2017 Stayers Hurdle

[Al Ferof]

Agree that much of this will be about pace and ground for Jezki.

He'd want it bouncing and he wouldn't want it to be end to end. Could see him cantering down the hill before being outstayed. But if they make the error of going off slow, he will be bang there

May play him on the day as a value bet.

 

[Old Vic]

 

[jono]

West Approach goes here over the AB apparently, looks like quotes from Tizzard in tomorrow's Racing Post

 

[Kevloaf]

I think it's a waste of a novice year personally but the AB looks hot and if you KNOW wholestone has you covered, better to aim to place in this than the AB?

I wouldn't.

 

[Cashew King]

This is the Tizzard quote in the RP.

"Will Thistlecrack’s half-brother West Approach run in the Stayers’ Hurdle?
Steve Allen
John and Heather Snook are very keen on it, so it’s very likely. All they worry about is the odds-on favourite Unowhatimeanharry – the rest of the field they feel he’s shown enough form to beat, so it looks a perfectly sensible choice. For me it’s a sentimental thing, with Thistlecrack having won it last year, and that’s they way we’re leaning at the moment, but it could change tomorrow if something happens to a couple of the top horses for the Albert Bartlett. He could still switch but the Stayers’ is the most likely option."

 

[jono]

Thanks CK. I do think its the wrong decision.

I think the AB has slightly more depth with it:

Death Duty
Wholestone
Monalee
Augusta Kate
The Worlds End
and a few others i can't think of at the top of my head...

vs

UNWIMH
Jezki
Shaneshill
Cole Harden

At least with Death Duty you could be bullish in that he's unproven at the course, trip and ground. Can't see any way he can beat UNWIMH and if Jezki does truly stay the 3 miles at Cheltenham then he'll put it right up to the fav so should have no worries beating West Approach.

I like the horse but I do also think WA may have been slightly flattered by the Cleeve Hurdle run in that he was able to pick up the pieces from a lot of beaten horses.