I watched the race. It was a decent effort, but he was never going to win (in the deep end once again and carrying way too much weight for his ability). He jumps well, but for this ground, he doesn't have the pace. Thought he might run a place until he ran out of puff to finish 6th.

Looks like the owner's are determined to run him in the National, as he does get around the course well. But he'll never get the ground that he needs because if it firms up too much, they water it. And of course, there's the weight issue. He'll never get on a winnable mark there over fences again.

He tries hard and it looks like he could go 4 miles if trained properly. Though, the only place he's going to find the ground that he needs is in the US.

My heart just sinks reading your comments. Too bad. Wish someone else owned him and would do right by him.

Did you see this, about his former owner?

http://www.racingpost.com/news/live....624&category=0

Me too. Atlantic Equine have done a poor job with him.

I've read bits and pieces of Mr. Knott's impropriety. I'd be curious to know what he sold Hunt Ball for. I'm sure he did very well unloading a horse, who as time has shown, has limited scope and potential as a racehorse.

Three year ban.. Really a shame Knott did that.

http://www.sportingpost.co.za/2014/1...-in-hot-water/

Here's hoping...

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...1#raceTabs=sc_

2nd!

Always prominent, chased leader 3rd until led 9th, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra flat (op 12/1)

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/res..._tabs=ANALYSIS

Hope Diocles is alright.

I swear to God golfer if you ever tell anyone I actually had a dream abut this horse I will... ooops I mean... :D

Scanman when you have time can you please tell me your thoughts? Thanks and happy new year!

He was very game in defeat. Probably the best he's run since Atlantic Equine has had him. He does very well at Cheltenham. He was ridden prominently and the ground was his favor (a drying, good to soft).

The result was a bit of a mixed bag. They picked up a decent check, yet despite not winning, his handicap mark may be raised, which will further comprise his chances in the National.

Still, nice to see him run well today. Hope you had the chance to see the race, but if not, I can send you a link.

I appreciate that so much but yes, just saw the replay (finally) and yes he did look good!

A mixed bag, as you said, but oh... that was nice to see him looking so well. :)

Saturday...

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...0#raceTabs=sc_

Good for the connections to find a "gift" of a race. He's guaranteed $5K, if he gets around and he should. Can't beat that. Might win, but Balder Succes should have his measure.

Beyond nice to hear you sound confident that he is at least, and at last, in his element.

It would be amazing to see him win anything...I hope tomorrow is a good day for him.

Hope you had a chance to watch the race. Apart from the financial return, he ran about as well as I expected (though I thought he would have picked up second). It was a nice $5K schooling session. A flat track like Kempton doesn't suit him and it was obviously the owner's were looking to pick up the crumbs once again. Good for them as these were decent crumbs.

Balder Succes jumped sweetly. His exhibition was fun to watch. Even though he was odds on, I was able to cash a decent ticket on him. I guess that's one nice thing about Hunt Ball, thanks to the owner's - he's always a very confident bet against.

My guess he will show up again during the Cheltenham festival in March, a track that he loves. He will no doubt be entered in a race he can't win, but again pick up the crumbs.

I just watched the replay.

I'm glad you cashed and agree... thought he would have been able to hold on and finish 2nd. Oh well.

Clearly I watch as a fan and do not presume to know the proper wording, etc., but I have to say it's a pleasure watching him when he jumps well (and to me it looked like he did just that today. I me an he is not a horse I watch and hold my breath thinking oh why don't they retire him. He looks good.).

I look forward to watching him at Cheltenham and to your commentary as well.

He is fun to follow and you add greatly to that fun. :)

He's a fine, athletic horse and a very accomplished jumper. That's why I say the owner missed an opportunity by not keeping him in the US and sending him over timber. Plenty of excellent races with good purses to plunder.

He jumped very well today, but folded like a cheap suit when the real running started. It leads me to believe that he was never entered to win, but the race was used as a tightener and schooling session before Cheltenham. Though, that is still 2 months away, so I'm sure he will pop up again somewhere. Currently, the only race he is entered for is the RyanAir during the festival, a race that he doesn't have a pray of winning and depending on who lines up, may have a tough time of even running a place.

The great thing about jumpers is that they have longevity, if they stay sound. I believe that since he is 10, he is now eligible for "veterans" races. He could probably win something like that, but it is extremely unlikely that he win anything of substance, like the National or any other significant handicap. He went back up another 3lbs for his second at Cheltenham.

But you are right, it is fun following these types and I enjoy your interest/enthusiasm for the jumping game.

Cheers to that and I agree................the final 2 furlongs were tough on him.......

Glad to know you're following along too, my friend, and that you're also a member of the scanman appreciation society. :)

Can't wait till the next one!

Was great to hear from Gate Dancer, who hosted an exceptional visit to Great Falls two years ago!

Was watching Kelso today and they had a veterans (10 yrs old and up) worth $47K. I didn't think the money was that good for those races. These are the types of races Hunt Ball should be shooting for. Though still a handicap, one would think it would be less competitive than the races he's been lining up in.

Well I'm not seeing his name anywhere (very happy about that too) but was wondering your thoughts...

Saint Are and Many Clouds at 33/1 on this (very) early morning line? Kind of nuts, no?

Love and respect Balthazar King and hope he does it but these two, I would imagine, have a tremendous chance.

http://www.grand-national2015.co.uk/runners-odds/

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blo...unch-2015-live

Hunt Ball has an entry in the Ryanair Chase during the Cheltenham Festival next month. Don't think he has a prayer, but.....

Balthazar King has been put away until the Grand National. He will no doubt run a place. I would rather see him win another cross-country during the Festival. Thought he would win the National last year, but there is always a light-weight that sneaks in there.

Yes of course he does and, for some reason, that escaped my brain the other day. :D :wf