367 Days

JR Harvey wrote: »

Considering all the Tizzard horses ran like drains in Cheltenham and Christmas In April cut out yesterday like a sniper shot him half way through the Uttoxeter national it was a savage run from Lost In Translation. He will have his big days yet, a lovely stamp of a chaser

Agreed. The same argument can also be said for Philip Hobbs's horses.

Given that his stable underperformed I would expect big runs in the future from both Thyme Hill ( also unlucky in running) and Pileon. Both look like horses to follow.

Defi De Seuil's run was too bad to be true. None of his handicappers performed, even Dostal Phil yesterday.

Alternatively he might just be waiting for Aintree before pulling the trigger on his handicappers, it happens.

Al Boum for the Treble.

I can't see anything beating it.

Horses who COULD beat Al Boum, not will, but COULD

1. Santini - finished like a train last year, clear round and a huge player
Missed his chance, March is a long time away, he still just may not be good enough. 7/1 is an appalling AP.
2. TOTG - Unexposed at this level but hints at potential star power
They rarely come back after niggles unfortunately.
3. Champ - People will scoff, and I won't back it, but, he has all the attributes, if, like Santini, he gets around. He is a sure stayer and that's huge
Could be anything and 12/1 looks big all things considered.
4. Samcro - We will know fairly early in the season what the plan is and how he is shaping, still could be anything
Won't stay, I said it first.
5. Percy - Don't laugh! New yard, new training, proper campaign, his RSA still incredible formline into ABP
I agree on the stable change. But he has had 2 stabs now, he may be simply OTT. If he is any use he should be winning a few grade 1's before he lines up, if we are to believe 3 years of "cotton wool" stories he should have plenty of decent runs left in him. What about the Grand National ?
6. Minella Indo - Likely to go here and presuming with Rachael on board has all the ability (Monalee could be the fly in this ointment after a strong run this year) - meh... I think 14's is tight enough all things considered?
Finally, for one at a huge price, if the rain comes, Native River still has the class and the dourness to be in the picture. I doubt he makes it, he will be 11 , too old imo

ABP an obvious and correct fav, and of the above if I had to pick 3 to really take him on with I would pick, in order
1. Minella Indo
2.TOTG
3. Santini

Are you not giving Allaho another chance? 25's is juicy enough considered all the talk from last year, or was that more pre Cheltenham waffle from the Closutton massive?:P

To be honest I thought Mark Walsh gave Delta Work a shocker last year 25's will look big if he runs to his mark last year, he has won 5 grade 1's and a Pertemps final, his run was too bad to be true. Wasn't Jack Kennedy injured? I would rather follow him for the season.

I am keeping my eye on the Rasher Counter this season also. I reckon Emma Lavelle will have a nice plot for him, it could be a handicap at the festival.