Agreed. It's good to hear someone else's perspective, thanks Peanuts. I don't care much for CMP speed and stamina either, but found DP interesting, at least the last 10 years of it.
I've had a bit of 66-1 on Hewick today pulled out last year due to top weight and unsuitable going. The worry is the going but if he lines up on the better side of going for a National, off 162 he's on a decent mark compared to many he has form lines with. Also, like the fact that he's a bit of a story horse and his unofficial trainer a real character . I was there a few years back when he destroyed a decent field at sandown over 3 and half, but i was surprised he then went on to win a US national and King George. Taken the 66-1 and hoping for a dry spring and sunny national.
I've had a bit of 66-1 on Hewick today pulled out last year due to top weight and unsuitable going. The worry is the going but if he lines up on the better side of going for a National, off 162 he's on a decent mark compared to many he has form lines with. Also, like the fact that he's a bit of a story horse and his unofficial trainer a real character . I was there a few years back when he destroyed a decent field at sandown over 3 and half, but i was surprised he then went on to win a US national and King George. Taken the 66-1 and hoping for a dry spring and sunny national.
He's such a genuine horse. Commonly known he's related to Deep Bramble (one of my favs) who, like Hewick, won over 29f at Sandown. Less well known, he's also related to Seven Towers (H's maternal Great Great Grandmother was ST's maternal Grandmother) who won x3 over 4m+ (Midlands Nat with 11-04, beating GN winner Lord Gyllene; the Eider with 11-08; and the Borders National). He preferred a decent surface as well. Nice bet at 66s. Good luck
A mini-GN takes place on Saturday with the Bobbyjo Chase over 26f at Fairyhouse. Of the 11 entries, 8 have GN entries Willie Mullins has farmed this race and frequently used it as his preferred prep for GN hopes. Hedgehunter, Rathvinden and I Am Maximus (among others) won it for Willie prior to winning or going close in GNs. Any Second Now did so for Ted Walsh in 2022. If they all stand their ground (it's often a smallish field), Saturday would see I Am Maximus, Minella Cocooner, Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West and Capodanno from the Mullins' establishment take on Mouse Morris's Gentlemansgame and French Dynamite and Tom Gibney's Irish GN winner Intense Raffles. Its a non-handicap Grade 3 and I'll report on the weight advantages, relative to GNORs, when they're confirmed. Gonna be a belter.
A mini-GN takes place on Saturday with the Bobbyjo Chase over 26f at Fairyhouse. Of the 11 entries, 8 have GN entries Willie Mullins has farmed this race and frequently used it as his preferred prep for GN hopes. Hedgehunter, Rathvinden and I Am Maximus (among others) won it for Willie prior to winning or going close in GNs. Any Second Now did so for Ted Walsh in 2022. If they all stand their ground (it's often a smallish field), Saturday would see I Am Maximus, Minella Cocooner, Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West and Capodanno from the Mullins' establishment take on Mouse Morris's Gentlemansgame and French Dynamite and Tom Gibney's Irish GN winner Intense Raffles. Its a non-handicap Grade 3 and I'll report on the weight advantages, relative to GNORs, when they're confirmed. Gonna be a belter.
Spot on Peanuts, this has the potential to be a cracking renewal even if a few of them do defect. The Bobbyjo really has become the preeminent GN trial in recent years. Will be paying closer attention to this than the Haydock version last weekend were the first 2 who pulled miles clear both have zero chance of even getting a run in the big one!
Any news if Zanahiyr is going to run anywhere before GN?
Yep, he's in the Ultima. So too Broadway Boy, Conflated, Faourk d'Alene, Favori de Champdou, Hyland, Quick Wave, Shakem Uparry, Trelawne of those with realistic chances of making the GN cut.
I was wondering if he might try the XC but Zanahiyr's also entered only in the 20f Plate and the Martin Pipe hurdle. I'm suspecting he may go for the Irish, rather than Aintree GN. Fairyhouse is 16 days later than Aintree and there's only a 3 week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree this year - not a stopper but the minimum of recovery time, especially if running in the ultra-competitive Ultima.
Notably, Senior Chief has no Festival entries but is a possible runner next Sunday in a 22.5f hurdle at Naas. Looks like it's a cobweb-blowing, not too demanding Aintree GN prep, 41 days prior.
Any news if Zanahiyr is going to run anywhere before GN?
Fairyhouse is 16 days later than Aintree and there's only a 3 week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree this year - not a stopper but the minimum of recovery time.
Any news if Zanahiyr is going to run anywhere before GN?
Fairyhouse is 16 days later than Aintree and there's only a 3 week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree this year - not a stopper but the minimum of recovery time.
Willie was sweet on Meetingofthewaters at the weights and he attracted a slug of money. He has no entries other than the GN so looks like his hurdle run a fortnight ago may be his final prep. 7th last April as a 7yo after a hard race in the Ultima and a busy campaign, he didn't appear to get home and they're obviously thinking a lighter season might help him bridge the gap. His pedigree suggests he could challenge to go better than last year (unlikely winning candidate) but his season's form and a still modest career-best chase RPR leaves him short of realising that potential even off OR148, according to my model.
Any news if Zanahiyr is going to run anywhere before GN?
Fairyhouse is 16 days later than Aintree and there's only a 3 week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree this year - not a stopper but the minimum of recovery time.
Right, maybe next year then. Cheers!
I could be wrong!
No worries, I have a question mark against Zan, will see how goes, but just don't have my hopes high.
Weight conditions of the 26f Bobbyjo mean that I Am Maximus carries 11-12, which is what he'll have in the GN. These are the others' weights, compared with [their GN weight]:
If you fancy any of these for Aintree, I strongly advise you're on prior to Saturday. The winner of this will likely be the only one vying with Inothewayurthhinkin for favouritism.
Cracking race in store if all the main players line up. 3.25pm Saturday.
Had smallish bets so far on IamMaximus, Kandoo Kid and Meetingofthewaters. Plus a very small saver on Mr. Incredible in case the point to points work for Sandy Thomson.
Had smallish bets so far on IamMaximus, Kandoo Kid and Meetingofthewaters. Plus a very small saver on Mr. Incredible in case the point to points work for Sandy Thomson.
Anyone know how he's done? He'd be 1000 on Betfair if it weren't for all his former-backers taking out insurance - me included
Had smallish bets so far on IamMaximus, Kandoo Kid and Meetingofthewaters. Plus a very small saver on Mr. Incredible in case the point to points work for Sandy Thomson.
Anyone know how he's done? He'd be 1000 on Betfair if it weren't for all his former-backers taking out insurance - me included
Sorry. No idea but I know he is capable if he decides to take part.
Iroko's younger half brother Jack's Parrot switched to today's Devon National over 30.5f at Exeter. Very testing with heavy ground and Exeter's undulations. Went down by just 1L in 3rd and appeared to stay the trip, though it was a pedestrian time in the conditions.
Inothewayurthinkin's (and Limerick Lace's of course) older half brother, Ilikedwayurthinkin still due to run in tomorrow's Eider. Should be a decent surface there.
Comments
Also, like the fact that he's a bit of a story horse and his unofficial trainer a real character . I was there a few years back when he destroyed a decent field at sandown over 3 and half, but i was surprised he then went on to win a US national and King George. Taken the 66-1 and hoping for a dry spring and sunny national.
Less well known, he's also related to Seven Towers (H's maternal Great Great Grandmother was ST's maternal Grandmother) who won x3 over 4m+ (Midlands Nat with 11-04, beating GN winner Lord Gyllene; the Eider with 11-08; and the Borders National). He preferred a decent surface as well.
Nice bet at 66s. Good luck
Of the 11 entries, 8 have GN entries
Willie Mullins has farmed this race and frequently used it as his preferred prep for GN hopes. Hedgehunter, Rathvinden and I Am Maximus (among others) won it for Willie prior to winning or going close in GNs. Any Second Now did so for Ted Walsh in 2022.
If they all stand their ground (it's often a smallish field), Saturday would see I Am Maximus, Minella Cocooner, Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West and Capodanno from the Mullins' establishment take on Mouse Morris's Gentlemansgame and French Dynamite and Tom Gibney's Irish GN winner Intense Raffles.
Its a non-handicap Grade 3 and I'll report on the weight advantages, relative to GNORs, when they're confirmed.
Gonna be a belter.
So too Broadway Boy, Conflated, Faourk d'Alene, Favori de Champdou, Hyland, Quick Wave, Shakem Uparry, Trelawne of those with realistic chances of making the GN cut.
I was wondering if he might try the XC but Zanahiyr's also entered only in the 20f Plate and the Martin Pipe hurdle. I'm suspecting he may go for the Irish, rather than Aintree GN. Fairyhouse is 16 days later than Aintree and there's only a 3 week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree this year - not a stopper but the minimum of recovery time, especially if running in the ultra-competitive Ultima.
Coko Beach
Conflated
Delta Work
Fakir d'Oudairies
French Dynamite
Galvin
Minella Crooner
Stumptown
Vanillier
Remember it's a handicap this year.
Looks like it's a cobweb-blowing, not too demanding Aintree GN prep, 41 days prior.
He has no entries other than the GN so looks like his hurdle run a fortnight ago may be his final prep.
7th last April as a 7yo after a hard race in the Ultima and a busy campaign, he didn't appear to get home and they're obviously thinking a lighter season might help him bridge the gap.
His pedigree suggests he could challenge to go better than last year (unlikely winning candidate) but his season's form and a still modest career-best chase RPR leaves him short of realising that potential even off OR148, according to my model.
These are the others' weights, compared with [their GN weight]:
Grangeclare West 11-12 [11-08] -4
Capodanno 11-08 [11-02] -6
Gentlemansgame 11-08 [11-05] -3
French Dynamite 11-06 [10-09] -11
Intense Raffles 11-03 [10-10] -7
Minella Cocooner 11-00 [11-02] +2
Nick Rockett 11-00 [11-08] +8
If you fancy any of these for Aintree, I strongly advise you're on prior to Saturday.
The winner of this will likely be the only one vying with Inothewayurthhinkin for favouritism.
Cracking race in store if all the main players line up.
3.25pm Saturday.
Iroko looks Kelso bound, KK Newbury which he loves.
Apparently Newbury is similar to Aintree so another plus for KK
He'd be 1000 on Betfair if it weren't for all his former-backers taking out insurance - me included
Gentlemansgame 11-08 [11-05] -3"
Those two are NR. Pity, I was curious. I wonder what the plan is.
Went down by just 1L in 3rd and appeared to stay the trip, though it was a pedestrian time in the conditions.
Inothewayurthinkin's (and Limerick Lace's of course) older half brother, Ilikedwayurthinkin still due to run in tomorrow's Eider. Should be a decent surface there.