General Chat

[Spectre]

A few have mentioned that since his CH win he's hit RPR's of 167 and 163 and that maybe he has reached the heights and has now regressed? His problems last season can surely not help so it remains to be seen whether he'll return anywhere near his very best. With the likes of Lossiemouth on a huge upward curve I don't think it's a no brainer bet by any means. That's the beauty of punting though !!!

Those RPR's are correct Lobos, but watching both races then the ease of victory takes away any concerns there may be. Perhaps worth watching them back to allay and concerns.

That said punting is very much an individual thing, and a I fully respect anyone taking a different view or approach to me.

For example, I remember being utterly convinced that Royale Pagaille would go down the novice route two or three year ago, and you were certain that he'd run in the Gold Cup. You were right on the money. My logic was clearly flawed

And that's the point really. Ahead of time, we're just guessing. Just using as much information available as possible to make our best guess. In this instance we just differ on our interpretations, and therefore take the opposite view. It's good fun doing so though. It's why I enjoy this place so much. I like someone to change my mind, or add in information I hadn't considered. So much of what I do is based on trainer habits and information, and in this case I've just not heard anything yet that would make me think differently. If I did though I'd get out of my position, or at least reduce it. I'd rather that way round than not have the position at all though.

In this instance, we differ on our stance because our approaches are different. You only back horses that your confident in, and at prices you like. I want anything onside that I think can win, and I'll adjust my position(s) as the season goes on as new information becomes available. I'll also lock a profit in on any horse I can, as early as I can. With Constitution Hill, I'll probably be able to do that just on an entry. Even more so after a first win. And hopefully I can still have plenty running onto March with no risk. 5/2 now down to 4/11 on the day gives me loads of scope.

The problem is with the reverse approach, he'll be odds on before you have sufficient criteria to be able to back him, and essentially the Champion Hurdle either becomes a dead race, or your backing something each way hoping something happens to him. Either that or playing the without market in the lead up.

Anyway, all that set aside I love these debates we've had over the years. They're good fun

[somer1]

Just booked 10 nights in Corralejo Fuerteventura for the 2025 festival. Bring it on.

[BookieBasher]

R.I.P Istabraq

[Eggs]

R.I.P Istabraq

…32 years of age and a wonderful life.

[Istabraq]

R.I.P Istabraq

Very sad day.
Lives to a wonderful age and was spoiled rotten from the day he retired, for me the best hurdler ever seen on a racecourse, there’ll never be another….

[Carnage at Taunton]

Very sad day indeed.
He was a true superstar and just oozed class.
Beautiful looking horse and talent to match.
RIP Istabraq
Thanks for the memories.

[LeeOVO1988]

Apologies not Cheltenham related , but at Ascot tomorrow on stag do … any tips greatly appreciated

[LeeOVO1988]

Apologies not Cheltenham related , but at Ascot tomorrow on stag do … any tips greatly appreciated

[Quevega]

Apologies not Cheltenham related , but at Ascot tomorrow on stag do … any tips greatly appreciated

The 3:00 is a very tricky race and there is not much pace in the race.
So even though I've backed Billyjoh, it's a bit hopeful, but the 9-1 still available looks ok for a horse that ran so well in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot. Only beaten by a group horse I reckon.
He's gone up the weights for not winning in his last four starts, which is not ideal either. But only 5lb's which is not much when you consider he's probably been held up a bit too far on most occasions and looked like the best or close to best horse each time.
The last run was his first try at 7f also, on similar ground and it looks the ideal trip to my eye.
My hope is that in a field of hold up merchants he has the stronger finish, having watched him and the fact he's spent most his life running over shorter trips.
He looks drawn on the right side also.
It is a very tricky race though and I liked the look of at least 5 or 6 others in the race, which is why it's hopeful.

5-2 about Devoted Queen looks a fair enough price also. Finished her last race well. so the ascot finish should suit.

[Irish Rugby]

Apologies not Cheltenham related , but at Ascot tomorrow on stag do … any tips greatly appreciated

1.15 Our Terms
1.50 Simmering
2.25 Friendly Soul
3.00 Billyjoh
3.40 Auguste Rodin
4.15 Al Qudra
4.50 Elnajamm

Good luck

[Lobos]

Apologies not Cheltenham related , but at Ascot tomorrow on stag do … any tips greatly appreciated

Back Hayley Turners horses. She rides Ascot brilliantly

Just looked and she's at Newcastle

Andrew Balding is in super form so I'd back his blind if I were there

Good luck and more importantly have a messy day!!

[nortonscoin200]

1.15 Our Terms
1.50 Simmering
2.25 Friendly Soul
3.00 Billyjoh
3.40 Auguste Rodin
4.15 Al Qudra
4.50 Elnajamm

Good luck

Great start for the stag boys if they followed your first three Irish Rugby - imagine by that stage they wouldn't be too bothered if they won or lost. Nice one.

[Quevega]

1.15 Our Terms
1.50 Simmering
2.25 Friendly Soul
3.00 Billyjoh
3.40 Auguste Rodin
4.15 Al Qudra
4.50 Elnajamm

Good luck

Magnifique

[Irish Rugby]

Great start for the stag boys if they followed your first three Irish Rugby - imagine by that stage they wouldn't be too bothered if they won or lost. Nice one.

Thanks, and got the 5th winner in now, although all were well found in the market. Would be great to hear a stag party in Ascot are currently well on to paying for their weekend.

[Lobos]

1.15 Our Terms
1.50 Simmering
2.25 Friendly Soul
3.00 Billyjoh
3.40 Auguste Rodin
4.15 Al Qudra
4.50 Elnajamm

Good luck

5 out of 7!!

Luck of the Irish !!!