The 2026 Classic Handicap Chase

[Desert Orchid]

Well, they've been down this road before wuth Corach Rambler.

This has been bouncing about inside my head since I read it.

Corach Rambler won its second Ultima off 146 and more than comfortably made the cut. I'm not sure that would be the case nowadays.

He was raised 13lbs and that might be what Myretown will need to have in hand on the day to win so really has to win something convincingly to make the cut so if he's going to need to be a 160 horse (currently 142) maybe they can't afford NOT to win either this or the Peter Marsh.

We'll never know if being within five lengths of GDC at the last in the Gold Cup cost CR a second National since it fell at the first but it can't have helped.

I've always liked LR as a trainer but I get the impression teaming up with Michaels Scu this season has brought about more focus re targeting certain races.

 

[Slim]

It's not exactly rocket science to map out a plan for a well handicapped staying chaser.

 

[Desert Orchid]

It's not exactly rocket science to map out a plan for a well handicapped staying chaser.

Yes, and there's also skill in getting them well-handicapped to start with.

 

[Ian_Davies]

If this goes ahead YFUSA is with Destroytheevidence @ 16/1 and, to a lesser extent, Joyeux Machin at some double-digit price or other.

Myretown has already done YFUSA two enormous favours - firstly by winning the Ultima when YFUSA had a right price about him and then when departing in the Coral Gold Cup, thus quite possibly facilitating THAT Trifecta which YFUSA will never, EVER, let any of you forget about.

Smashing horse, but has questions to answer tomorrow in YFUSA's book and, at the price, he can win without YFUSA's money on him.

 

[Slim]

Joyeux Machin is interesting. I like using a claimer when a horse is out of the handicap

 

[Outsider]

Joyeux machin is a pain in the a*se.has cost me a packet following him.
I just can't see him staying that far.

 

[Desert Orchid]

The meeting has been cancelled.

 

[Ian_Davies]

I think this meeting was off something like seven times in 11 years back in the seventies/eighties.

But the thread wasn't entirely wasted - this new 15lb expungement rule won't be relevant often, but it will be relevant again.

And both punters and even odds compilers often have short memories.

 

[barjon]

What a shame. There’s poor old Myretown revved up and ready to rock, but stuck in his box with nowt to do.

 

[Ian_Davies]

To cheer everyone up, here's Bonum Omen winning in 1983, it's the only time Your (Then 20yo) Favourite Uncle Smart Arse got to see the race live while at Uni, he's actually stood on the inside at the last or second last (he forgets which) and, perhaps best of all, Slim probably wasn't even born yet, halcyon days - what's not to like?: