Hunt Ball rolls into town

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Scanman if you're around (... or Brock, or Cardus or anyone who understands this kind of thing)...

Could one of you guys please explain this... why he is even being considered here?

Very confused.

(Oh and for the record his last run was indeed in October at Fair Hill so it's not like he went home and showed them...).

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/horse-racing/26128471

Based on his form, an entry in the Grand National makes no sense and I would expect him to be withdrawn at some stage. His current handicap mark is 161, which is ridiculously high and is not commensurate with his ability. That explains why he was give so much weight.

Perhaps the British handicapper is playing it safe by assigning him such a high mark, but it is my opinion that he will be winless until his mark drops to around 140 and that won't happen.

Maybe the change of scenery will reinvigorate him. He's entered in a couple of top handicap chases at Ascot on Saturday, which I wouldn't think he'd have a prayer. However, he does have a entry in a novice hurdle at Market Rasen on Sunday. Since he doesn't have a hurdle's rating, he would run at level weights, and here, he may have a chance.

His Cheltenham festival entry is the Ryanair Chase at 2m 5f at level weights. There are some pretty good horses entered and if he were to run, I don't believe he would be competitive.

At his current mark, he's has no shot in any handicap, especially the Grand National.