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.