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Has a novice ever won the Gold Cup? Do they even run very often (I can think of Iris Gift running as some kind of crazy plan B when he was struggling with jumping). It’s one thing a classy novice knocking over other novices, it’s quite another to go straight up against the best staying chasers in the top race. KS is getting on a bit, and Cheltenham’s probably not his best track, but he still looks in pretty good form. Long Run’s not far behind and looks like the Gold Cup’ll be his best race
Grand Cru’s not my horse, but it hardly sounds like the percentage call.
I had wondered if perhaps the Beecher Chase was Kauto Star’s Gold Cup – today was incredible. On the whole, I think that the extra distance at Chelter’s will favour LR, but his jumping hasn’t been as good and that’s a bit of a worry. I don’t know, but I’d be v. surprised if SWC isn’t on board. The race stats for KS winning the Gold Cup back aren’t good – it would be completely unprecedented. I’m reely looking forward to seeing him try. He was so impressive – there was one massive jump. Blimey!
It’s looking rather a tricky race to unravel. The Figthing Fifth was a bit of a crawl, but that shouldn’t have inconvenienced horses with a turn of foot like Solwhit and Binocular? I agree that the form of last year’s race might not prove all that reliable – the first six were pretty close together. Last season’s novices are turning in some good results though.
I’m with those who think that Newmill and Mahogers hold the form of the race down a little. I’m sure he’ll improve, but it is being behind Mahogers that make MM’s run so disappointing.
Great to see Well Chief win. Definitely hats off to David Pipe. At 10 and fragile, this must surely be his last season? Because he runs so infrequently, we’re still not quite sure what he’s capable of. Be great to see him line up in the Champion. Hope he gets there!
Our Vic won this, which suggests it’s an achievable trip for horses who would normally struggle to make the distance. Deep Purple may be similar. I think he’s quite smart and did v. well considering it’s his first race out of novice company. I had him doubled up with Fair Along, so am v. pleased. Welcome back the jumps season!
viking Flagship,
I remember he collapsed after he won the four mile novice chase at Cheltenham a couple of years ago. It was the race that marked him out for these extreme trips.
I’m not sure if he’s had trouble elsewhere, but think it’s a fair comment. It’s not very encouraging to have him keeling over. I think his best achievements are behind him anyway.
A super ride indeed. Voy Por looked not likely to win there and it was a brave effort to hold off Schindlers Hunt. I suspect it was a similar effort to his one in the Ryan Air – a bit below his best we saw at Ascot. Disappointing effort by Tidal Bay, who looked to be going well but faded. Not what we hoped.
Just read the sad news. Condolences to connections. The flagship of Jonjo O’Neill’s yard and a fine, consistent chaser who was unfortunate in his timing in terms of the competition he was up against.
Indeed it does. The main ones coming from the Champion Hurdle look like they could benefit from being stepped up in trip (CH, Katchit), and ground will be to Jered’s liking, but whether that hard race is the best preparation for this, I’m not so sure. Al Eile’s been poorly but has had an encouraging prep run. Catch Me skipped Chelters for this. It should be a very good race. I wonder if if skipping out Chelters could pay dividends.
I find this race impossible! State of Play has been mentioned. He looks well-handicapped on his best form. Would I be barking up the wrong tree?
Sorry to see a top-class chaser crocked. Let’s hope he comes back to compete at the top level, although I fear we may have seen the best of him.
Having just recovered after an early night following a mighty booze-up culminating in the Plough in Prestbury to commemorate Kauto’s magnificent performance, there’s probably not much to add. I agree with most of Bos’s thoughtful comments, although I think that Denman’s prep must have been behind schedule. It remains to be seen if Kauto retains all his ability for another two to three years, but I wonder if we may have seen him at the peak of his powers.
The Gold Cup isn’t a doddle, and it was a terrific performance by Denman in the circumstances. Discounting his previous run, his two defeats at Chelters where when he was outpaced at the end. To have had a chance on Thursday, he would have needed to have stormed off, and whether he can still do that we don’t know. However, happily, he looks like he’ll be ready for a good season next time.
This is the race I have been looking forward to the most. Today we will find out if Bin is the all-terrain champ or the sort to win the trials but not the champion hurdle itself. He is hard to knock and I have an interest in him. I am hoping Katchit returns to his best and gives him a run for his money. At the forecast SP Punjabi doesn’t look bad value.
Good luck everyone!
