yeah i know…justied fav, but i will look at something lower down
Out of interest, how can you be so confident that Zarkander will have improved to the same degree as the other 3? Sam Winner wasn’t that far behind them and he’s bombed since albeit over fences but his Aintree run was shocking.
I cant but connections have stated that his wind was bothering him last year which would explain why Ruby did not choose to ride him in Triumph or why he went off at 8-1 for Adonis. He has subsequently received the patented Nicholl’s wind procedure and given how runners for this year have improved considerably for such a procedure it is fair to suspect that an unexposed 5yo with exceptional form will too.
There was little wrong with Sam Winner’s form prior to Cheltenham and run in Triumph was very good. To get horses like Brampour, Unaccompanied and Grandouet come out and do what they did this year illustrates that it was a very high class renewal.
To be honest KC, I would not back him at the price as the Champion Hurdle is priority. They will not be subjecting him to a very hard race. If he can win easy, of course they will be delighted but if he runs well they will be more than happy.
For every other runner this is their Champion Hurdle so to speak and some could be potentially very well handicapped. Much like you and mac I would be looking at a bigger price runner as they represent the value.
I disagree with this. If CH was the priority then Ruby would not ride today and Daryll would keep the ride. I think they don’t see any way of beating HF so want to guarantee a big payday today (in fairness, who wouldn’t) and will be happy with whatever they can get in the CH. Just my opinion of course.
Binocular runs tomorrow in the Kingwell Hurdle. Grandouet has had a setback and doesn’t run according to Chemical Nicky.
I would say that Ruby as stable No 1 was always going to ride unless owners specified differently aka Harry Findley. I dont think that went down too well at the time with Nicholls but could understand why they did it.
Season ending?
PN said at start of season that DJ would retain ride for the season as per the owners request. That changed a couple of weeks ago.
No, a bang to the hind leg. Should be ok in 3-4 days apparently.
How to back Hurricane Fly at 2/1 for CH
SS looked awsome
see post in SOK thread.
He won’t fall, really clever when he got close, hill remains only doubt, but he looks very very special
I think we have our gold cup horse
+1 see SOK thread
Really looking forward to this novice hurdle, impressive winner will spring to top of supreme mkt, ended up backing zaarkandar, against my instincts but he could be totally thrown into it
Ground is more good than good to soft judging by times. Should suit the pacey 
montbazon and the 103 rated flat horse vulcanite.
Gun to the head i would be backing zarkandar in next aswell.
Well done KC and zarkandar backers. Good performance as conditions were totally against him. Off a decent pace he would have been more impressive.
Pity Darlan came down as he was running a blinder.
Maurice Lenihan enhanced his reputation giving the mercurial GMOOH a great ride.
Delighted to see Raya Star wun well but pace would have been against him. Think the 2nd and 3rd ran great trials for County.
Wins but in no way impressive, slow pace may have muddled it but travelled awfully, darlan was motoring desperate fall
Zarkandar is fast becoming my favourite horse in training. I’ve backed him in all his wins over jumps. I was nervous about 3 out as Ruby seemed to be niggling him along back in the ruck, but he showed his class over the last and for me he is the only viable opposition to HF in the Champion Hurdle. Plus he’s won me a nice war chest to get stuck into the ante post market today. 