Hunt Ball rolls into town

[my miss storm cat]

Well good for him for getting check!

Once again would be happy to hear your thoughts.

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

[scanman]

I watched it live. Once again, he was well beaten. Tried to get close a few fences from home, but just doesn't have the pace. Worse yet, he was beaten 6 lengths to a horse that is rated 142 which validates what I've said months ago, in that, he's a horse that should be rated around 135-138. As long as he stays in the UK, I don't believe he'll win another race.

I can only draw the conclusion that the owners are content with collecting the scraps that fall from the table. True, the check will continue to pay his way, but I always thought the idea was to "win" races, not just fill a spot.

They still have to be significantly in the red with him and are making no efforts to get him back in the winner's circle. Perhaps the people involved with Atlantic Equine have deep pockets and don't really care.

At 9, he still has a possible future over timber here.

BTW, Tidal Bay was retired today. Good for him. The handicapper had him at an unrealistic mark, and at 13, it was unlikely he'd ever win again. Hope he enjoys his days in the field.

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for your thoughts.

Here's hoping that, after he has a break, the owners will make some good decisions concerning his future.

Yes, I was happy to read about Tidal Bay's retirement as well. He sure earned it.

[my miss storm cat]

Was wondering if you had thoughts on Long Run who, for some reason, I thought was much older than 9...

Has he had enough or is he just tired? I know they're already talking about next season with him...

NICE to see Thousand Stars win his race!

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Was wondering if you had thoughts on Long Run who, for some reason, I thought was much older than 9...

Has he had enough or is he just tired? I know they're already talking about next season with him...

Poor old Long Run, he's in a tough spot. He a shadow of what he used to be. I watched the replay of the Grand Steeplechase de Paris, he jumped okay, but doesn't have the pace of horses at that level and is no longer a top class steeplechaser.

Additionally, his handicap mark is too high and it will take losing forever to get it down to a winnable mark to win the big handicaps like the Grand National. If they can find little races like the Kelso win, fine. But I think this is another example of the owner's ego is too big and is writing checks his horse can cash. Sunday's race is another example of that. He had no chance and I can't believe he was 4/1.

It's my understanding that the Waley-Cohen's are financially well off, so they could probably give a care about the financial rewards. But if their intention is to "win races", then they have to lower the bar a bit. The owner has come over for the MD Hunt Cup and his son has ridden in it twice in the last couple of years. Maybe they should give him a chance here. I don't think that he would be competitive at the graded stakes level over National Fences, but maybe. Though, at 9 yrs. old, he would be another excellent candidate to go over Timber.

BTW, I visited the Kentucky Horse Park yesterday and took in the High Hope Steeplechase races. Fantastic racecourse for steeplechasing. Sight lines are a bit dodgy, but still recommend it if you ever have the opportunity.

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer.

Fascinating stuff! I appreciate your time.