Today is no easier than the first 3 days but there are some horses I like and will take an interest
1:30 Triumph Hurdle
This will be a rough race and you need a horse that has flat speed, can jump quickly and can stay the trip. You often hear people say you need a speed horse to win this but I disagree, I feel you need a horse that is going to stay beyond 2m 1f because they will go lickety spit in this and if you can't hold a position it will be even harder than it already is. I backed Grumeti ante post and then had to sweat when Alan King said he had spread a plate and was sore. He has been nursed back and apparently all is well. I love the way this horse jumps and travels and I think his style of running will be suited to this race. Baby Mix is a danger but my sectional times suggest Grumeti is quicker. Pearl Swan did bid my horse but he did try and take him via Prestbury Village in order to win! The stewards agreed and reversed the placing - correct or not??!! I think 7/1 each way with 4 places is a real value bet.
2:05
There is nothing of real interest but if Snap Tie can show anything of his old form he would pick this lot up and carry them. Clerks Choice must have fast ground and he gets that today. He was highly regarded but lost his way. He is another who could go close if he reproduces his old form. That is two against a HUGE field but it is a cavalry charge and I will not be playing
2:40
I think the prices are weird in this race and the horse of interest is Grand Vision at a high 33/1. This horse is highly regarded by connections, has strong form and he beat Cape Tribulation and Sunnyhillboy both of which won at Cheltenham this week. I know you cannot just compare results that way but this horse has form with others that have a bearing on this race so 33/1 seems large enough to me. I will take a small interest at those prices.
3:20
No real opinion in the race. If Long Run sharpens up his jumping then he should win. In his last 2-3 races he has looked tentative at his fences and that has cost him distance, momentum and energy. He's a worthy favourite but I couldn't back him. Kauto Star is already a legend in my eyes but you have to worry about the form of the yard and his age. He has everything against him in terms of stats i.e. regaining his crown, 12 years old.
If someone forced me to bet I would take a small each way chance with Weird All. This horse was hailed as a superstar but he lost his way. He's now with another new trainer in Donald McCain and he's in form. There could be a shock on the cards with neither Long Run or Kauto Star winning but I would not pay too much money to find out!
4:00 Tally Ho......but pass!
4:40 I like Gormanstown Cuckoo each way at huge odds around 33/1 hopefully. This horse ran a blinder at Aintree but he hasn't been seen out since. A good vet friend rang me this morning and he says this horse is fit and well and should give a good account of himself. They will hold him up so don't expect to see him until push comes to shove! He could offer a chance to back at massive odds in running, maybe three figures which hopefully should shrink if he makes the late move I expect.
Good luck if you play!
JG
Warning: Horses provided can lose as well as win. You may not get back your investment. Caveat Emptor
