Shan Blue only entered in the Marsh. How refreshing.
Shan Blue only entered in the Marsh. How refreshing.
Alcohol, because no good story ever started with "I was eating this salad..."
The cash out offer from my bookie about Shan Blue in the RSA last week was like landing a touch, Lee.
In other news, I'm pleased trainer Seamus Neville entered Notice To Close in the 3M6F chase. The horse came to my attention after looking at Irish races. He's one of the most promising or under the radar novice chasers in Ireland.
He's on a sharp upward curve although the furthest of his wins was 2M5F while this entry is 3M6F.
However, at least his entry shows some intent or willingness from his trainer in wanting to run at the festival per se. I think it's more likely he runs in a handicap chase.
I'm hoping the bookies will be NRNB by the time of handicap entries, (which should be published on February 18th).
However, should the horse happen to run in Ireland over 3M+ in the next month, I'll have a dabble at a huge price for the National Hunt Chase over the 3M6F if the terms are NRNB.
Last edited by Marb; 21st January 2021 at 12:55 AM.
Five O’clock not entered anywhere, and presumably on the easy-list.
Aye, well. Half expected it, tbh.
"Beat the price and lose. It's what we do".
SlimChance, March 2018
Grasshopper (20th January 2021)
As impressive as Shiskin's jumping looked, there didn't seem to be a lot left if he'd needed it. I thought Nico was looking round thus, not because he wanted to coast home....
On a line through the runner up, the Skelton's have to be excited by the bare form....
Check the time Paul. Allmankind has zero chance. He'll just give Shishkin a toe to the final bend and Shishkin will ease past like a rolls royce.
Correct.
All comers, all grounds, all beaten!
This perfect mix of poetry and destruction.
I wasn't blown away by Shish but doubt he was above 85% hard fit
Last edited by granger; 30th January 2021 at 10:45 PM.
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done
He reminds me of a younger Altior in that there’s a moment 4f out where you wonder if he’s having to be coaxed but then the way he simply breezes past good horses is breathtaking.
He’s not unbeatable in the Arkle but I wouldn’t want to be a layer.
Alcohol, because no good story ever started with "I was eating this salad..."
Other than the obstacles, I actually think he is unbeatable. It’s also highly likely the race is going to be run to suit.
We’re lucky that we have some special novice chasers this season. Let’s just hope they all get there fit and well, and we see the three novice champions from last season win the corresponding novice chases the following season for the first time in Cheltenham Festival history.
Last edited by Maruco; 30th January 2021 at 11:27 PM.
Better on better ground also I imagine.
Very athletic horse.
Anyone think Willies poke can cause some problems? He looks very good. Having said that, Shishkin looks ridiculous.
Last edited by Double J; 31st January 2021 at 1:24 AM.
Energumene is good in his own right, but second best you'd think. There are also doubts about whether he can perform to the same level on better ground. It's also taken them long enough to figure out this is his trip.
What I will say is he's a more credible rival than anything Envoi Allen is likely to face, unless he goes up in trip and faces EA, which I suppose isn't completely out of the question. I don't think Willie has actually committed Energumene to this race yet, and he has the likes of Franco de Port and Unexcepted to consider too?
Maxbet (31st January 2021)
Ruby Walsh more or less confirmed it on ITV.
I think he treats each horse according to its targets.
I think the likes of Buveur D'Air would have been a bit shorter of work than a handicapper (I'm thinking the likes of Craigneiche the other week).
He's happy to roll out the industry cliches when they get beat (eg 'there's only so much you can do at home') but when there's big money going they get there trained to the minute.
Illegitimi non carborundum
Henderson’s main strength is getting horses to the boil just at the right time. In the meantime they’ll mostly be simmering when they run, but he will never want them over-strained with a race too hard for where they are. That’s why Nico comes in for so much stick.
Shishkin doesnt look a monster on appearance but his athleticism on track catches the eye
He could be one of them who does the needful and if ever comes a time we'll see how good he is
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done
On the day of Paul Haigh’s passing, have a look at James Hill’s RFO piece on the Marsh Chase, for an idea of just how far UK racing journalism has gone wrong.
It is the most ill-considered, guessy, poorly-argued, fountain of fu*cking bullsh*it I have read in a long while.
Last edited by Grasshopper; 31st January 2021 at 5:07 PM.
"Beat the price and lose. It's what we do".
SlimChance, March 2018
Beef or Salmon (31st January 2021)