2017 Coral Cup

[Bayoffreedom]

A quick update for everyone who's on Peregrine Run. I was at the stables today and the horse looks magnificent and the weather watch is on in full force. If the latest forecast is correct it should be no worse than good to soft; faster ground would be ideal but he will run on that ground. If it goes to soft, Peter is adamant he won't be running. He's finished his full work now and will be travelling over on Saturday and the Coral Cup is the plan. The owners have their flights booked for Wednesday morning. My sense is that he will be backed if he gets anything like his ground so taking any 12/1 you can still get might be an idea.

[Istabraq]

Thanks BOF, appreciate the update.

Ground likely to be at its quickest Wednesday, not convinced Claisse has time to put the taps on the old course as there's rain forecast Sunday (by which time I expect the ground will be good), so a dry festival week and Wednesday could be quick ground.
Every chance he waters the new course Mon/Tue if no rain due to fall later in the week...

Just pressed some 12s...

[Can't Catch Me]

Thanks for the update BoF. Exciting times for all concerned

[Faugheen_Machine]

Thanks for the update BoF - the forecast looks promising.

[ComplyOrDie]

He has been mentioned on here before and I know I do like a couple of others in the race (Including what has appeared to be the forum horse in Peregrine Run) also but Old Guard looks an absolute plot for this, he'll get 14lb with Modus from 2 runs back for a 9 3/4 length never nearer 4th, being never nearer you'd have to assume Cheltenham will be right up his street, so expect that form to be turned around.

Nicholls confirmed Old Guard goes here in the Betfair Preview night and in doing so also put him up as his charity bet.

Last season he raced in some of the top 2m races, winning the Greatwood and then the International Hurdle both at Cheltenham, he finally tasted defeat to none other than Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle, something many horses have tasted in recent years.

They tried him chasing the first 2 races this season and he didn't take to them, however, he came back over hurdles and you'd have to say, on bare form, it hasn't looked very encouraging, BUT, and this is where you can make a claim for him, them first 2 runs were over 2m, he was outpaced in BOTH of them races, suggesting a step up in trip was required, his step up in trip came and guess where it came, Kempton, a truly flat track, not ideal and he finished a 'never nearer' 4th, LTO he raced against the 5/4 favourite for the Stayers hurdle at the festival, personally I think this was purely to increase his stamina as a 2m 5f race at Cheltenham isn't just 2m 5f, you need to stay further, and he seemingly does based on how he has run his last 2 races, he made headway 3 out, around the 2m 5f mark and weakend before the last, suggesting the Coral Cup trip at Cheltenham would be spot on for him.

[Can't Catch Me]

CoD. Old Guard was my very first antepost bet of the 2017 Festival. Unfortunately.. in the Arkle

I totally agree he's got a big chance. On a nice mark, likes Cheltenham and the trip looks ideal. Can only see him shortening.

[Lessey]

Sorry if I have missed anyone mention this horse but does anyone have any thoughts on Renneti for this or the County?

I've just watched back his last two runs this season and Christ the horse has some talent. On the other hand I appreciate he's an absolute dog (reluctant starter and apparently will down tools if overly pushed) but in his last run he wasn't even asked for an effort and beat Tombstone.

Have convinced myself watching Ruby's last ride on him that he's a plot horse

[MrMcGoldrick]

"Have convinced myself watching Ruby's last ride on him that he's a plot horse"

A few of those around this year, De name escapes me is one of mine

[Faugheen_Machine]

Peregrine Run got a good mention on the RaceHour podcast. Bay of Freedom was dropped into conversation too.

[Bayoffreedom]

Peregrine Run got a good mention on the RaceHour podcast. Bay of Freedom was dropped into conversation too.

Yes - all over Peregrine Run weren't they. Pretty sure that Roger Loughran rides (hopefully not too tired after Acapella Bourgeois 40 minutes earlier). They said his price will go out but it's best not to forget the owners landed a tremendous gamble when he won his maiden at Down Royal. The mention of Bay of Freedom was a bit of a stretch for Dean (the host) but he interviewed me a couple of years ago and has always been a big supporter. Very kind of him.

[Bayoffreedom]

Double post

[Can't Catch Me]

Big test for Roger, in my opinion. Would be delighted for him to produce it on the biggest stage.

[horseflyuk]

When would the runners be confirmed for this? Would it be today, tomorrow or on the morning of?

[Bayoffreedom]

When would the runners be confirmed for this? Would it be today, tomorrow or on the morning of?

10am tomorrow morning. Available on the Racing Post site from 11.45; all other sites from 10.30!!!

[JackieMoon33]

10am tomorrow morning. Available on the Racing Post site from 11.45; all other sites from 10.30!!!

The Racing Post (building) site. It is atrocious since they made the changes.