2017 Stayers Hurdle

[paz247]

No problem Ista, just going off how I've read his record

[Kevloaf]

Nicholls has a good record in the race doesn't he (Big Bucks to thank) but placed horses more recently too... appeared on the radar with the beating of UDS and the french hyped thing in France the last day. One of the numerous horses for this race that I think have a chance but I wouldn't back yet. I don;t think his price now is generous?

[Kevloaf]

World Hurdle plan for Ballyoptic

His fellow Aintree Grade 1-winning stablemate Ballyoptic is bang on target to make his seasonal reappearance in Saturday’s Grade 3 totepool Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow, when he steps out on a path signposted to Cheltenham in March and the World Hurdle.

Having bypassed the festival last season, Ballyoptic ended his campaign with a battling victory over Bellshill in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at the Grand National meeting and Twiston-Davies is hoping the six-year-old can take high rank in the staying hurdle division this season.

"As long as we have ground on the soft side of good we’ll have a go," said his trainer. "He’s looking really well and is raring to go. I’m not going mad about it and it’s a bit of a prep run for the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby.

"We always thought we’d go the staying hurdle route this year and the World Hurdle is the dream."

[jono]

I went in on the Faugheen (WH) and Annie Power (CH) double over the weekend. The double pays out at 24/1.
There's no way they'll race each other and still think this is the most likely outcome.

Until Thistlecrack runs I don't want to get too involved in this race so that small stake double will do for me right now

[Kevloaf]

I'm on the same bet jono but had it with Douvan when it was first mentioned about Faugheen winning over further. Got 99/1 for that treble. I think at the price now it is still really fair. The double wouldn't be now than 6/1 if they did line up so at 4 times that price I think everyone should at least have a 'saver' on it

Can't be confident about the destinations but I'm in debate with a friend about this and he's adamant Faugheen is going CH and I'm the other way

[Leman14]

I had a nibble at Ballyoptic at 25's after his win in the Sefton Novices Hurdle. All by guaranteed target and vast improvement in a short space of time. Given how many of the horses at the head of the betting may go elsewhere... I'm happy with my position.

[Kevloaf]

Yeh a good position to be in Leman. Probably does need that improvement, Patrick Mullins probably didn't get the best of of Bellshill and he can't be near the top of the WH protagonists for Mullins though, behind NC and Shaneshill for starters and thats just Wylie's? That'd put me off having a bet, but I wouldn't be unhappy to be on either, as this market is just odd.

[Leman14]

Yeh a good position to be in Leman. Probably does need that improvement, Patrick Mullins probably didn't get the best of of Bellshill and he can't be near the top of the WH protagonists for Mullins though, behind NC and Shaneshill for starters and thats just Wylie's? That'd put me off having a bet, but I wouldn't be unhapy to be on either, as this market is just odd.

It was only a "nibble" and given the way that the market will probably cut-up - 25's seemed good value. I also read somewhere that the Sefton was often a better guide than the Albert Bartlett (not sure why that would be the case), but barring injury - I should get a run for my money.
I won't read too much into any performance this weekend, as he may need the run - but I'll be more than happy if he bolts up

[jono]

Yeah the Albert Bartlett has a pretty shocking record going into the World Hurdle. No horse that took part in the Albert Bartlett has ever won the WH. That includes 4 winners of the Albert Bartlett:

At Fishers Cross - 3rd
Berties Dream - 6th
Witchita Lineman - 9th
Black Jack Kethcum - Fell

So not a race you'd be going to when first eyeing out a potential winner! I guess the majority/top horses in that race often go over fences the following season?

Whilst I had a little look over the previous years Albert Bartlett renewals, I forgot how good the 2015 race seems looking back. It's never usually a race I take too much from but in 2015 you had:

No More Heroes
Black Hercules
Native River
Blacklion
Tea for Two
Definitly Red

And again all of those went over fences the following year.

[jono]

It was only a "nibble" and given the way that the market will probably cut-up - 25's seemed good value. I also read somewhere that the Sefton was often a better guide than the Albert Bartlett (not sure why that would be the case), but barring injury - I should get a run for my money.
I won't read too much into any performance this weekend, as he may need the run - but I'll be more than happy if he bolts up

Got to be happy with that win today Leman? Showed great attitude and kept finding more when needed.
Reports were like you thought that he would be really needing the run so great performance.

20's still after that run seems very fair indeed and is tempting me in.

[Leman14]

Not watched it yet, still on the train back from football... he's beaten race fit horses. Granted, nothing special, but a win's a win!

[Kevloaf]

25s all gone now, 16s at best Leman. Well done.

[Leman14]

I may go in again...

[Kevloaf]

I may go in again...

haha, don't, Rawnaq wins the World Hurdle

[Kevloaf]

Rawnaq is running in the American Grand National on 15/10/16.... Will that be on ATR or RUK?