Cheltenham 2013 Chasers Review
Time based ground
Day One: Good to soft; Day Two: Good to soft
Day Three: Soft; Day Four: Soft
FSF (Form & Speed) ratings in bold. Improvement shown by a + sign in the next column
– Sign equals a below par performance leading to a drop in ratings
NC indicates No Change
|
Sprinter Sacre |
166 |
+5 |
Hard to say anything that has not been written before. Suffice to say he is an awesome talent who is yet to be fully tested over fences. His breeding suggests he will stay two and a half-miles. That makes a possible clash with Flemenstar and Cue Card at Aintree, something to look forward too. |
|
Bobs Worth |
158 |
+4 |
In the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Bobs Worth was always in touch, making headway before being pushed along at the eighteenth fence. He was being driven when hampered by Silviniaco Conti’s fall at the third last. However, he started to run on strongly once in line for home and led before the last fence. Staying on strongly, he quickly put daylight between himself and the placed horse. Bobs Worth clearly loves Cheltenham and racing when fresh. He may not be flashy but he is improving, game, talented, and tries his heart out. |
|
Cue Card |
155 |
+3 |
Made all in the Ryanair Chase to win in good style Although he made one or two mistakes on the way round, he finished with plenty left in the tank. He continues to improve and is effective over a variety of trips. |
|
Silviniaco Conti |
154 |
NC |
Jumped well in the Gold Cup until falling at the third last. Although he looked to be going well, my gut feeling was he was just beginning to feel the strain. |
|
Tidal Bay |
154 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Sir Des Champs |
153 |
+1 |
Ran a fine race in the Gold Cup until finding Bobs Worth holding to many aces on the run-in. He stayed the trip and looks capable of further improvement if finding the decent ground he appears to need. |
|
Finian’s Rainbow |
153 |
-1 |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Sizing Europe |
153 |
NC |
Turned in another excellent performance in the Champion Chase. He was ultimately outclassed by Sprinter Sacre. However, he ran to his FSF rating confirming just how good the winner is. |
|
Long Run |
152 |
-2 |
Lon Run ran his heart out in the Gold Cup. He tried to make all the running, jumping well for most of the race. However, when push came to shove up the home straight, he lacked the pace to remain competitive. Not as good as he was, I wonder if the Grand National will be on the agenda next season. Whatever your view on his amateur jockey, his record over the National fences is exemplary. |
|
Medermit |
151 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Riverside Theatre |
151 |
+1 |
Returned to something like his best when fourth to Cue Card in the Ryanair. If he continues his progress, he can win a nice prize before the season ends. |
|
Captain Chris |
151 |
NC |
Jumped right and failed to stay. Unfortunately, that was always on the cards. |
|
Flemenstar |
151 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
The Giant Bolster |
150 |
+1 |
Ran another fine race in the Gold Cup to finish fourth. He will be back for another crack next year and deserves to win a decent pot at some stage. |
|
First Lieutenant |
150 |
+1 |
Ran a good race to finish second to Cue Card. Mistakes at the top of the hill and the third last did not help his cause. However, he was well-beaten and ran as though needing a return to three-miles. |
|
Sanctuaire |
148 |
-2 |
Finished a distant, but not disgraced, fourth in the Champion Chase. |
|
Al Ferof |
147 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Rubi Light |
146 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
China Rock |
145 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
For Non Stop |
144 |
NC |
Has a good record when fresh and ran another fine race when third in the Ryanair Chase. Had he jumped fluently he would have finished a lot closer. I hope connections swerve Aintree as it looks likely to come too soon. |
|
Imperial Commander |
142 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
SIMONSIG |
141 |
+1 |
Given he returned a poor scope post-race; Simonsig’s performance can be upgraded. However, his jumping is a cause for concern, which one hopes, is down to freshness, rather than technical ability. At this stage, I consider him a better horse over hurdles than fences. Looking further ahead, he will stay two and a half-miles and possibly further. However, he will need to race more amenably to get those trips over fences. |
|
BAILY GREEN |
141 |
+5 |
Ran a solid race to finish second to Simonsig in the Arkle Chase. He is improving but was ultimately outclassed. |
|
ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE |
140 |
-3 |
Disappointed in the Arkle. He appeared to hurt his back leading to his departure from the race. A difficult horse to keep sound, he is best when fresh on a right-handed track. |
|
DYNASTE |
140 |
-1 |
To my eyes, Dynaste was never going as he had in his previous races this season. Despite taking up the running at the third last, he started to look vulnerable after the second last. In the end, the winner outstayed him on the run-in. Dynaste has won five races in the UK. All came in November and December. I have his rating 1lb lower; however, it should be noted, on RPR’s, he ran 11lb below his best. |
|
Cape Tribulation |
140 |
NC |
Ran to the best of his ability in sixth place behind Bobs Worth. |
|
Realt Dubh |
140 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
BENEFFICIENT |
138 |
+6 |
Showed improved form to run out a game winner of the Jewson Chase. He arrived under the radar hence his starting price. Having led at a sensible pace, Benefficient was headed at the third last fence. He stayed just behind those in front of him approaching the second last and renewed his challenge at the final fence. Staying on best of all, he was well on top close home. He should not be underestimated as he has now won two Grade One’s and a Grade Two. If he continues to improve, the Ryanair would appear the obvious target in 2014. |
|
Rolling Aces |
137 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Tofino Bay |
136 |
+4 |
Ran a blinder in the National Hunt Chase. He led or disputed the lead from the start and stayed on well when challenged. Hotly challenged when left clear at the second last, he may have idled on the run-in. A consistent fellow, his FSF is higher than Back In Focus thanks to better time figures. |
|
Captain Conan |
135 |
NC |
Ran his race but appeared not to quite see out the trip in the Jewson Chaser. I would like to see him front-running over two-miles. |
|
Overturn |
135 |
-4 |
Hit the third last in the Arkle and was done with after that mistake. Over fences, he appears best on easier tracks. However, he was one of several from the stable to run below their best. |
|
Rocky Creek |
135 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
UNIONISTE |
135 |
-1 |
Ran a fair race in the RSA but for me he failed to see out the trip. Next season when he is stronger, he should make up into a decent handicapper. To my mind, he will need to as he is on a stiff handicap mark at present. |
|
Super Duty |
135 |
+6 |
Yet again ran his heart out. Looking sure to win the Kim Muir, he was collared close home. He may well have held on had the final fence not been dolled-off as he is a good jumper. |
|
ALDERWOOD |
133 |
+8 |
Given a great ride by McCoy in the final race of the meeting. Always going well he won with something to spare. |
|
AUPCHARLIE |
133 |
NC |
Ran like a drain in the Jewson and may have been feeling the effects of a few hard races. |
|
LORD WINDERMERE |
133 |
+3 |
Having been held up at the back of the field in the RSA, Lord Windermere made good progress down the hill. He did well to recover from a stumble after the third last fence and galloped on strongly up the hill. He will need to step up on this to be considered for the top staying chases next season. However, he has been patiently handled and looks sure to find further improvement. His RPR is 12lb lower than Bob’s Worth’s in the 2012 renewal. |
|
HOUBLON DES OBEAUXS |
132 |
-2 |
Found a long season and speedier horse catching him out. Nevertheless, he was far from disgraced and should make a decent handicapper next season. |
|
MODULE |
132 |
+7 |
Found the Jewson Chase too much at this stage of his chasing career. Having made a mistake four out, he ran on strongly all the way up the hill. He will improve and probably appreciates softer ground. |
|
BOSTON BOB |
132 |
+4 |
I was taken by the way Boston Bob moved through the opposition to take the lead approaching two out in the RSA Chase. Unfortunately, he drifted towards the far rail between the last two fences. Looking at the video, you can see he nearly collides with the rails with the jockeys whip in the wrong hand. Boston Bob tried hard to get over the fence but took an extra stride close in to the fence and paid the penalty. I am convinced he would have won as stamina is his strong point. He had showed good speed from the third last and looks a top-class prospect for the bigger prizes next season. One hopes he reappears at Punchestown. However, connections will give him every chance to recover from what was a nasty incident. |
|
BACK IN FOCUS |
131 |
+4 |
Needed every yard of the four-miles in the National Hunt Chase to push his head in front close home. Over this trip on good to soft, he clearly needs marathon trips. However, he should not be dismissed over slightly shorter trips on soft to heavy ground. |
|
Rival D’Estruval |
130 |
+7 |
Given a patient ride in the National Hunt Chase which looked likely to pay dividends until the second last. His rider felt he had plenty left in the tank. Having viewed the replay I concur with that sentiment. He is best when fresh and may find the Scottish National coming quick enough. |
|
LYREEN LEGEND |
127 |
+2 |
Consistent performer in this grade but may prove best over a slightly shorter trip. Should be capable of winning a decent handicap next season |
|
Hadrian’s Approach |
126 |
NC |
Has the engine to make a decent handicap chaser next season. However, as in previous races, his third place in the RSA was compromised by a series of jumping mistakes. |
|
GOULANES |
124 |
+4 |
Likable horse that was far disgraced when sixth in the RSA. That was just his second chase and he is one to keep on-side in staying chases. |
|
ARGOCAT |
122 |
NC |
Found the Jewson Chase too much at this stage of his career. |
Cheltenham 2013 Hurdlers Review
Time based ground
Day One: Good to soft Day Two: Good to soft
Day Three: Soft Day Four: Soft
FSF (Form & Speed) ratings in bold. Improvement shown by a + sign in the next column
– Sign equals a below par performance leading to a drop in ratings
NC indicates No Change
|
HURRICANE FLY |
151 |
-3 |
Became the first horse to regain his title since Comedy Of Errors in 1975. Never going particularly well, he led between the last two hurdles and ran on strongly, despite edging towards the stand’s rail. I felt he was the benefactor of Rock On Ruby’s suicidal pace in the first half of the race. His stamina came into play in the latter stages as the pace collapsed. Rock On Ruby kept on remarkably well to take second place. It was fascinating to hear Willie Mullins considering the three-mile plus French Champion Hurdle following the race. FSF ratings show that the first and second ran below their very best. Overall, I felt this was not a vintage renewal. |
|
Rock On Ruby |
148 |
-6 |
As stated above, Rock On Ruby ran a fine race in the Champion Hurdle. However, one cannot help but suggest, had Noel Fehily timed the fractions as Ruby Walsh did aboard Champagne Fever, the result would have been closer. |
|
MY TENT OR YOURS |
148 |
+7 |
Delivered with a perfectly timed challenge at the last hurdle, MTOY was just outstayed by Champagne Fever up the hill. As with the ill-fated Darlan, he should go close to winning if sent to Aintree and looks the type to mop up early season trials in the run-up to Christmas. He will return a stronger animal next season and looks one to be interested in for the 2014 Champion Hurdle. |
|
CHAMPAGNE FEVER |
148 |
+14 |
Made all the running and battled back gamely to land the Supreme Novices Hurdle. Having been well-supported in the hours leading up to the race, Champagne Fever produced a similar performance to that of his Bumper win. He was favoured by this being one of the smallest fields in recent times. That led to his being able to dictate things as his jockey wished. At Punchestown next month, he may find the emphasis on speed rather than stamina. Looking ahead, he is reported to have schooled brilliantly over fences. The combination of speed and stamina he possesses, suggests the Arkle is tailor-made for him. |
|
OSCAR WHISKY |
146 |
-3 |
Ran like a drain and hard to know what has gone wrong with him. His form over two and half-miles on good, good to soft, and heavy reads 1, 1, F, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1. In addition, his profile suggests he is best when fresh. The Cleeve Hurdle probably took more out of him than was originally thought. |
|
Zarkandar |
146 |
-3 |
Outpaced when it mattered in the Champion Hurdle eventually weakening on the run-in. He may have had a harder race than it appeared at Wincanton. His breeding suggests to me he has every chance of staying three-miles. I believe he is at his best on good or good to soft. |
|
Grandouet |
146 |
NC |
Going well when departing the fun at the top of the hill in the Champion Hurdle. Too early to say what may have happened, he remains a potentially top-class, if unlucky, horse. |
|
COUNTRYWIDE FLAME |
145 |
+5 |
Ran a fine race for a five-year-old to finish third in the Champion Hurdle. Upped his rating by 5lb and should go well if sent to Aintree. Long-term he will stay further; however, his breeding suggests three-miles will stretch his stamina to the limit. |
|
JEZKI |
144 |
+7 |
Produced an excellent effort until clouting the last hurdle in the Supreme Novices. He had travelled well up to that point, though Cheltenham may always stretch his stamina. Likely to run at Punchestown he will find his speed more of a potent weapon than was the case at Prestbury Park. |
|
OUR CONOR |
144 |
+15 |
Produced a performance that sees his RPR figure 10lb higher than Katchit’s win in the same race. Katchit was the last Triumph Hurdle winner to follow-up in the following season’s Champion Hurdle. With speed on his sire’s side and stamina on the dam’s, he look the real deal. Jumps and travels with ease and never looked in a moment’s danger from the second last. Taking into account he should improve at least 7lb, based on the weight-for-age scale, he deserves his place at the head of the 2014 Champion Hurdle market. |
|
REVE DE SIVOLA |
143 |
-2 |
Received what can only be described as a disappointing ride in the World Hurdle. Considering the emphasis on stamina was removed from the race, thanks to Bog Warrior’s controlled pace up front, he did remarkably well to be beaten just over five-lengths. |
|
SMAD PLACE |
143 |
-1 |
Repeated his 2012 third place in the World Hurdle. Having had a quiet season, he should come on for the run and take all the beating at Aintree. |
|
Solwhit |
143 |
+4 |
Took full advantage of a slowly run race to produce a fine turn of foot from the final flight in the hands of the ultra-cool Paul Carberry. He won the Aintree Hurdle in 2009. If arriving at Liverpool in similar form (RPR as good as his previous best), he will be hard to beat in his quest for another Grade One win. |
|
THOUSAND STARS |
143 |
-1 |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Quevega |
142 |
NC |
Produced a remarkable burst of speed from the home turn, landing the spoils from the game French mare Sire D’Ainay. FSF ratings display she ran below her best, as did the better fancied of the English mares. Nevertheless, she overcame a stumble at the top of the hill and looked sure to come on for the run. Will be hard to beat at Punchestown. |
|
Bog Warrior |
141 |
-2 |
Ran well until weakening two from home in the World Hurdle. Given it transpired he sustained a fracture coming down the hill, one has to upgrade the performance. Unfortunately, he faces another spell on the sidelines. |
|
Celestial Halo |
141 |
+3 |
Ran a tremendous race to finish second in the World Hurdle. I feel the mistake at the last did not cost him victory. Nevertheless, he has been a remarkable servant, at a variety of distances, for his delighted connections. |
|
BINOCULAR |
141 |
-9 |
Failed to fire in the Champion Hurdle. Although he was hampered by Grandouet’s fall, this was a disappointing performance and hard to forgive. |
|
MONKSLAND |
140 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
CINDERS AND ASHES |
137 |
-2 |
Appears to have lost the plot at present. |
|
THE NEW ONE |
137 |
+4 |
Showed his running at Trials day to be all wrong. Produced to lead at the final flight, he displayed a devastating turn of foot up the run-in to take the Neptune Hurdle with ease. He looks to have the perfect blend of speed and stamina, and clearly enjoys Prestbury Park. He will almost certainly improve further being a five-year-old. He recorded a higher RPR than Hardy Eustace (then a six-year-old), the last horse to win this, and the Champion Hurdle. Overall, he has the qualities to make up into serious Champion Hurdle contender. |
|
Rule The World |
136 |
+3 |
Ran a blinder to finish second to The New One in the Neptune Hurdle. A fine specimen, he will improve for a summer break. Built for chasing, he appears to looks an ideal type for the 2014 Jewson or RSA. |
|
Melodic Rendezvous |
135 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. Collateral form suggests he would have struggled with the first three home in the Supreme Novices. |
|
AT FISHERS CROSS |
135 |
NC |
Connections prayers were answered when the rain came. Not the most fluent of jumpers, he nevertheless posses stamina in abundance. Whether he stays over hurdles or switches to fences, he will prove a difficult horse to beat given his optimum conditions. Stablechum O’Faolains Boy finished fourth. He has the look of a fine chasing prospect. |
|
PONT ALEXANDRE |
134 |
-2 |
Ran below his form and never appeared as happy as in his two previous races. He weakened approaching the last; having shown pace and stamina prior to this, one cannot suggest he failed to stay. I have an open mind over his future. |
|
Un Atout |
134 |
+5 |
For one that was inexperienced, Un Atout was far from disgraced in the Supreme Novices. He is built for chasing, while his breeding suggests two and half-miles and further will be his forte. Soft to heavy ground looks likely to bring out the best in him. |
|
Defy Logic |
133 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
BRIGHT NEW DAWN |
132 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
DODGING BULLETS |
132 |
-1 |
Off the back of a long break, he ran no sort of race in the Supreme Novices. |
|
Annie Power |
132 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
PUFFIN BILLY |
131 |
+4 |
Ran a fair race in the Supreme Novices. Another that is built like a chaser; he will need to calm down on the recourse to fulfil his potential. Sure to stay two and a half-miles and likely to get further. |
|
FAR WEST |
131 |
+2 |
Kept on gamely to finish second, albeit a distant one, to Our Conor. He will improve for a summer break and stay two and a half-miles next season. |
|
TARQUIN DU SEUIL |
130 |
-1 |
Well-backed but disappointing in the Neptune Hurdle. He possesses a noticeably high knee action. One wonders if heavy ground is the key to this talented horse. |
|
CAID DU BERLAIS |
129 |
+6 |
This fellow came from miles off the pace to chase home Flaxen Flare. He has been on the go for a long time (nine runs since May 2012) and deserves a break. Caid Du Berlais will improve considerably when upped to two and a half-miles |
|
Rolling Star |
129 |
+2 |
Heavily backed but raced too freely to get home. He will benefit for the experience and should run well if sent to Aintree. |
|
African Gold |
127 |
+3 |
Conitnued his progress with a fine second in the Albert Bartlett hurdle. He has all the qualities one looks for in a National Hunt horse. With normal progression and luck, he should be amongst the better novice chasers next season. |
|
Zuzka |
127 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Diakali |
127 |
+3 |
Ran another solid race to finish fourth to Our Conor. He jumps well and has no stamina issues. Will be hard to pass at a slightly lower level. |
|
Up And Go |
126 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Ballycasey |
126 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
CONEYGREE |
126 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Inish Island |
126 |
NC |
Finished third to At Fishers Cross. He ran almost to the pound on form shown at the Trials day. Stays well and is another for the 2014 RSA long-list. |
|
SAMETEGAL |
126 |
+5 |
Improved to finish third to Our Conor. He is considered a chaser in the making and has the right attitude to do well in that sphere. |
|
IRISH SAINT |
126 |
NC |
Missed the Festival. |
|
Flaxen Flare |
126 |
+10 |
Displayed enormous improvement to run away with the Fred Winter handicap. Fitted with blinkers for the first time (winner on the flat wearing a visor), he jumped better on this occasion and strode away up the run-in. Whether he is up to winning a Grade One/Two level weight race, is open to debate. |
|
VASCO DU RONCERAY |
126 |
+3 |
Consistent sort who came from miles off the pace to finish fifth in the Triumph Hurdle. His breeding suggests he should do well over fences. I hope a summer break will see him race more amenably next season. |
|
Chatterbox |
124 |
+12 |
Ran a blinder to finish fourth in the Neptune Hurdle. He would have finished closer but for some sloppy jumping. Looks sure to improve further and make up into a decent chase prospect next season. His dam won a chase in France over two miles-three-furlongs, while his sire has a host of decent chasers on his c.v. |
|
P’Tit Zig |
122 |
+10 |
Upped his game to finish an honourable third to Flaxen Flare. Considered a chaser in the making he looks to have a good future ahead of him. |
