I didn’t take it as any criticism of the horse. I’ve always had the impression, certainly over hurdles that he almost disregards everything else in a race and simply runs. I was never concerned about his jumping; on his debut he showed he was a fine natural jumper and you don’t just lose that. If anything bothers me now it’s that he seems considerably more keen over fences than over hurdles and he will need to be everything he appears to be and more to race like that in a Gold Cup, albeit they’ll be travelling faster around him.
Also, that slight twist he does with his back end when jumping (his head goes right and his back end left but by the time the back end flips out it seems caused by almost a whiplash effect of the spine) athletic as he is, I doubt you can keep doing that and avoid the risk of injury: minor perhaps, maybe pulling a muscle, but enough to cost him a race or a start in a big one.
Could be he jumps that way because he is just full of himself and not travelling quickly enough to launch in a straight jump. I don’t know. I’d like to se him in a proper race against the big guys before the Gold Cup, but I’m hoping it’s not the Cotswold as I think horses can leave behind the Gold Cup in that race.
As for Scudamore, I wonder if he’s terrified he does something wrong and loses the ride? He’s a good jock and I like him in general, but any nerves will be transmitted to Thistlecrack.
Scudamore was buzzing afterwards, smiling from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat and giggling like a young boy who had found the hidden sweet jar.
Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
SteepleChasing,
could that twist have developed as a result of landing on the fence at Cheltenham?
He looked arrow straight there, though i have not reviwed the race. I think I read a comment or two after that he could suffer back damage from that.
Not impossible Space Cowboy though it would be rare for a horse to go with such zest if feeling sore
This’ jumped well without being as flamoyant. That’s probably a good thing, but they didn’t get any experience of jumping in-behind horses. I’m getting the feeling connections now know that over fences his famed enthusiasm can get the better of him when headed.
Value Is EverythingMin did that same body twist at the first couple today. Could just be over-exuberance in horses with a very high cruising speed.
I hope next time for Thistlecrack they push him along from three out, no matter the opposition. He needs to be prepped for a challenge. Pointless to keep allowing a horse to win hard held
Agreed Joe, if they’re not careful he won’t know what to do in a battle.
Value Is EverythingWOULD BE GOOD TO SEE HIM RUN IN THE KING GEORGE THEN. AS TIZZARD NOW SAYING 50=50 TO RUN AGAINST CUE CARD AND THE REST OF THE DECENT HORSES.
BUT STILL THINK BE THE EASY ROUTE OF THE NOVICE CHASE
Min did that same body twist at the first couple today. Could just be over-exuberance in horses with a very high cruising speed.
I hope next time for Thistlecrack they push him along from three out, no matter the opposition. He needs to be prepped for a challenge. Pointless to keep allowing a horse to win hard held
I think they are intent on saving jockey heroics for one big day. Imagine if they got Dickie Johnson on him. That would be some roller coaster.
Lionroars,
With Cue Card impressing in the Betfair, there’s no way the Tizzards will go for the King George with Thistlecrack.World Hurdle has more prestige than the RSA.
Cheltenham target is between two races.
If failing to impress as a Gold Cup winner will switch to the World Hurdle.Value Is EverythingSpoke to a gambling friend of mine yesterday and he said whatever this horse goes for, the gold cup or king george, back it for either
I questioned it’s jumping to him and he said it would jump over the moon. Also thinks it’s got the engine of a freak and basically unbeatable.
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