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Any thoughts on Blue Sari? I suppose it was satisfactory enough but it looked a bit underwhelming after what Envoi Allen and Andy Dusfrene did on their hurdling debuts. It might have been interesting if the other horse had not hung across the track.
Anyone else impressed by Allmankind? Looked like he was running too free but still managed to find plenty. I can see him running well in the Triumph if they can keep the lid on him.
All at Cheltenham
2.25 Spiritofthegames
3.00 The Butcher Said
3.30 Remastered (nap)Reserves
1.50 West Approach
1.15 Wholestone
12.40 AllmankindI think the Tuesday card drags a bit. It starts really strongly with the Supreme, Arkle, Ultima and Champion Hurdle. After that, the Mares race, Novices Handicap Chase and the NH Chase is a big anti-climax. I always take the last three days on leave but I am happy to work on the Tuesday. Not taking leave for just four races!
The “Cheltenham should go back to three days” crowd really need to get over it. There is no chance of that happening.
As I said elsewhere, I would compromise by having four days but just six races each day. I would lose the Cross Country, Dawn Run, Novice Handicap Chase and one of the Ryanair, Mares Hurdle or the NH Chase. I realise the last has a lot of tradition but I am personally not much of a fan of marathon chases (especially with amateur riders) and this year’s renewal was not pretty.
I quite like the Fred Winter or whatever it is called now. The handicapper has not got to grips with them all so there is a chance to get on one that is well in. Flaxen Flare winning in a canter is a happy punting memory!
I prefer the Triumph as it is now with a bit more quality than quantity.
A 4 day festival with only 6 races each day is a fair compromise. Royal Ascot only has 6 races a day so why not Cheltenham?
Cheltenham is off on Friday. The Ballymore hurdle has been moved to Saturday and the Cross Country to Sunday. However, the Saturday card has to pass an inspection at 3pm on Friday.
Rain, rain go away!
Yes, I watched the replay of the last race at Exeter this morning. You could tell by the car lights just how dark it was. And remember TV cameras make it look lighter!
As for the betting ring, they are just dead nowadays and killed off by all the other options people have to bet. Sorry to say it but the bookies brought it on themselves to an extent. How many bet 1/4 odds nowadays, even on 16+ runner handicaps?
Contrast that with Ireland where the bookies generally do bet to the correct each way terms, although my maths is not good enough to comment on their over-rounds. Then again, racing in Ireland is usually a far more enjoyable experience than racing in Britain anyway.
Good shout Homer. Kauto Star won the Tingle Creek the same season he won the Gold Cup. It is difficult to imagine a Gold Cup horse being campaigned that way now.
I was at Sandown that day and could not believe how easily he won. I think I am right in saying Voy Por Ustedes was second but Kauto Star beat him out of sight.
I would like to see Monalee win. He was my idea of last season’s Ryanair winner but he had a disappointing campaign on the whole. He has questions to answer now but I have not given up on him just yet!
Agree that Sprinter Sacre was the best of them. It is difficult to think of anything that could have beaten him when he won his first Champion Chase. People with longer memories than me might say Flyingbolt but I wonder how reliable his rating is.
Personally I would put Altior in second and Master Minded third. I also think there is something to be said for longevity. Altior has won at four Cheltenham Festivals, whereas Master Minded put up one brilliant performance but never really matched it again.
Not sure we ever found out just how good a peak Douvan was. He kept beating the same horses in small fields on soft ground. Having said that it was clearly not his fault he did not win a Champion Chase and his perennial runner up Sizing John was good enough to win a Gold Cup, albeit in a moderate renewal.
Russell rode a fine race to win the last at Fairyhouse yesterday, beating a Gigginstown horse in a driving finish. Would not blame him if he enjoyed that!
I was at Aintree about two weeks ago on Old Roan Chase day. I went into the old weighing room which is now a bar. I was pleased to see that there is a lot of National memorabilia on display, including the colours worn by John Buckingham when he won on Foinavon.
I was even more interested to see the colours carried by Tipperary Tim when he won in the 1920’s at 100/1. He was the only horse to complete the course unscathed, although another was remounted to finish second. My grandfather always mentioned it at National time because he claimed to have backed Tipperary Tim!
Alan King has reported that Harambe has had a setback and is a far from certain runner.
Nicholls’s assistant has talked up the chance of Magic Saint. He says the horse has had a breathing operation and has been working well. Of course, they said he was working well before the Grand Annual when they really fancied him but he disappointed. If the operation has worked he must be overpriced at 20/1. There is a lot to take on trust but I might be prepared to find out at that price.
