2022 Cross Country Chase

[Sprinter Sacre]

Farclas and Run Wild Fred entered in a 3m steeplechase at Navan on Sunday.

[Lobos]

Joint record

Another debate entirely but if Tiger were to win again in March that'll be 6 wins in 3 different races over Hurdles, Chases and XC from 2 miles to 4 miles and over 8 seasons having also won 2 Grand Nationals. That for me would eclipse what Quevega did.

[charlie]

I am an advocate of the 50% Stake plan, I use it myself (with Cashout) pre-race, from time to time, just in case a stellar performance happens and I have nothing on it before a price collapse.

I don't think Balco would do anything to lead to a price collapse this week, as usually the better Irish horses don't win the November XC, as they don't want to go up in the UK handicap.

Agree with this. He’ll probably just use it to school round and get the experience he didn’t get in March. He definitely runs off top weight so going to be some low weighted opposition in there.

[Madmoose]

Shame bookies didn’t push him out when he came near last on his return the other week.

[Stormez]

Another debate entirely but if Tiger were to win again in March that'll be 6 wins in 3 different races over Hurdles, Chases and XC from 2 miles to 4 miles and over 8 seasons having also won 2 Grand Nationals. That for me would eclipse what Quevega did.

Without a doubt.

[ComplyOrDie]

I wasn't going to have a bet in this race, but I may back Balko once he loses this weekend. I'll wait for the drift.

If he wins then fair play, but this handicap doesn't usually go the way of top weight purely from memory.

[Irish Rugby]

Farclas and Run Wild Fred entered in a 3m steeplechase at Navan on Sunday.

That's the Trowtown. Not until Sunday fortnight.

[Nathaniel99999]

I do quite well with the handicap cross country races, had a 50/1 close to winning last year and Diesal Dallier winning last season in the handicap.

This Friday I fancy Fox Pro to go close at 16/1. Mark of 127 plus a claimer onboard, I am taking abit of a guess the horse will stay 3m+. Its actually had some decent warm up races giving weight away last time out plus I've looked at this race and only danger I can see is Potters corner but if I'm honest I think that horse will just place. Balko I think is just running for warm up for the season.

Also if people want to do a double I've gone for Bun Doran 14/1 for the handicap 1.45pm Friday. Mark of 140 is about what the horse needs to win a race like it's in. The horse has ran well from a long break. Also from what I remember it wasnt that long ago it was giving Magic Saint 3lbs and that horse won with Bun Doran 2nd awhile ago. Now the horse is now 12lbs below Magic Saints mark and the betting should be Bun Doran with shorter odds in my opinion.
The horse has ran well in grade 2s in the past and knows the track I just don't know why it's as high as it is in the betting.

[charlie]

I do quite well with the handicap cross country races, had a 50/1 close to winning last year and Diesal Dallier winning last season in the handicap.

This Friday I fancy Fox Pro to go close at 16/1. Mark of 127 plus a claimer onboard, I am taking abit of a guess the horse will stay 3m+. Its actually had some decent warm up races giving weight away last time out plus I've looked at this race and only danger I can see is Potters corner but if I'm honest I think that horse will just place. Balko I think is just running for warm up for the season.

Also if people want to do a double I've gone for Bun Doran 14/1 for the handicap 1.45pm Friday. Mark of 140 is about what the horse needs to win a race like it's in. The horse has ran well from a long break. Also from what I remember it wasnt that long ago it was giving Magic Saint 3lbs and that horse won with Bun Doran 2nd awhile ago. Now the horse is now 12lbs below Magic Saints mark and the betting should be Bun Doran with shorter odds in my opinion.
The horse has ran well in grade 2s in the past and knows the track I just don't know why it's as high as it is in the betting.

Fox Pro schooled the obstacles poorly so I'd avoid him.

BDF definitely runs so going to be some nice low weights in there.

Diesel D'Allier been there done that and has already been backed from 12 into 8.

The most impressive schooler in recent weeks has been Back On The Lash, he's taken to the obstacles really well and runs off 10-3.

My main hope is BDF makes it round, learns his job, finishes maybe 3rd or 4th with credit and the bookies are daft enough to push him a bit. That would be the ideal scenario.

[Guinness Village]

I've already nailed my colours to the mast with Balky and I think he'll go close on Friday. The other horse I'm keeping an eye out for is modus. If Enda can get him sweet, I think he'll be a threat to all. Let's see if he gets an entry in December.

[IstabraqBarRegular]

Agree with you Guinness Village, MODUS is the dark horse here, Enda will sprinkle his XC magic dust onto him
Saying that my list is 1. Balko, 2.Tiger and 3. Modus

[Quevega]

He could obviously win on Friday.

But I'd be heavily on the side of Balko not being able or wanting to win on Friday, carrying more than a stone than some of the opposition.
With that in mind any bets on him for the Cross Country in March would more than likely be better after the event.
Obviously the bookies will factor the handicap aspect into their equation though, so a good performance, like placing or within 10 lengths of the winner should really hold the price, anything better and he gets cut.
Just don't make sense for him to win really, if they want another crack at the National.

[ComplyOrDie]

He could obviously win on Friday.

But I'd be heavily on the side of Balko not being able or wanting to win on Friday, carrying more than a stone than some of the opposition.
With that in mind any bets on him for the Cross Country in March would more than likely be better after the event.
Obviously the bookies will factor the handicap aspect into their equation though, so a good performance, like placing or within 10 lengths of the winner should really hold the price, anything better and he gets cut.
Just don't make sense for him to win really, if they want another crack at the National.

Yep, basically what I was getting at 6 posts back

[Quevega]

Yep, basically what I was getting at 6 posts back

Didn't read that, but have gone back and liked it now.
I hadn't backed him already because of this exact scenario.
If our theory goes tits up then it's only the cross country
But if he runs mid pack and drifts or maybe even stays the same price then I may back him.

[ComplyOrDie]

Didn't read that, but have gone back and liked it now.
I hadn't backed him already because of this exact scenario.
If our theory goes tits up then it's only the cross country
But if he runs mid pack and drifts or maybe even stays the same price then I may back him.

Haha my exact thoughts on the race to be completely honest