My blog which I had scheduled to publish this morning didn't schedule or publish - never mind though because it's Gold Cup time!
Is there anyone in the country who doesn't want Kauto Star to win....it makes it considerably difficult to look objectively at the race as I tend to overcompensate for my heart by being harder on him than I should. I cannot help but think (as does most everyone I speak to) that some new and unconsidered runner may grab the spoils...it would be nice if this was Weird Al (previous blog nap!) I'm not too concerned about the Nicholls yard form as Kauto Star is housed in a satellite (segregated) yard together with Big Bucks, Rock On Ruby and others so hasn't been affected but the same 'air'. It's going to be such a fascinating race to watch regardless of the outcome and as long as they all come home safely then picking the winner will be an added bonus.
Poor Peddler's Cross - he's such a game horse and that obviously wasn't his true running today. I'm glad that Don McCain has seen fit to admit defeat with the chasing game (and with it any Gold Cup hopes) and will send him back over hurdles next season - let's hope we see the 'real' Peddlers back then.
Triumph Hurdle
I had backed Grumeti antepost in this (plus a little on Dodging Bullets each way at a big price more in hope of a place than expectation of a win)...however! I have warmed considerably to Pearl Swan- stats wise he ticks all the boxes but does have the disadvantage (at the moment) of being from Nicholls yard...but which part?
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle
A cavalry charge with the winner needing a jockey with wits about him and a lot of luck! I have a soft spot for any past blog nap so Magnifique Etoile has been given careful consideration but I don't think he's up to this! Olofi however is back as close as damn it to a winnable mark and has a good 2nd last November here in the Greatwood so passes the 'big field' test. Court In Session could get in the places at a big price back hurdling.
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (aka the Potato Race!)
Although Sea Of Thunder fell when he last ran here (6 lengths in front at the time), he has had a confidence restoring run since then and should perform today. I was on Rocky Creek antepost but that was before the poor form of the stable. Brindisi Breeze looks as though he needs more juice - although he had placed on good ground and his breeding suggests he should run well on this today. Boston Bob is obviously a worth favourite. He's another though who appears to need soft in the going description but in his case I would say that his breeding definitely suggests he needs it.
Gold Cup
I will confess that I cannot look at this race at all objectively! I'd love to be able to tip up the winner (kudos) but my heart says Kauto Star (like everyone's) and my head says Long Run. Burton Port, Weird Al, Midnight Chase, Synchronised and What A Friend are all shortlist material but I'd have Midnight Chase (Dougie is 5/5 here on him) for 3rd. Let it be know that I shall cry if/when Kauto wins.
I have my brain engaged in some serious study for tomorrow and am getting stuck into the cards tomorrow but my nightly nap (severely lacking this week) has to be a previous blog nap - Bourne in the Martin Pipe at 16:40. I backed him a short while ago at 10.16 so here's hoping!
More of the same in the morning after an early night to recharge batteries ......
Is there anyone in the country who doesn't want Kauto Star to win....it makes it considerably difficult to look objectively at the race as I tend to overcompensate for my heart by being harder on him than I should. I cannot help but think (as does most everyone I speak to) that some new and unconsidered runner may grab the spoils...it would be nice if this was Weird Al (previous blog nap!) I'm not too concerned about the Nicholls yard form as Kauto Star is housed in a satellite (segregated) yard together with Big Bucks, Rock On Ruby and others so hasn't been affected but the same 'air'. It's going to be such a fascinating race to watch regardless of the outcome and as long as they all come home safely then picking the winner will be an added bonus.
Poor Peddler's Cross - he's such a game horse and that obviously wasn't his true running today. I'm glad that Don McCain has seen fit to admit defeat with the chasing game (and with it any Gold Cup hopes) and will send him back over hurdles next season - let's hope we see the 'real' Peddlers back then.
Triumph Hurdle
I had backed Grumeti antepost in this (plus a little on Dodging Bullets each way at a big price more in hope of a place than expectation of a win)...however! I have warmed considerably to Pearl Swan- stats wise he ticks all the boxes but does have the disadvantage (at the moment) of being from Nicholls yard...but which part?
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle
A cavalry charge with the winner needing a jockey with wits about him and a lot of luck! I have a soft spot for any past blog nap so Magnifique Etoile has been given careful consideration but I don't think he's up to this! Olofi however is back as close as damn it to a winnable mark and has a good 2nd last November here in the Greatwood so passes the 'big field' test. Court In Session could get in the places at a big price back hurdling.
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (aka the Potato Race!)
Although Sea Of Thunder fell when he last ran here (6 lengths in front at the time), he has had a confidence restoring run since then and should perform today. I was on Rocky Creek antepost but that was before the poor form of the stable. Brindisi Breeze looks as though he needs more juice - although he had placed on good ground and his breeding suggests he should run well on this today. Boston Bob is obviously a worth favourite. He's another though who appears to need soft in the going description but in his case I would say that his breeding definitely suggests he needs it.
Gold Cup
I will confess that I cannot look at this race at all objectively! I'd love to be able to tip up the winner (kudos) but my heart says Kauto Star (like everyone's) and my head says Long Run. Burton Port, Weird Al, Midnight Chase, Synchronised and What A Friend are all shortlist material but I'd have Midnight Chase (Dougie is 5/5 here on him) for 3rd. Let it be know that I shall cry if/when Kauto wins.
Cheltenham
|
First Choice
|
E/W or Forecast
Choice
|
|
1
|
13:30
|
Grumeti 3rd
|
Pearl Swan F
|
2
|
14:05
|
Olofi UP
|
Court In Session
|
3
|
14:40
|
Brindisi Breeze 1st
|
Sea Of Thunder
|
4
|
15:20
|
Kauto Star PU
|
Long Run 3rd
|
5
|
16:40
|
Bourne
|
|
6
|
17:15
|
De Boitron
|
Toubab
|
I have my brain engaged in some serious study for tomorrow and am getting stuck into the cards tomorrow but my nightly nap (severely lacking this week) has to be a previous blog nap - Bourne in the Martin Pipe at 16:40. I backed him a short while ago at 10.16 so here's hoping!
More of the same in the morning after an early night to recharge batteries ......
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