On Boxing Day.....

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by brockguy

on another note, I backed Heres Johnny today but Joe Lively is one of the toughest horses ive seen. so good to watch.

I decided to back Joe Lively at the last minute when he went almost 7/2 on Betfair. That was a massive price when you think about it.

Yeah, I'm not quite sure about Harchi, I mean if he'd got 'worried' out of it by something like Hardy Eustace or Brave Inca perhaps, you wouldn't be too bothered. However he was worried out of it by another horse who doesn't find a great deal off the bridle himself. That is what made the performance look pretty average.

[brockguy]

i suppose, one point to note is that SB an him finished a good bit ahead of Penzance in 3rd... I have to drown my sorrows this evening...

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by brockguy

i suppose, one point to note is that SB an him finished a good bit ahead of Penzance in 3rd... I have to drown my sorrows this evening...

They pulled clear, but it was only Penzance.

Punjabi was very disappointing, I imagine he badly needed that, but it was still disappointing.

It's a shame, because next year's champion hurdle isn't exactly looking like a great field by any means.

[brockguy]

I still think Harchi will win it next year...

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by brockguy

I still think Harchi will win it next year...

I think the Cheltenham hill will always find him out. Today showed that it is pretty easy to get him beaten in my opinion. McCoy's tactics were spot on.

Personally I quite like Meade's other horse but for the life of me cannot remember his name (and I'm far too lazy to look it up) begins with A and cut down Sweet Kiln last time. Big price, but I think the champion hurdle would really suit him.

[brockguy]

Aitmatov? Hes a lovely horse. I think he is my 3rd meade horse behind JazzyM though..

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by brockguy

Aitmatov? Hes a lovely horse. I think he is my 3rd meade horse behind JazzyM though..

That's the fella.

I tink he's a grand horse (you see what I did there? )

I just think he is the finished article. He has plenty of speed but has the stamina to win over further. He goes on good ground, and he goes on heavy. I think a really strongly run race over a stiff two miles will be ideal for him, and the champion is the first race that comes to mind.

Both Harchi and Jazz Messenger have slight question marks against them, but I don't really see any with Aitmatov. I suppose his class might be questionable, but I think he's pretty close to top class and still looks to be on the upgrade.