Hunt Ball rolls into town

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

For us who follow both codes here in the US, Hunt Ball’s dismal failure does not come as a surprise. Don’t know what Atlantic Equine paid for him, but if it was anything over $30K, he was greatly overpriced. His last UK win at Taunton was what amounted to a generous Class 3 event, whereby he didn’t really beat anything. Supposedly he got his ground here in the US, but not once did he pick up his feet. Thought maybe he didn’t like the inner turf courses, but not getting a result at a proper chasing course (Far Hills) tells me he is quite ordinary. A lateral move from Sheppard to Henderson won’t help. There was no issue with his jumping National Fences, he’s just not a very fast horse.

It would have been interesting to see at what level he would have been competitive here. Perhaps, he would have been better suited as a Timber horse. Moving back to the UK won’t change the fact that he is ordinary and I would not expect him to win a graded race there. I applaud Atlantic Equine for taking a shot at trying to bring a quality chaser/hurdler to the US. Unfortunately, Hunt Ball wasn’t that horse.

That was interesting and thanks for your take. Clearly you know what you're talking about.

Me? I just enjoy following him.

I think you're probably right in terms of being ordinary but sometimes there is beauty or greatness or whatever in the every day.

That he will go to Nicky Henderson who has trained some incredible horses is a cool next-part-of-the-journey.

I did start out thinking he had this potential to be something really special. He isn't, but I'm not disappointed.

I hope he wins again some day.

[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

[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.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

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.

THANK YOU for your time and insight and yes... here's hoping he's entered where he could actually be competitive.

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

THANK YOU for your time and insight and yes... here's hoping he's entered where he could actually be competitive.

I hope so too.

Even though he's unproven (winless) over 3 miles, I think they should have kept him in the US and given him a try over Timber fences. If his jumping is up to scratch, he would start at the bottom again; win a Maiden and if the quality is there, give him a shot at the MD Hunt Cup and VA Hunt Cup, both have a purse of $75K.

[my miss storm cat]

What a nice surprise...

3rd!

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse...=last7DaysNews

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

What a nice surprise...

3rd!

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse...=last7DaysNews

Yeah, looks like they found a good spot for him to pick up a few quid. Sadly, he was beaten 31 lengths, so it's not as if they found a spot where he could win or even be competitive. Perhaps, he'll improve for the run and they will find a spot where he could be in the finish.