Come on lads, **** all this doom and gloom. There's only 51 weeks to go until the greatest show on turf. I know Steveo reckons we'll all be dead by then but at least lets go out with a red hot antepost voucher in our pockets. My tuppence is going on Colin Tizzard's The Big Breakaway @ 33/1 in the RSA. Was never comfortable in the Ballymore but still finished creditably galloping all the way to the line in 4th. He looks made for a 3 miles and a fence.
Arkle - Shishkin and Envoi Allen (5s and 14) Champion Hurdle - I'm assuming the above 2 will be novice chasing so going with Goshen 6/1 and Concertista ew at 25/1 Mares - assuming Honeysuckle goes for the double, can't oppose 4/1
Morning the same day as they crossed the line in the Supreme I backed Abracadbras @ 16/1 for the Champion Hurdle Shiskin @ 7/1 for the Arkle and the double. I was really taken by their ability to pull clear of what looked a classy field and that was despite both being impeded in the race. Anracadabras looks like a hurdler and Elliott mentioned that race as a likely target. Shiskin is more a chasing type and Henderson mentioned chasing as his likely target next season. at the time I thought Epitante was a good winner but not spectacular and that she would struggle against better horses next season.
Yes. I have underestimated 2 years running Will only be 9 next year so every chance. However, Santini didn't have much luck in the race, was also tapped for speed 2 out, but almost got up. I think, with a stronger run race, Santini will reverse the placings
Totally agree with Shishkin in the Arke. Envoi Allen is a bit more tricky IMO. I wouldnt be surprised if Elliott targeted the Champion Hurdle with him. Weak division, they thought about putting him in the Supreme last week and Elliott hasn't got it on his CV.
I must confess I was surprised al Boum photo won it again..a horse I have never warmed too..maybe though that's cause we hardly see him in action! I just can't talk about him in the same breath as Kauto Star, Denman, Best Mate and the like..really annoying that the Irish won the gold cup again but you have to say it was a very good training performance and Paul Townend gave the horse a lovely ride.
Just started watching the ITV coverage festival back as apart from being there on Thursday I saw very little. The only comment I'd make about the 1st and 2nd pulling clear is that they were helped by Asterion Forlonge taking out the JP horse who in turn brought down Captain Guinness at the 2nd last. Both looked to be going well at the time and you could argue they'd have had a say up the hill.
Really good point, my opinion is built around Chantry House and the fact I think Asterion Forlonge is going to be an ace chaser going right handed. Interestingly the markets show that Captain Guinness (10.5 [Betfair price in running low]) and Elixir D'Ainay (9.2) weren't trading at massive prices when they departed, but they weren't short in the market either. I like Elixir D'Ainay especially of the two and hopefully he will continue to progress. I think he isn't a bad horse to look at for the Golden Miller Novice Chase or whatever its called next season, but would possibly take on a certain potential superstar. I wonder if anyone will offer odds on AF for the King George in 2021?!
Envoi Allen has chasing and Gold Cup written all over him. The horse just pulls out more, although he showed good speed to close a good gap before the last flight in the Ballymore. If I was offered any horse in training, it would be a no brainer.
Re the gold cup...you could also add in to the mix Samcro - ran a gold race in the Marsh and he has been talked about as a gold cup horse. In addition there is Champ who finished like a train in the RSA so you would have to conclude the extra 2 furlongs likely to be well up his street. Another year on his back and stronger horse next year could be a leading gold cup contender...