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Morning all. With the weather still bitting hard it's good to finally have some decent action today. I'll come on to the Thyestes preview later.
Before I do, just a quick recap on the Classic Chase. For readers of the blog I stated you should ignore Venetia's runners at your peril ... but unfortunately then ignored Rigadin De Beauchene ... and the half-brother to Miko De Beauchene obviously heeded my 'kiss of death comment' and duly obliged. I'm still to be convinced that was a 'Classic' renewal of the 'Classic' Chase, although obviously the 3 at the front are on the upgrade. I think the one most to take from the race going forward is Godsmejudge who looked all over the winner until the last furlong and is the most unexposed. The JLT Speciality Chase or the Amateurs race at Cheltenham could be likely targets. Bradley seriously disappointed and something is wrong there. On the Warwick undercard, the Pertemps Qualifier had some National types in it and there was a tale of ups and downs there. The Package ran very well without winning but Sunnhillboy didn't go a yard.
Onto a quick preview of the Thyestes. Traditionally viewed as one of the major Irish mid-season handicaps, along with the Bobbyjo it's also one of the key Grand National trials with Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde amongst the winners in the last decade. This year doesn't appear to have the strongest field with the top-rated being around 8lbs lower than the last few renewals. I think the top 3 are high enough and although Bishopsfurze is undoubtedly the class horse of the race he's a bit short for me at around 6-1. The Westerner Boy could be anything and the booking of AP is significant. JP and AP teamed up to boot home the unexposed Colbert Station at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and a similar plot looks on the cards here. The market may be the best guide here but I wouldn't put anyone off backing him e/w at the current 8-1. My main fancy is Medical Card. Never fallen and a touch of class about him, he beat a good field in the Woodlands Park Novice Chase last year and after a few PU's and a warm-up in the Troytown, he has slipped down the ratings a few pounds. 25-1 is a massive price if he has a going day.
Tulintain was second in this last year off only 2lbs lower, his 2nd in the Tim Duggan is good form and he appears to have been primed with this race in mind. Could go close. Jadanli was also placed in this last year and this is his lowest mark for a while. Ignore his Welsh National run as I'm sure that was a warm-up for this. The next few are passed over and Panther Claw could be anything but the lack of fencing experience puts me off at a short price. Gordon Elliott gives Tarquinius little hope in his Betfair blog reading between the lines. The last 2 of worthy consideration are JPs two, In Great Form and Outlaw Pete. The former has ran very consistently and seems to be developing into a thorough stayer. This may not be far enough for this fella soon! I do give him a chance though. Outlaw Pete seems to have sparkled since being tried over the 'Cheltenham Fairground' track. Will a return to normal fences excite him enough? .... I'm not sure.
My first 4 home are Medical Card, In Great Form, Tulintain and Bishopsfurze.
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