Hunt Ball rolls into town

[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.

[Arletta]

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

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

[my miss storm cat]

Here's hoping...

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

[my miss storm cat]

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...

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

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

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...

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.