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Thread: The Road to the Grand National 2019

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    Senior Member Desert Orchid's Avatar
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    The Road to the Grand National 2019

    I'm just wondering if maybe we saw the winner on Saturday there?

    Step Back

    If a week is a long time in politics then a year in NH racing is an eternity but the horse reminded me of Mr Frisk. Remember, Step Back is a novice but he jumped a field of experienced handicappers silly from the front. He's clearly got pace and stamina too.

    He'll be nine next year, the ideal age. I can see him being campaigned to preserve his mark. Mind you, there is something in the back of my mind about the Bradstocks not liking the race.

    He was off 135 and I reckon will go up about 10lbs. I haven't crunched any numbers so far but I don't think the last couple of winners went up much so 10lbs is possible. If so, it would put him on 145 thereby just about guaranteeing him a place in the field for the Grand National. He looked to me a lot better than a handicapper the other day but, as I say, I haven't crunched any numbers yet.

    Anyway, I was very surprised to find 50/1 still available about him this morning so I've had a dabble at that price.

    If Noble Endeavor gets there fit and well next season off the same mark as he was allocated this time, he'd have to be a very serious player too. I'd want to know he was over his injury, though, before getting involved.
    Last edited by Desert Orchid; 30th April 2018 at 8:17 AM.
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    Senior Member Grasshopper's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Desert Orchid View Post
    Mind you, there is something in the back of my mind about the Bradstocks not liking the race.
    There's something in the back of my mind about them being a pair of utter fandangos!
    "Beat the price and lose. It's what we do".

    SlimChance, March 2018

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    Senior Member Desert Orchid's Avatar
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    Yes. Perfect for a National storyline!

    Back Bags National for Batty Bradstocks
    Last edited by Desert Orchid; 30th April 2018 at 10:07 AM.
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    It is at least the aim Des.

    https://www.racingpost.com/news/step...sandown/329353

    You've talked me into it and Ladbrokes boost 50's to 60's so I've taken a score on the nut at that price to get the ball rolling for next years spray and pray.
    Man who catch fly with chopstick .... accomplish anything.

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    Super Moderator Diamond Geezer's Avatar
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    They're talking about Coneygree being given one last chance next season

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    Which is fine to give him another season but saying he can win another Gold cup is what keeps them "the Bradstocks" and the reason they only have twenty horses in my opinion.
    Man who catch fly with chopstick .... accomplish anything.

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    Senior Member Desert Orchid's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Danny View Post
    It is at least the aim Des.

    https://www.racingpost.com/news/step...sandown/329353

    You've talked me into it and Ladbrokes boost 50's to 60's so I've taken a score on the nut at that price to get the ball rolling for next years spray and pray.
    Cheers, Danny, now I feel like I've lost out

    I backed it with Ladbrokes but wasn't offered the price boost, presumably as I did it via oddschecker? I'll need to try going in again...
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    Quote Originally Posted by Desert Orchid View Post
    Cheers, Danny, now I feel like I've lost out

    I backed it with Ladbrokes but wasn't offered the price boost, presumably as I did it via oddschecker? I'll need to try going in again...
    Yes it does seem the price boosts are only available on Lads website or app. Same with Hill’s and their boosts only apply to the win part of each way bets


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    Desert Orchid (30th April 2018)

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    Senior Member Euronymous's Avatar
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    2000 Guineas on Saturday.

    Just sayin'

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    Senior Member Desert Orchid's Avatar
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    I haven't forgotten about the Guineas but I didn't want to forget what I saw on Saturday.

    I'm surely plenty will be written about the Guineas through the week.

    Is there a thread for it, by the way?
    Last edited by Desert Orchid; 30th April 2018 at 11:44 AM.
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    Senior Member Desert Orchid's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Desert Orchid View Post
    Step Back

    He was off 135 and I reckon will go up about 10lbs.
    He's gone up 14lbs to 149.

    I'm okay with that as I've since crunched some numbers of my own and he could have gone up a fair bit more. Given he's technically a novice, if he can improve another 7-10lbs into next season he could have any of the big handicaps, Hennessy, Nationals, etc at his mercy.

    But I really would love to see him trained for the big one. There's no way he'd miss the cut off 149 and if they ran him in weak races they could keep him around that mark. I'd like to see him run in a weak chase to ensure qualification for the GN then campaigned over hurdles to preserve his mark although I could understand why they would want him to gain further experience of chasing, hence weaker races that won't affect his mark.
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    "He’s a lovely horse who jumps and gallops and we’ll aim him at the Grand National next year"

    Sara Bradstock following Saturday's win.
    Alcohol, because no good story ever started with "I was eating this salad..."

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