[MarkDuncan]

Although I’d be thoroughly disappointed financially if Big Bucks were to win, it would be great to see a returning hero.

However I’m strongly in the Annie Power camp. I believe the form of the Cleeve Hurdle is weak (66/1 Knockara Beau winner) and I was interested to see before the race Paul Nicholls said he had Big Bucks as ready as he could, so in my mind I’m not sure how much the race could bring him on, especially at 11 years old. If they’re to beat Annie Power they will have to force the tactics again as they would need to try and stretch Annie Powers stamina and wouldn’t be able to go toe to toe with her pace if held up.

Rule The World will mop up the pieces!

[MarkDuncan]

Evening gents,

Am I right in thinking I can replace Sprinter Sacre as my one replacement?

I have also given my Neptune and Triumph picks below:

Supreme Novices – Wild Blue Yonder 1pt EW @ 40/1 (Ladbrokes)
Arkle – Champagne Fever 2pts WIN @ 4/1 (Paddy Power)
Champion Hurdle – Hurricane Fly 2pts WIN @ 3/1 (Bet365)

Neptune – Faugheen 2pts WIN @ 3/1 (Various)

RSA – Carlingford Lough 1pt EW @ 14/1 (Ladbrokes)
Queen Mother – Sprinter Sacre 2pts WIN @ Evens (888sport)
Ryanair – Lyreen Legend 2pts win @ 25/1 (Ladbrokes)
World Hurdle – Annie Power 2pts WIN @ 3/1 (William Hill)

Triumph – Tiger Roll 2pts WIN @ 16/1 (Various)

Gold Cup – Bobsworth 2pt WIN @ 9/4 (Betfred)

If allowed to switch Sprinter Sacre out, my new selection will be:

Captain Conan 2pts win @ 7/1 (Various)

Very excited now! Terrible to see us lose Sprinter Sacre and Cue Card, fingers crossed we don’t have many more late withdrawals.

Mark

[MarkDuncan]

Interesting comments from Graham Cunningham regarding Annie Power in the Champion Hurdle:

"4: Another week gone and no nearer an Annie Power decision?

In theory, that’s exactly how things stand. But maybe we can piece together a few clues.

It’s tough to assess what the likely absence of Un De Sceaux says about Annie’s potential Festival target – perhaps it says nothing at all.

And some might say last week’s defeats for Doyly Carte and Zarkandar – both "Powered" at least once this winter – didn’t exactly frank Annie’s form.

But let’s factor in the phone book as well as the form book. A sensible Irish judge who isn’t known for gilding the lily is confident that Annie will run in the Champion rather than the World hurdle unless something derails Quevega’s Mares’ Hurdle bid.

…."Our Conor just tops my short list, but MTOY is very close behind. And I’m also nibbling Annie Power at big prices on the exchanges in the belief that there is much more chance of her running on day one of the Festival than many people suspect."

Source: http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news … -questions

Thoughts?

[MarkDuncan]

Keen on Lyreen Legend who looks likely to go for this race. Think he’s still well over priced for the race at 25s at last look. Rock solid 2nd in last years RSA, foot perfect all the way around and only looked beat in final 100 yards (after Boston Bob took a tumble of course!).

Travelled ominously well in the Lexus before race fitness kicked in and given easy time on run in. In the Hennessy he jumped poorly for the first four/five fences but warmed up nicely. Had no answers to Last Installment on the run in (Gold Cup EW player), but will improve for less testing ground and Dessie has been giving positive vibes.

Also very keen on Al Ferof who should run a huge race!

[MarkDuncan]

Yes this will not be over quickly – it will be back and forth through the different regulatory bodies. Shouldn’t affect Last Installment and Dunguib at this stage, but you’d be concerned about the mental impact such a scenario could have on a trainer and the team heading into Cheltenham.

My finger is on the trigger for Dunguib – Coral or County – reminiscent of Solwhit last year – Grade 1 winner back to his best

[MarkDuncan]

Hi all,

Returner at TRF after 2/3 year exile!! Am I OK to throw in my selections? At the cost of losing a slice of value in the AP markets, I have gained the benefit of seeing everyone’s picks and wisdom so far! Here we go then:

Supreme Novices – Wild Blue Yonder 1pt EW @ 40/1 (Ladbrokes)
Arkle – Champagne Fever 2pts WIN @ 4/1 (Paddy Power)
Champion Hurdle – Hurricane Fly 2pts WIN @ 3/1 (Bet365)
Neptune –
RSA – Carlingford Lough 1pt EW @ 14/1 (Ladbrokes)
Queen Mother – Sprinter Sacre 2pts WIN @ Evens (888sport)
Ryanair – Lyreen Legend 2pts win @ 25/1 (Ladbrokes)
World Hurdle – Annie Power 2pts WIN @ 3/1 (William Hill)
Triumph –
Gold Cup – Bobsworth 2pt WIN @ 9/4 (Betfred)

Thanks,

Mark

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