Hunt Ball rolls into town

[scanman]

Yes, I saw the race. He tried, but that particular novice hurdle was outside his scope. He's a useful horse, but the ownership keeps entering him in races he can't win.

Maybe once they get his hurdles handicap rating and it's low enough, they will be able to win a little handicap hurdle with him. Shame really, the owner's missed a great opportunity here in the US by going long, over timber fences, and usually getting fast ground; all which would have played to his strengths.

I'll be curious to see where he's shows up for his next start.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

Yes, I saw the race. He tried, but that particular novice hurdle was outside his scope. He's a useful horse, but the ownership keeps entering him in races he can't win.

Maybe once they get his hurdles handicap rating and it's low enough, they will be able to win a little handicap hurdle with him. Shame really, the owner's missed a great opportunity here in the US by going long, over timber fences, and usually getting fast ground; all which would have played to his strengths.

I'll be curious to see where he's shows up for his next start.

Me too but the difference is I look at something like this and have NO clue if it's a good move for him or greed-inspired or what.

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...6#raceTabs=lc_

I would, of course, love to see him win something, some day.

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Me too but the difference is I look at something like this and have NO clue if it's a good move for him or greed-inspired or what.

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...6#raceTabs=lc_

I would, of course, love to see him win something, some day.

I wish they would just find an easy race for him to win, maybe get his confidence back.

Though, Saturday's race is not that race. No world beaters in this one, but some decent up-and-comers; and then there is Kruzhlinin, who beat him in last year's National by over 100 lengths and he's 2lbs better in the weights. It is over the National course, which he has completed, but if Kruzhlinin is ready or if any of the other newbies handle the National fences, he finish "up the track" again.

Thanks for notifying me of his entries.

[my miss storm cat]

Well I didn't see it but am hoping he was the finest 5th place finisher of the weekend.

As always (and hopefully not in an annoying way) would appreciate any thoughts.

Someday he'll win one!

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/r...ational-course

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Well I didn't see it but am hoping he was the finest 5th place finisher of the weekend.

As always (and hopefully not in an annoying way) would appreciate any thoughts.

Someday he'll win one!

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/r...ational-course

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 miss storm cat]

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

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

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.