MARTIN PIPE Conditionals Handicap Hurdle

[Benjy23]

My feeling is that he's been held off the course because they're so happy with his mark and if he was to run it would be hard for him not to show his hand to the handicapper.
Plus, with Galopin Des Champs looking like the new Arkle the handicapper may well use collateral form.
140 works just fine...

Hope you're right.

Just thought a half fit prep run wouldn't allow the handicap to do anything, then the Imperial Cup win would only be a 5lb penalty rather than any assessment from handicapoer. And the prospect of the bonus cash for the owners might be hard to turn down.

Owner's got a few with Skelton though so maybe he's fully invested in the one race plan.

[DenmanSacre]

Irish handicapper marks:

Grand Jury 138
Hollow Games 138
Minella Crooner 139
Minella Cocooner 143


Ginto was given 146 for comparison purposes.

[ComplyOrDie]

I've added a further 4pts E/W on Hollow Games after them ratings. Don't see how he can get UK Tax of 8lbs based on what he's achieved, tbh. Even if he ends up top weight he'll have one of the better conditionals on board, which will count for a fair bit.

[Al Ferof]

When can we see entries for this race folks? Forgive me I’m clueless on that front!!

Ash Tree Meadow the one I’m super interested in (mentioned in the handicaps thread after his debut 3rd)- but RP doesn’t show an entry.

[ComplyOrDie]

When can we see entries for this race folks? Forgive me I’m clueless on that front!!

Ash Tree Meadow the one I’m super interested in (mentioned in the handicaps thread after his debut 3rd)- but RP doesn’t show an entry.

22nd February I believe, though stand to be corrected

[Mr X]

Ash Tree Meadow entered to run this Thursday 10th Feb at Thurles at 3.30 pm. Decs tomorrow for the race.

[JackieMoon33]

I've added a further 4pts E/W on Hollow Games after them ratings. Don't see how he can get UK Tax of 8lbs based on what he's achieved, tbh. Even if he ends up top weight he'll have one of the better conditionals on board, which will count for a fair bit.

Is that with NRNB concession?

[ComplyOrDie]

Is that with NRNB concession?

Yeah. 10/1 with Hills.

[JackieMoon33]

Yeah. 10/1 with Hills.

With the concession I’d be interested at that price. I’m of the opinion he’ll still go the open route but NRNB takes away that risk (just tied up cash).

[ComplyOrDie]

With the concession I’d be interested at that price. I’m of the opinion he’ll still go the open route but NRNB takes away that risk (just tied up cash).

Yeah, I mean I had a small punt at 14's without the concession and without knowing his mark, and was surprised he's been dropped 2lbs off the back of the 3rd in the Nathaniel Lacy, however I can't see a way the handicapper can justify 8lbs tax for him so he'll likely get a run. Once that mark came out it was a no brainer for me NRNB.

I think this is his optimum trip, personally. The one issue may be that Grand Jury has the same rating in Ireland and holds Hollow Games based on the Lawlors Of Naas run, so may need to cover him as well.

[JackieMoon33]

Yeah, I mean I had a small punt at 14's without the concession and without knowing his mark, and was surprised he's been dropped 2lbs off the back of the 3rd in the Nathaniel Lacy, however I can't see a way the handicapper can justify 8lbs tax for him so he'll likely get a run. Once that mark came out it was a no brainer for me NRNB.

I think this is his optimum trip, personally. The one issue may be that Grand Jury has the same rating in Ireland and holds Hollow Games based on the Lawlors Of Naas run, so may need to cover him as well.

I’d still be surprised if Hollow Games doesn’t run in either of the open races as they’ve not campaigned him with handicaps in mind. He’s also been running on merit as opposed to hiding himself in graded races. He’d still be a place contender on known form and we don’t know if the step up to 3 could bring out some improvement. It also looks like Gordon has a good few that have been campaigned for handicaps and will be more well in for this (including for same connections).

[ComplyOrDie]

I’d still be surprised if Hollow Games doesn’t run in either of the open races as they’ve not campaigned him with handicaps in mind. He’s also been running on merit as opposed to hiding himself in graded races. He’d still be a place contender on known form and we don’t know if the step up to 3 could bring out some improvement. It also looks like Gordon has a good few that have been campaigned for handicaps and will be more well in for this (including for same connections).

I think he'd get done by a few in the Bartlett, personally.

Ginto keeps drifting for the Ballymore, again today as well, suggesting he will go for the Bartlett (which he is favourite for) and connections have already said only one of them will run in the race. I think they'll have the Pipe in mind for HG, personally, given he is now held by a few in the Bartlett on bare form.

I don't buy the theory of him needing a step up in trip, as I've mentioned a few times, possibly in debate with your good self, that I think his optimum trip is the intermediate one.

[JackieMoon33]

I think he'd get done by a few in the Bartlett, personally.

Ginto keeps drifting for the Ballymore, again today as well, suggesting he will go for the Bartlett (which he is favourite for) and connections have already said only one of them will run in the race. I think they'll have the Pipe in mind for HG, personally, given he is now held by a few in the Bartlett on bare form.

I don't buy the theory of him needing a step up in trip, as I've mentioned a few times, possibly in debate with your good self, that I think his optimum trip is the intermediate one.

I’m not sure what his trip is as he’s not managed to win those graded races and has finished in similar positions each time against different opposition. I think it’s more ability, and he’s not quite top of the tree over hurdles.

[ComplyOrDie]

I’m not sure what his trip is as he’s not managed to win those graded races and has finished in similar positions each time against different opposition. I think it’s more ability, and he’s not quite top of the tree over hurdles.

Yeah, I'd agree, he's probably just off G1 level, certainly what his performances have suggested this season

[FinalFurlong91]

The more I see hollow games run the more I just dont think hes a grade 1 standard horse

Kinda reminds me of stattler last season

Iv got nice prices on him but I'd be pretty surprised if he won at this stage