Cotton Mill

Have they ruled out the Champion Hurdle? Seemingly quite bullish about a Champion Hurdle tilt prior to the Betfair and on unsuitably soft ground ran a perfectly respectable second to a horse who would probably go off second favourite for the Champion Hurdle. Can't see how that would suddenly put anyone off having a crack at the big one particularly as it looks an open renewal with the likelihood of a relatively small field and possibly an uncontested lead. Have a feeling that this must have something to do with O'Regan committing himself to Countrywide Flame after replacing Dougie Costello. Yes, I have backed him each-way but you can get a bigger price now because of the uncertainty.
 
They're probably waiting for the ground, as he'd need proper cut to have the speed for a CH.
Otherwise, Coral Cup would be fav, though he'd likely have top weight.
 
Have a lot of time for John Ferguson and he'll make the right decision and run him where he has the best chance.

Most likely unless it turned out to be just on the fast side of good he'll go for the Coral as he'd be a much better horse with no cut in the ground and I doubt if that will be allowed to happen......You been drinking Reet?
 
treetangle said:
And the explanation for the change of plan following a perfectly reasonable run in the Betfair is?
Click to expand...

Quote by trainer

"I'll probably go for the County Hurdle. It's possibly his last chance to run in a handicap if he continues improving the way I hope he will.

"He's gone up 5lb but went so well in a slowly-run Betfair Hurdle over two miles. We know he stays further so a good strong two miles will probably suit him."
 
Think he's rationalising when saying the Betfair was slowly run.
Probably misses the Coral as he'd have top-weight, but cannot see him having the speed for either alternative.
 
Diamond Geezer said:
Interesting

Cotton Mill left in the Champion Hurdle acceptors at six day entry stage
Click to expand...

I don't know if 'interesting' is the first word that would spring to mind for anyone who might have given up on the Champion and backed him for the County.

I can understand leaving him in case something comes out but if they all stand their ground you would expect him to be a non-runner - that is if you believe Ferguson.
 
John Ferguson tweet

Cotton Mill will go County Hurdle. If he can't win County he won't win Champion Hurdle , he is in great form. Just fingers crossed !
 
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