It is difficult to comprehend why Jamie Spencer doesn't get more rides these days. He was at his finest tonight on Air To Air (yellow body and black epaulets and cap drawn 4):
Cost a mate of mine what would’ve been a very nice treble that did.
A 7lb claimer would have been hauled in front of the Stewards and questioned as to what he was doing. They are immune to Spencer doing it as are commentators who will wax lyrically on the occasions it comes off forgetting about all the times it doesn't.
No model for this folks, just my very dodgy nose but Irish GN on Monday and it will all be about the ground. Tiger Roll's defection and the consequent massive hike in weights has changed the complexion of it - some more likely to handle the extra than others. Difficult to see how it won't be quick given the forecast and that will likely find out several of the market fancies. I'm a big fan of both Moyhenna and Agusta Gold, having run the slide rule over them for Aintree, but sadly Moyhenna would definitely prefer softer going and I suspect Agusta likewise and at 10/1 is too short for my liking though she could go well. A mare that will love the ground is Robin De Carlow - 3 wins from 5 chases to date at up to 23f and last seen reeling in Champion Chase winner Put The Kettle On over 20f. But that was 547 days ago and, while 40/1 is tempting, even allowing for Willie Mullins' skills and having the Queen of Cheltenham on board, it's a massive ask. The Big Dog is tailormade for a GN and has the Coddfather on board but, again, on ground that's probably not ideal, 10/1 is a tad short for me. Latest Exhibition the class horse in the race but 13/2 for the topweight (26 years since the last topweight winner)? No thanks. Plenty to like about Court Maid but 11.09 is a lot for a mare in an Irish GN, however talented she is.
In search as always for some e/w value, I'm plumping for:
OFF YOU GO (16/1) - 8 yo 2nd season novice, has 11.05 on his back (a lot for an Irish GN with only Our Duke carrying >11.00 to win since 2000) but will love the good ground and pedigree screams he should be a natural over an extended trip for the first time on a sound surface, despite an 8lb hike in OR for his win last time out (Farclas's fine Festival run franking the form). By Presenting and closely related to good-ground Irish GN winner Shutthefrontdoor. 16/1 is great e/w value IMHO.
SNUGSBOROUGH BENNY (50/1 7 places BetFred) - 11 yo loves top of the ground. Well beaten 4th behind Burrows Saint in the 2019 Irish GN (stayed on from way back having been held up at the rear as usual, same OR145) but, despite his years, no drop in form over fences since when getting his ground (career-high chase RPR set last time over fences last summer). Will have 5lbs taken off by claiming pro to carry a workable 10.11. Not the likeliest of winners perhaps but, again, great e/w value for 7 places (66/1 for 5 places with WH if preferred).
Of the 1st season novices, 40/1 for bottomweight (10.06) OPPOSITES ATTRACT appeals most. Like Run Wild Fred (who could also go very well), not far behind Latest Exhibition in a Beginnners Chase in October (maybe all a tad flattered by the proximity) but, giving him 5lbs, was beaten only by 2L by Monkfish in a PtP 3 years ago on Yielding ("keeping on well"). Jumping can be sketchy but has near-missed over fences at Fairyhouse and should appreciate the ground.
Eton college 1.50 14/1 worth a shot. Just found his feet at distance when taken to aw and was awful there. Drops weight. Johnson also chasing some records today.
(Hochfield another to consider in the 3.35)
Came from dark 3.00 6/1 open race. Wind op and good over distance. Hollie Doyle rides.
Eton college 1.50 14/1 worth a shot. Just found his feet at distance when taken to aw and was awful there. Drops weight. Johnson also chasing some records today.
(Hochfield another to consider in the 3.35)
Came from dark 3.00 6/1 open race. Wind op and good over distance. Hollie Doyle rides.
Cheers, like to call it luck with some logic sprinkled in. Favourite course southwell today but all races far too hard today! Small punt on rabeeh wo/f in 1.50 and jazz legend wo/f 3.36, both very unlikely. And mr freeze
Latest info from Olly as regards Zee Man today Schooled really well and extensively at home and has the best jockey on board who in his opinion is a stone better than the rest of them
Surprised there is no mention of Richard Johnson retiring .. terrific jockey alas always in the shadow of A P McCoy .. he won nearly all the big ones except the G N .. will also be remembered as a pleasant and friendly chap as well as being the ex boyfriend of Sara Phillips-Tindall .. I reckon a job in the meedja awaits Dickie
I had some minor contact with the family this year over one of my ex horses and really feel for the family.This is such tragic and awful news. RIP Lorna
I had some minor contact with the family this year over one of my ex horses and really feel for the family.This is such tragic and awful news. RIP Lorna
Oxford Blu ? I didn’t realise she was related to Lady Brooke.
Comments
Tiger Roll's defection and the consequent massive hike in weights has changed the complexion of it - some more likely to handle the extra than others.
Difficult to see how it won't be quick given the forecast and that will likely find out several of the market fancies. I'm a big fan of both Moyhenna and Agusta Gold, having run the slide rule over them for Aintree, but sadly Moyhenna would definitely prefer softer going and I suspect Agusta likewise and at 10/1 is too short for my liking though she could go well.
A mare that will love the ground is Robin De Carlow - 3 wins from 5 chases to date at up to 23f and last seen reeling in Champion Chase winner Put The Kettle On over 20f. But that was 547 days ago and, while 40/1 is tempting, even allowing for Willie Mullins' skills and having the Queen of Cheltenham on board, it's a massive ask.
The Big Dog is tailormade for a GN and has the Coddfather on board but, again, on ground that's probably not ideal, 10/1 is a tad short for me.
Latest Exhibition the class horse in the race but 13/2 for the topweight (26 years since the last topweight winner)? No thanks.
Plenty to like about Court Maid but 11.09 is a lot for a mare in an Irish GN, however talented she is.
In search as always for some e/w value, I'm plumping for:
OFF YOU GO (16/1) - 8 yo 2nd season novice, has 11.05 on his back (a lot for an Irish GN with only Our Duke carrying >11.00 to win since 2000) but will love the good ground and pedigree screams he should be a natural over an extended trip for the first time on a sound surface, despite an 8lb hike in OR for his win last time out (Farclas's fine Festival run franking the form). By Presenting and closely related to good-ground Irish GN winner Shutthefrontdoor. 16/1 is great e/w value IMHO.
SNUGSBOROUGH BENNY (50/1 7 places BetFred) - 11 yo loves top of the ground. Well beaten 4th behind Burrows Saint in the 2019 Irish GN (stayed on from way back having been held up at the rear as usual, same OR145) but, despite his years, no drop in form over fences since when getting his ground (career-high chase RPR set last time over fences last summer). Will have 5lbs taken off by claiming pro to carry a workable 10.11. Not the likeliest of winners perhaps but, again, great e/w value for 7 places (66/1 for 5 places with WH if preferred).
Of the 1st season novices, 40/1 for bottomweight (10.06) OPPOSITES ATTRACT appeals most. Like Run Wild Fred (who could also go very well), not far behind Latest Exhibition in a Beginnners Chase in October (maybe all a tad flattered by the proximity) but, giving him 5lbs, was beaten only by 2L by Monkfish in a PtP 3 years ago on Yielding ("keeping on well"). Jumping can be sketchy but has near-missed over fences at Fairyhouse and should appreciate the ground.
Schooled really well and extensively at home and has the best jockey on board who in his opinion is a stone better than the rest of them
150/1 winner of the Irish GN. Freewheelin Dylan
Led pillar to post.
About 12 runners in it 4 out. Held them all off.
Unbelievable
RIP Lorna
RIP Lorna