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I know it’s only a Grade 2 and probably not a “Big Race” but it should be an interesting one tomorrow at Down Royal. Mullins has left Melon and Couquin Mans in with Ruby on Melon and Paul on Couquin Mans. Elliot has Mick Jazz in, who hasn’t been seen since he beat Cilaos Emery back in February. Forge Meadow in for Harrington. Melon is 1/2 but he was beaten by Cilaos Emery at Punchestown and Cilaos Emery was beaten by Mick Jazz so Mick Jazz could be worth a punt at 6/1.
I’m not sure what to make of Coquin Mans. He’s a horse many people, myself included, had on their radar for the Albert Bartlett after his impressive performances over the summer, but running a horse through July and August, and a horse who’s last two runs have been over 14f and 16f, doesn’t really scream Albert Bartlett profile.
However, they did the same with last year’s Albert Bartlett winner Penhill, who ran from May all the way through the summer over 2 miles, and only stepped up to 3 miles in late December. They could be devising a similar masterplan for Coquin Mans this season. Frustratingly, he was left out of Mullins’ At the Races stable tour, and nothing has been said of his future plans publicly.
For this particular race, he will be well forward compared to the rest of them, and no doubt he will try make it a real test from the front, especially in the soft conditions. He finished ahead of some nice types such as Jer’s Girl and Ivan Grozny when chasing home Jezki last month, but I think he will be a better horse over further and I can’t see him finishing ahead of Melon or Mick Jazz over 2 miles.
I agree with you about Mick Jazz Vautour, I don’t think there is nearly as much difference between himself and Melon as the betting suggests. He beat Cilaos Emery at Punchestown as you’ve mentioned, (although Melon did finish ahead of his stablemate in the Supreme), and he was also a length-and-three-quarters second to Labaik a couple of starts before that. So on those two pieces of form alone, you could see Mick Jazz finishing ahead of Melon. Of the two, Melon probably has the most scope for improvement, and that does have to be factored into the price, as well as trainer form, but 1/2 compared 6/1 doesn’t give a fair reflection of their chances in my opinion.
Like you say 6/1 is nice price and can’t argue with your form line….but I reckon Melon may have filled that lanky frame of his with summer grass and strengthened. Going to sit this out. Was also most interested in Coquin Mans..I know well beaten by Jezki LTO but was trying to give the older horse a fair bit of weight on poor ground. Interesting parallel with Penhill’s campaign Voleur, I hadn’t thought of that. Money in pocket and eyes on the telly for me.
No bet race for me but would love to see Melon win doing cartwheels. Would certainly spice up an otherwise green and gold benefit race in March.
Does anybody else feel that both Melon and Cilaos Emery staying over hurdles doesn’t spell very well for Faugheen? Both horses certainly shaped like they would take well to fences, Melon especially looked suited to the Arkle, and in a year where Mullins apparently has no hot Arkle contenders, you would think if Faugheen was back anywhere near his best, either one of those two would have gone chasing.
Good point. A wee bit of something and nothing doesn’t keep a horse of the racecourse as long as Faugheen has been. Would not be surprised to see reappearance delayed and delayed then retirement announced days before Leopardstown. Hope I’m wrong as would love to see the Machine in action again.
As would I greenasgrass. The vibes coming from the stable seem to be good, but when are things ever as they seem at Closutton?
Definitely belongs here Vautour
I’ll sit this one out, but I would love to see a nice run from Melon. Good luck with whatever you go for guys.
Nothing for me, hopefully melon can make the CH look a bit more puzzling in the coming months but too short for this
Does anybody else feel that both Melon and Cilaos Emery staying over hurdles doesn’t spell very well for Faugheen? Both horses certainly shaped like they would take well to fences, Melon especially looked suited to the Arkle, and in a year where Mullins apparently has no hot Arkle contenders, you would think if Faugheen was back anywhere near his best, either one of those two would have gone chasing.
I don’t think it’s anything to do with Faugheen. Melon will go Novice Chasing next season. He is still only 5. The reason he is being kept over hurdles is because he was late getting going last season and is lacking experience. He’s definitely a Chaser in the making. Cilaos Emery; I’m not quite sure but I don’t think his decision would be based on Faugheen. If Faugheen was goosed they’d hardly be delaying Cilaos Emery’s Chasing career to fill that void. I think Mullin’s Arkle horse will be Footpad; be interesting to see how he does over fences. Jacob rides him though, you would think Ruby would want a decent ride for the Arkle and Melon or Cilaos Emery would have been the obvious contenders. Maybe they’ve someone else..
Mullin’s has a Serious team of Senior Hurdlers this season anyway so I don’t think he’d be panicking. If I saw Yorkhill go hurdling I’d be more inclined to think “The Machine” might be struggling.
I just cannot believe the reaction in the markets to Melon’s victory there. He’s been slashed from 16/1 into as short as 8/1 in places. If he’s to win a Champion Hurdle I’d have wanted to see an easier victory than that. His jumping doesn’t overly convince and I’m not sure what was in behind him. I can’t believe he’s been shortened at all. Imagine what Buveur Dair would have done to that lot today.
I just cannot believe the reaction in the markets to Melon’s victory there. He’s been slashed from 16/1 into as short as 8/1 in places. If he’s to win a Champion Hurdle I’d have wanted to see an easier victory than that. His jumping doesn’t overly convince and I’m not sure what was in behind him. I can’t believe he’s been shortened at all. Imagine what Buveur Dair would have done to that lot today.
This. FWIW, I lobbied for ‘unchanged’ as a hot take on the race, but was overruled in favour of a 2pt snip. At least he won and beat a race-fit horse I suppose. Will try to keep an open mind until he runs in a more competitive race.
I just cannot believe the reaction in the markets to Melon’s victory there. He’s been slashed from 16/1 into as short as 8/1 in places. If he’s to win a Champion Hurdle I’d have wanted to see an easier victory than that. His jumping doesn’t overly convince and I’m not sure what was in behind him. I can’t believe he’s been shortened at all. Imagine what Buveur Dair would have done to that lot today.
I have to completely disagree with that. Thought he was impressive. Always struck me a lot as a horse that would improve a lot given a season under his belt and I expect him to continue to make an impression and think he will go very close to winning a champion hurdle. Ok the jumping is a slight question mark, but he jumped fairly well in the supreme then just got worried out of it by a horse who’s very difficult to predict. Also think he’d do very well over fences.
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