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For the record, I really cant see beyond Big Bucks, but wouldn’t it be fascinating to see him line up against Zaynar? Atleast it would make the Staying division that little bit more interesting and competitive.
Grass, Horsemouth, I see your point, but it only takes ONE horse in the Stayers to have an off-day, whereas Zaynar needs a few to under-perform if he is to win the Champion. Zaynar is a quality animal, and I love his attitude, but I genuinely dont believe he has the raw speed to win a Champion. Whats Henderson got to lose by going for the Stayers??? By the way, was Big Bucks a stone clear on ratings going into Cheltenham last year? No. Thats where they get their ratings, usually. If Zaynar goes in the stayers, and beats Big Bucks, what do u say then? That hes suddenly improved a stone and a half?? U just cannot compare their ratings, Stayers to 2-milers.
I would love to see Henderson give Zaynar a run in this. He shapes like a thorough stayer, and as I stated elsewhere, you only have one horse to beat in the Stayers, whereas in the Champion, any one of 7 or 8 could win it.
thehorsesmouth
That was my point?! Someone had written before me that Captain Cee Bee would NEVER fall again!!
BB, you well?? You haven’t picked on me for a while, Im starting to miss it!!!
No-one else fancy War of Attrition? For a former Gold-Cup winner, hes probably going to get a lovely racing weight, and we know he has the class and is a sound jumper. Hes really beginning to appeal to me now, anybody else???
Hmmmm, Duke, you have no problems seeing novices make ‘novicey mistakes’, like what Captain Cee Bee did??!! You obviously didn’t back him then??!!! I backed him, so I had a problem…a financial one!!!
Seriously, I love Captain Cee Bee, but how can anyone say he wont make a serious mistake or fall again?? Ive come out with some very hasty quotes in my time, (ask Big Bucks if you dont believe me
) but of course Captain Cee Bee CAN fall again!!! I hope he doesn’t, but you just never know!
The ONLY time he was asked a serious question, jumping a fence at full-tilt, he fell. You just couldn’t be confident with him at Cheltenham, IMO.Sizing Europe has won on good, good to soft, and soft. Regarding ground, unless it comes up Firm (highly doubtful!!!) then it wont be an issue. Just look at what Sizing Europe achieved over hurdles, compared to his rivals. And, his jumping has been fantastic. I dont think he was at his best at Leopardstown, and yes, I believe Captain Cee Bee would’ve beaten him, but he still thrashed a very good horse in Osana. He, and Sommersby are the ones with the best claims, so far!
Paul Nicholls also stated that Tatenan was a ‘proper Arkle horse’, remember? I know that Tatatiano has looked good, but has he had to jump a fence at full-speed yet? No. I cant have anyone saying he would’ve beaten Fosters Cross, it was way too early when FC unseated. He has had 2 public schooling sessions, and no more. Until he proves himself in better company, the 8/1 looks way too short. Im not saying he wont win the Arkle, just 8/1 is way too skinny for what hes actually achieved.
Before Crack Away Jack got injured, I didnt think he looked a natural (yet) over fences, and I think the sheer speed of the Arkle would’ve found him out. We will never know
Ok, Sommersby, Sizing Europe and as a value long-shot, Zarritto at 25/1 appeals greatly. His jumping has been fantastic, he was only beaten a s/h by Captain Cee Bee, and since then, has hacked up in a novices chase. At a quarter of the odds, the 1st 3 at Paddy Powers, it appeals greatly.
I think 8/1 about Tataiano is very short for what hes achieved. We never know if he’d of beaten Fosters Cross at Cheltenham, as neither had been asked a question when FC unseated. Hes had 2 very easy wins over fences, when he was able to dictate in small fields. Reminds me of Tatenan, (and not just the name!!) whos jumping fell apart when put in a tougher race, and more questions were asked of his jumping. Sizing Europe has proven he can jump really well under pressure, unlike Tataniano, and even more so, Captain Cee Bee. I know, he probably would’ve beaten Sizing Europe, had he stood up, but jumping is the name of the game, and he has to prove he can do it. Until then, I’ll swerve him. Sizing Europe and Sommersby are the 2 that ave impressed me most.
Roddy, have to agree with u about the ‘Big Fella’, he’ll improve a bundle this time around. Him, along with Dream Alliance and War of Attrition, who ran a cracker over hurdlesat Leopardstown over Christmas, are my fancies. I think he 33/1 about Dream Alliance in particular, stands out as good value.
Kifill, I dont think Denman finished that tired when winning his Gold Cup, he just started wandering, as he got lonely being alone for so long! He obviously wouldnt be allowed race so freely over 4m4f, and I think there is every chance he will get the trip well enough.
That is what I was saying, if Kauto beats Denman at Cheltenham, then theres a better chance of Denman going to Aintree!!!
Yeah, I know Sentry Duty dismissed Katchit, but thats not such a huge accomplishment these days, is it? I couldnt be having Sentry Duty, I just dont think hes good enough.
Fist is right. PN’s dominance of the National Hunt scene, coincided with the emergence of Kauto, Denman and Master Minded. The Pipe stable dominated for such a long time, but apart from David Johnson, what other notable owner is backing the Pipes? Nicholls has Clive Smith, Paul Barber, Andy Stewart, to name a few. I could be the greatest trainer on the planet…Not much point if no-one will give me a horse!!!
Imperial, although Volar La Vadette looked mighty impressive when slamming Go Native, Noel Meade made no secret of the fact that Go Native was only about 50% ready, much the way Punjabi was recently. Having said that, I would put Punjabis disappointing re-appearance down to more than a lack of fitness. The horse just didnt look happy, and he went from travelling, to being beaten very quickly. I have no doubt that Go Native would reverse form with the mare now though.
Grasshopper, Im not dismissing Solwhit, far from it!! Him, along with Zaynar, Kyber Kim, and a fit-again Hurricane Fly are the ones I fear most. As I said, maybe Il be proven wrong, but I dont think Cheltenham will be his cup of tea. Did Go Native not thump him in the Fighting Fifth, fair and square??
Right, but Punchestown is a much easier 2-miles to get, just like Aintree is. Thats why I question the suitability of Cheltenham for Solwhit. I love this horse, as he always puts it in, but I just think something with more raw pace, something like Go Native,(hopefully!!!) will do him!!!
Aaronizneez wrote:
the only blemish being the Fighting Fifth where the pace of the race would have not been to his advantage.
Are u trying to say the slow pace suited Go Native and Sublimity?? The faster they go, the better Go Native is.
Grasshopper wrote:
I don’t understand this logic, to be honest. Solwhit has won twice round the undulations of Punchestown
The undulations of Punchestown????? U ever been there mate?? Its a very easy track to get, quite similar to Aintree. But Leopardstown isnt, and it was a good run last time by Solwhit. I still dont think he’ll be suited by Cheltenham, time will tell though.
