Cheltenham Cross Country

A

archie

Senior Jockey
Joined
May 2, 2003
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3,731
Location
North Wales
Not some people's favourite race but I've warmed to it over the years. For a handicap it seems relatively straightforward based on the stats and, even at this distance, it looks like a 5 horse race.
Sire Collonges - plenty of talent but is this race really Nicholls' thing?
Love Rory - won important indicator race but too young for this?
Star Neuville - surely only this short because of connections.
Balthazar King - great horse to support. Always get a run for your money but running off a career high mark.
Big Shu - good winner last year. Only up 10lb for comfortable victory. Must go well.

Big Shu close to the bet of the week? Sire Collonges the only danger?
 
The chances of Balthazar King running are very slim. He needs good ground and that is very unlikely on the x-country course.

Star Neuville has more going for him than connections. He has the right profile for me.
 
Uncle Junior always runs well in these events, apart from last year when he was never really in it. Would expect him to go well again and is a fair price at 12/1.
 
Double Handful said:
He'll need a Zimmer frame ..............
Click to expand...

junior-soprano.jpg
 
A great shame it has not become the last race on the Wednesday so I can get off early - dreadful race not worthy of the meeting - together with the Martin Pipe and the 2m 4f novice hcp chase it should be scrapped .
 
Can't help but think Cheltenham have made a complete balls up with the race structure this year.

This race, the Fred Winter and the Bumper are for me the worst races of the week and they are running them all consecutively. Dreadful end to Wednesday.

Big Shu in this for me, don't think Hobbs will run BK.
 
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Is there any/much chance of firms going 5 places on this on the day? I can't remember if this has happened before?
 
I don't know littlelad but it would stir some interest. Better that than a no profit margin on the race I suppose.
 
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