The Randox Health COUNTY Handicap Hurdle

[Ray]

The way the irish are getting on id imagine the handicapper has done the british a right favour this year and ill be looking at; course and distance form, well weighted, english trained: WEST CORK

[DenmanSacre]

The way the irish are getting on id imagine the handicapper has done the british a right favour this year and ill be looking at; course and distance form, well weighted, english trained: WEST CORK

Irish were ahead in the Boodles and Coral Cup. Surprise Package bolted in at the weekend. I'd say the Irish will still be ahead over the shorter distance but good luck - it's an open field.

[isitmarchyet]

Had to back the Skelton outsiders Faivoir (66s) and Stepney Causeway (80s). Obviously West Cork is his main one but at those prices I'd be fuming if they won and I wasn't on...

[Bonjers]

Had to back the Skelton outsiders Faivoir (66s) and Stepney Causeway (80s). Obviously West Cork is his main one but at those prices I'd be fuming if they won and I wasn't on...

Stepney Causeway is in the Ascot Sales.

[opatcho]

County Hurdle - Faivoir

Faivoir (backed last night at 66/1 each way - 7 places). Dan Skelton likes this race, he's won it a few times before, and has reverted this chap back to hurdlers, seems a little weird given the horse beat Torn And Frayed (won a grade 3 handicap in Jan at Chelt) and also finished second to War Lord in a chase - who ran well in the Arkle. Back over hurdles, when straight into a Grade 2, outpaced in a small field against Goshen and Adagio, giving 7 lbs from the two. They went to Kelso next, I backed it that day and thought Dan Skelton gave it a terrible ride!

This horse has been to Cheltenham twice before over hurdles, won both. One being over 2m4f, so confident the horse will stay and end to end gallop over 2 miles.

Despite all of this, the thing that drew me in is 1) The Skelton's have done well in this race before, 2) Bridget Andrews retains the ride - shes 1111 on this horse, and then a 3rd back in Feb, which I think was a just a sit on the horse again.

I think Dan was trying to win the Morebattle Hurdle and following this up at the Cheltenham Festival to win the ?100k bonus. They failed, but in doing, remains on the same mark unlike the runner who carries a 5lbs penalty now in this race. Both Mohaayed and Ch'tibello ran in graded company before coming here (likely to keep their mark down). Interesting they did the same with Faviour in his prep run ahead of Kelso

Feels like they looked at Favoir in December, looked at the Country and said "**** it, lets go for the Kelso + Cheltenham double". They failed at Kelso. But remain on track for the County on the same mark. I think this horse need pace which they'll get tomorrow, would be nice if the ground remained on the slower side of good to soft for this one as he stays

County - West Cork 10/1

Going in with the Skeltons again. That Greatwood form is just too good to ignore.
I also think the going is key today, this fellow will enjoy the better ground. Ascot Good to Soft, not the same.
I think this lad would have been border line Grade 1 before he was side lined. I think he's better than Third Time Lucki, and he off on 143 last year. I think the handicapper may have the irish, and I think most of them would prefer softer conditions.

Dan - PLEASEEEEE DO NOT GO TOO EARLY ON THIS HORSE!!!!

These are my two.

[opatcho]

I think the ground may have gone against Faivoir. Whereas West Cork will enjoy it

[Supermaster]

Faivoir/First Street/I Like to Move it/Far Out/West Cork/Top Bandit/Cormier

[opatcho]

…. May just turn up next year and back the favs

Favs on a Friday! Wtf

[Supermaster]

The Mullins juggernaut rumbles on

[Shergar]

Thoughts on ?clair de Beaufeu? Emptied the tank or is it a bit boggy on that side of the straight? Was getting excited there for a minute

[Altior]

Love it when a plan comes together

[Hurricane fly]

Bayoffreedom Cracking race for your lad there!


Certainly seems like the Townend is using the rail to his upmost advantage

[opatcho]

Well done those that were on

[Stormez]

State Man was in Martin Pipes words ‘the biggest certainty that will set foot on this racecourse’. Kicking myself that I don’t back him accordingly!

We’ll done to those with more conviction than me!

[DenmanSacre]

State Man was brilliant. I know some hate when a novice comes into these handicaps and wins but it takes some horse to win these competitive races after so few lifetime races. Surprised Townend dropped him at the back but he knew he had RH best horse. Kept him wide so he could see his hurdles, travelled beautifully around the bend and Townend let him go after the final hurdle.