Novice Hurdlers 2012-13

links781 said:
Melodic rendezvous shorter for the Supreme than the Neptune,looks more a Neptune horse for me.They(c4) seemed to big up the result of the Tolworth yesterday,the Irish Novice form looks light years better......
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You're probably right about the Irish form being superior but Melodic Rendezvous showed a lot of pace in a slowly-run race at Cheltenham on his previous run and he's clearly highly effective over the minimum trip so why go further?
 
Absolute shocker from Champagne Fever. Whatever the problem is it will take something of a miracle to get him right for the Festival.
 
EC1 said:
even if they have... Minsk was virtually doing the same speed and has beaten CF 24 lengths
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Yeah obviously something wrong with CF but still think if he had been 100% still would have been beat as Minsk was out on his feet and we know he should relish that kind of distance.
 
I can't for the life of me see Champagne Fever having any chance of winning at Chelteham again. .

Zuzka is of more interest to me. She was ridden by Patrick Mullins last time while Ruby was on some other yoke that finished 3rd but Patrick was chasing some record so Ruby stood down.

He's no Ruby Walsh is Patrick and he hit so many hurdles on the way round the quicker Ruby gets back on this mare the better.

Not having a clue if Quevega can still raise a gallop or not she could be worth an interest in the David Nicholson especially if she has another run before Cheltenham and Ruby can get her to jump properly. It wouldn't surprise me if Quevega is in rude health that they let Zuzka take her chance against the boys in the Neptune if Champagne Fever falls by the wayside..........imo she'll end up better than him anyway..
 
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They have 10 weeks to get CF back-personally I believe Ponte Alexandre to be the better horse and think he is more likely to run in the Neptune.Maybe CF will run in the Supreme.
 
Last time I looked Zuzka was 9/1 for the Mare's race - doesn't strike me as any value considering she has little chance of winning if the favourite turns up. Having said that it would make more sense to go there or for a handicap than the Neptune. She is progressive but she has been beaten too many times to be considered Grade 1 material. Very easy win last time but doubtful there was much strength in depth. I very much doubt whether she would be considered within a stone of an on-song Champagne Fever.

As for Patrick Mullins he gets plenty of stick but at the same time plenty of horses run for him. He couldn't have won any easier on Zuzka. Some horses will just run better for certain jockeys. Not going to happen but I wouldn't be crying if he got back on Champagne Fever. His bumper career stamped him as a relentless galloper. Mitigating circumstances so far but I am not sure if Walsh is ever going to give you a massive edge on a horse with that running style.
 
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Having topped up already heavy( for me) exposure on CF on Friday and Saturday I set about putting some additional doubles and trebles in place on Sundayand was even putting money down as the race went off. I wish I had a "restore point" to which I could revert.
From the outset CF did not look right and it was head in hands time. Not the most sociable person yesterday.

Today I am a little more optimistic. Based on my own assessment, not on any stable info, it seems quite likely that dear old CF may have a similar infection to that he had when he was beaten by Thomas Edison in Dec.2011 ie a virus. If this is the case, and it is not a physical malfunction, then a week on the easy list being treated is all that is required. CF is a strong physical specimen and he came back rather well from his last setback.

Of course there is some wishful thinking but I feel it is too early to write off his chances. Would I put more on at current prices? Thought about it but there is enough upside as is.

BTW. If he is fit I believe he will go for the Neptune with PA going for the Bartlett. For me this would maximise the owner's chances. It would also avoid Jezki who is my second largest bet ( average around 11/1.
 
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If he comes back in time for the festival I think he is certain to go to the Neptune.Jezki gave him a beating last time and will improve for better ground,I think they probably know they can't turn the tables on him.
 
Pine Creek who I highlight a few weeks back looks nailed on today. Hopefully he's as good as they say and it will be onwards and upwards from here on in....fingers crossed
 
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