The PERTEMPS Network Final Handicap Hurdle

[doctorwu]

Do we not think that had TBO slipped in 5th/6th the UK handicapper would have really battered him. I think GE is aware of this and made it look like he was trying to win the race, that way he's minimising the risk of a heavy penalty. Just my thoughts for what its worth.

[The King Pimm]

Do we not think that had TBO slipped in 5th/6th the UK handicapper would have really battered him. I think GE is aware of this and made it look like he was trying to win the race, that way he's minimising the risk of a heavy penalty. Just my thoughts for what its worth.

Agreed Doctorwu, if we all know about Gordon Elliots handicap record and plots then you can be sure the BHA handicappers are aware of it especially when he’s winning and placing in so many of the handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival year after year. Gordon is only playing the system though but knows how much he can get away with without taking the piss

[Rhinestone_Cowboy]

Do we not think that had TBO slipped in 5th/6th the UK handicapper would have really battered him. I think GE is aware of this and made it look like he was trying to win the race, that way he's minimising the risk of a heavy penalty. Just my thoughts for what its worth.

Funny I wondered the same thing, but then thought I was probably giving team Elliot a bit too much credit. Also have to bear in mind the last minute jockey switch, which makes me wonder if things didn’t go perfectly to plan. No doubt i’m overthinking it, anyway going to be interesting to see what the UK tax is.

[Istabraq]

Funny I wondered the same thing, but then thought I was probably giving team Elliot a bit too much credit. Also have to bear in mind the last minute jockey switch, which makes me wonder if things didn’t go perfectly to plan. No doubt i’m overthinking it, anyway going to be interesting to see what the UK tax is.

Elliot has won the last three renewals and Irish the last five, for me it’s clear the UK handicapper has an impossible job based on the actions/inactions of Irish handicappers and stewards, he could literally add 10lb to every horse that runs and the Irish would still mop up the handicaps.
Handicaps used to be about non graded horses having a chance to win a race, it seems now all about which graded horse has had their abilities hidden the best so for the purposes of finding the winner of this race that should be the starting point...

[Garrison Savannah]

Agree Ista - I still enjoy these races from a punting point of view, but there’s little racing enjoyment for me. I’m not sure what the answer is though.

Whatever rules you change there’s always loopholes, and human beings always look to exploit them.

[jonthehammer]

I still think Mohaayed and Honest Vic offer much better value at 20/1 and Dan Skelton is pretty good at Cheltenham Festival handicap plots especially in hurdle races. He’s not as good as the master Gordon Elliot but at twice the price Mohaayed is still great value

I have those 2 on board as well as TBO any race so quite well stocked on this race even though its still early

[Istabraq]

Agree Ista - I still enjoy these races from a punting point of view, but there’s little racing enjoyment for me. I’m not sure what the answer is though.

Whatever rules you change there’s always loopholes, and human beings always look to exploit them.

I've said for a while that festival handicaps should not allow first season novices to take part, the system almost encourages blatant cheating that might not exist in its' crudest form if all horses had 2 or more seasons hurdling/chasing behind them.
Of course I might hold a different view if I'd be in the Mullins inner circle and had the fancy County prices Saint Roi last season...

[jack1092]

If you watch his last two races, do you believe that's the ceiling of his ability?


The perfect yard is a huge factor, because he's a mid 150's horse that's going to run in a handicap off less than 150....

Still need things to fall right, plenty of luck in running etc, but the love for TBO is pretty clear to see...but I have 25/1 so that's probably why

I didn't see the "love in" with Tower Bridge when he was 14/1 and tipped up though...

Had meant to reply to this sooner! As usual Kev your sensible reasoning trumps mine! 25/1 is a lovely price, i have to admit i was looking at his current price and that's where i came up with the "love in"- I suppose he's still so unexposed having raced in big handicaps so early in his career.

[FrenchHolly]

I'm in The Bosses Oscar love in for this but would be very interested in Silver Sheen if he gets qualified.

[Kevloaf]

Had meant to reply to this sooner! As usual Kev your sensible reasoning trumps mine! 25/1 is a lovely price, i have to admit i was looking at his current price and that's where i came up with the "love in"- I suppose he's still so unexposed having raced in big handicaps so early in his career.

You could end up being right of course, he might end up never being better than a horse that potters about in big handicaps, but he has the right profile for me of one that'll be better.

At 14/1 I wouldn't rush to back him, but he's a better bet than plenty that I have placed haha

[Istabraq]

Has anyone picked up on any Elliott noise/rumours about who he will be sending to the Punchestown qualifier in early Feb ?
I’m still hopeful Column of Fire gets an entry.

Just for info, Elliott sent 4 horses to the 2020 Punchestown qualifier, 3 to the 2019 race and just the one in 2018 but that was Delta Work.

Have to live in hope...

[ComplyOrDie]

Thoughts on Diol Ker for this?

Fairly ordinary (being nice) over fences this season, back over hurdles at 2m 4f LTO where staying on really well at the finish to just get up. Form ties with Monkfish. Will need that entry at Punchestown in the qualifier, which Noel Meade won last season with Cap York (RIP), who he subsequently sent to the Bartlett. Diol Ker can't go down that route as not a novice, so this could open up as his best option.

33/1 available without NRNB or cash out though. Possibly worth pricing up with PP.

[Lobos]

Thoughts on Diol Ker for this?

Fairly ordinary (being nice) over fences this season, back over hurdles at 2m 4f LTO where staying on really well at the finish to just get up. Form ties with Monkfish. Will need that entry at Punchestown in the qualifier, which Noel Meade won last season with Cap York (RIP), who he subsequently sent to the Bartlett. Diol Ker can't go down that route as not a novice, so this could open up as his best option.

33/1 available without NRNB or cash out though. Possibly worth pricing up with PP.

Could be a good shout. I do see him in a handicap somewhere ! I have him TWAR . I'd say that was the way to go with him if he's still a decent price.

[Quevega]

Thoughts on Diol Ker for this?

Fairly ordinary (being nice) over fences this season, back over hurdles at 2m 4f LTO where staying on really well at the finish to just get up. Form ties with Monkfish. Will need that entry at Punchestown in the qualifier, which Noel Meade won last season with Cap York (RIP), who he subsequently sent to the Bartlett. Diol Ker can't go down that route as not a novice, so this could open up as his best option.

33/1 available without NRNB or cash out though. Possibly worth pricing up with PP.

I think they've come out ans said he's going to be aiming at the stayers hurdle.
So a prep in a pertemps qualifier would help open up options

[Quevega]

I think sams profile doing similar.
I'd expect both may run in the galmoy, or boyne.

https://www.irishracing.com/news?headline=Diol-Ker-to-get-Stayers-Hurdle-entry&prid=214774