I still find it odd that trainers still have horses entered in the 2 mile novice, the 2 mile 5 novice and the 3 mile novice. Surely the preparation is at least slightly different depending on which race you want to enter?
Agree to an extent. But you need to be able to travel and jump at pace. Brave Inca is a different type to Forpadydeplasterer. He was more mature physically, he had 9 runs before Cheltenham compared to Forpadydeplasterer’s 4 runs (where he has be noted to hang and run a bit green still) and he had better tactical pace early on.A Supreme, or even a Champion Hurdle aren't usually won by speed horses.
“I was particularly impressed by the way Forpadydeplasterer cruised up easily to take the lead in the Deloitte off a decent pace which suggests he's got gears, in fact he seemed to be going easily all the way. He won a touch cosily in the end and looked to have improved significantly since his previous race. Probably most crucially his hurdling was very good at speed. “
Some interesting points. I thought I would have a trwal through my favourite site, the RP database and check the situation out.Originally posted by Maruco@Feb 26 2008, 11:07 AM
Deloitte winners have an outstanding record in the Supreme. It's been a very good guide in previous seasons with the likes of Brave Inca and Like a Butterfly using it as a stepping stone. On the flip side it's sometimes been the case that the winner has gone off favourite and been turned over on the day with the likes of Colonel Braxton and Youllneverwalkalone. But to be fair of the four runners who have contested this in recent seasons two have won The Supreme and the other two finshed 2nd and 3rd. Not a bad record!
Hors La Loi III, Best Mate, Like A Butterfly, Back In Front, Kicking King, Brave Inca and War of Attrition are hardly a reason to bypass the race in favour of the Ballymore either. Their subsequent performances also suggest that actually a good NH bred horse will thrive on the race rather than find it a test too far early on in their career
Trends aside, he does have the highest recorded RPR in the race (just). However, I would be very disappointed if at least one of the potential improvers couldn't find the few lbs required to get him beat on his best form.Originally posted by Headstrong@Mar 4 2008, 11:49 AM
I'm veering towards Pigeon Island - as tough as they come and Twister has said he will go for it - and he's one of those horses who bucks all the trends!.