If I were going to back a horse for the Gold Cup at big odds in anticipation of a decent showing on Saturday then it'd be Minella Rocco @ 50s. He's had a wind op since his last run and might get his ground this year, something he never had last season.
Alcohol, because no good story ever started with "I was eating this salad..."
Fair enough, but they don't win prizes on the gallops. It's only four or five starts ago since his form has deteriorated. I think he deserves another chance after a decent break from the track.
I'll have a go at the 100-1 for The Gold Cup each way, once I see him in the final declarations for this Saturday.
The odds are stacked against me, so please go easy on me if comes nowhere.
Last edited by Marb; 24th January 2019 at 2:42 PM.
Outsider (24th January 2019)
I did Terrefort a few weeks back @ 66/1.
His defeat of Elegant Escape at Aintree puts him not far behind Presenting Percy. He obviously disappointed first time out at Sandown, but a physical issue came to light. He also beat Cyrname as a Novice who hosed up at Ascot on Saturday.
At the price worth a tickle I thought.
Last edited by tiggers1972; 24th January 2019 at 1:42 PM.
The worry for me would be that he runs well on Saturday and leaves his Gold Cup there.
Illegitimi non carborundum
An awful lot to like about Invitation Only's performance.
Thyestes winners off top or near top weight are Gold Cup horses usually.
The only proviso is Ruby's statement on RTE2 that handicap inflation has been happening over the last few years and some deflation is needed for balance.
He questions the horses' rating off 152 plus whatever he gets , but being a Flemensfirth chaser he should keep improving .
I think my buddy E P Harty missed a trick not running Coney Island as the race would have made a man of him and they would better know their horses' ability., but that's me.
Presenting Percy’s owner Philip Reynolds has indicated that the Stayers’ Hurdle would be considered as a fallback option if circumstances were to conspire against them. The Gold Cup is plan A. If he were to miss the Red Mills Chase for any reason or if things don’t go to plan in that, then the Stayers’ Hurdle could come into the equation.
edgt (24th January 2019)
Pinch o' salt for me. If he can run the stayers he will run in the gold cup
What tactics will they use on frodon tomorrow?
If they take him out of his rhythm and try ensure he gets the trip, i think he will be surely beaten
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done
I was very impressed with Valtor last time out. See if he can handle the step up in class.
Frodon and Bryony are a match made in heaven..
She is a West Country Frankie Dettori, great for tv, racing and all who enjoy it.
Outsider (26th January 2019)
Frodon impressed me a heap today
Still don't think he can win a gold cup but what a smashing horse he is
Last edited by granger; 26th January 2019 at 4:51 PM.
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done
Thoroughly admirable horse and jockey.
On paper they had 8lb in hand on the placed horses so it will be interesting to see what the handicapper makes of it.
The older I get the better I was.
Trip always an issue. No bearing on the Gold Cup.
All comers, all grounds, all beaten!
This perfect mix of poetry and destruction.
It was a brilliant ride, fabulous to watch. He was idling in front but not sure about getting the GC trip and think he might be 'bullied' out of it.
Rail movements mean they ran an extra 151 yards today, taking the overall distance to 3m 1f 207y, not that short of the Gold Cup trip which might end up being run on better ground.
If Frodon was idling then the trip wouldn't be a worry. My worry would be that I'm not sure they went Gold Cup pace today.
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G-G (27th January 2019)
Frodon won't get a soft lead on the big day.
I'm not sure Frodon needs to lead. He just needs to be on his game on the day.
Illegitimi non carborundum
I mentioned elsewhere that maybe Frodon wasn't quite fit and I've read another race report in which Nicholls states openly the horse was short of full fitness.
In the same report, Henderson says Terrefort blew up, which he "half-expected" but goes on to say he's not sure what race he'll run in at Cheltenham.
I learned a long time ago that ratings don't win races and I'm by no means saying Frodon will win the Gold Cup but at least he's one step closer.
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