Road to the Stayers Hurdle

Has to run in open races Gearoid - was beaten first time out by Viotti, then beat Mr Thriller before getting beaten by Viotti again.

He won 4 of his 5 subsequent hurdles starts including a Grade 1 3yo race.
 
Does anyone actually think Henderson was being remotely serious when he said that??? He must be breaking his arse laughing at the reaction to that one.
 
BIG BUCK'S will face a maximum of seven rivals, the nearest of which is rated 20lb inferior, when he lines up in Saturday's Grade 2 Sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

The presence of the dual Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner meant the race was reoffered but still only seven others could befound willing to take him on, one of which is rated an incredible 90lb below the 174-rated Big Buck's.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Duc de Regniere would appear to be the most credible opposition on Official Ratings, with the likes of Afsoun and Arcalis having had their better days in the past.
Philip Hobbs has entered Duke Of Lucca and Nigel Twiston-Davies Kayf Aramis. Neptune Equester could have a first start over hurdles at the age of seven, while the 90-rated Spider Boy looks to have an impossible task.
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He's like Elvis, such a showman. It's like he waits for something to come to him then he flicks his tail and goes on. Does of course idle and maybe one day he will get his timing wrong, but I doubt it, He's a pro. Doesn't even blow after a race.
 
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The 90-rated, 13 y.o. Plumpton hero SPIDER BOY knew his task was impossible, but no other bugger wanted £670, so he might as well (he told reporters after the race) say 'thank you very much' and nab it for 6th place! Piss-poor turn-out when you think about it - as if nobody could be arsed to enter their nag if it wasn't likely to win or come second. Now just conjecture for a mo that one unfortunately SU on landing and BD t'other - how stupid would you be not to have had a go and get some fancy form and travel money back?
 
krizon said:
The 90-rated, 13 y.o. Plumpton hero SPIDER BOY knew his task was impossible, but no other bugger wanted £670, so he might as well (he told reporters after the race) say 'thank you very much' and nab it for 6th place! Piss-poor turn-out when you think about it - as if nobody could be arsed to enter their nag if it wasn't likely to win or come second. Now just conjecture for a mo that one unfortunately SU on landing and BD t'other - how stupid would you be not to have had a go and get some fancy form and travel money back?
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While the official handicapper throws ridiculous rises out like confetti, connections of middle-of-the-road hurdlers are wise to give such races a wide berth.
 
Quite disappointed with Zaynar the other day (although Binocular looked in need of the run too). Nothing wrong with Big Bucks on Saturday. Nothing appeals yet to back against him. Anyone else keen on opposing him with anything?
 
Interesting to see Grands Crus has been entered for the Long Walk Hurdle, along with Big Buck's and Celestial Halo. Restless Harry is there, too. So at the very least, BB should face some new opposition.

Punchestowns has also been given an entry. Anyone know what the plans are for him this season?
 
Due to start in a listed Intermediate Chase at Sandown Miss Nero - I think the Long Walk entry is a precautionary one.
 
I wonder would they ever think of stepping Solwhit up to 3 miles? Bar Big Bucks there is nothing else to be scared of.
 
Don't see why not Gal - personally I'd rather they did that in Ireland first before heading to the Stayers, would know for sure whether he stays or not and if not could just bring him over for the Aintree Hurdle.

Any news on Fiveforthree btw?
 
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