Interesting comments from Alan King;
King added: “
All the tests have returned negative. His heart rate was normal and he didn't blow long. We are treating him for ulcers - but that's just a stab in the dark. The trainer has to get his act together and get him back.”
Given the horses apparent good health, it would appear that he's pretty well stumped for an explanation. Suffice to say I can't help thinking that he had him right at Haydock and he simply didn't stay a truly run 3 miles in amongst genuine grade 1 performers, emptying as he did somewhere between the 4th and 3rd last. This in turn led to him being over-cooked at home for Kempton by way of a mis-diagnosis regarding Haydock. It could be that staright forward?
The deicsion to go to the Cleeve is interesting though, and all but strikes a line through a 2 mile chase campaign I'd have thought? I wanted to back him for the Champion Chase ante post (12/1) convinced he was a better prospect than VPU, but with the latter seemingly having few alternative possibilities it would of course mean running both against each other, something which this plan seems to confirm isn't really being entertained at the moment. Having said that running in the Stayers means clashing with Blazing Bailey. If AK's contemplating such a route, can we deduce that he doesn't really consider BB as a potential winner?
If he does line up for the Stayers Hurdle come March it truly would be intriguing. He only just held on from Golden Cross to win his own title. This time he'll have Inglis Drever to contend with, and perhaps of equal significance Lough Derg
The Long Walk winner has been routinely smashed down in the traditional slow paced and quicken affairs that seem to characterise staying hurdles. After Ascot, I'd have thought he's committed to trying to reproduce the sort of tactics he employed there, and get them on the stretch. Such a spectacle raises a few prospects (especially if a few of the other runners elect to go with him and help share the burden of 'breaking trail')
1: Two seperate groups within the same race, placing much greater emphasis on jockey judgement amongst the peloton
2: The possibility of a brisker pace which could find a few of the doubtful stayers (those who've been getting 3 miles because of a moderate pace previously) in trouble
Unlikely as it appears, I'd be interested to see Sweet Kiln have a go under these circumstances