Imo he’s guaranteed to improve for a trip based on his greatwood win.
He’s one of the first of the bridle but powers home.
He was off for his life in leopardstown over fences lto. He just wasn’t good enough. The grand annual is on the Wednesday this year which means it’ll be more of a test of speed. That doesn’t suit the shunter imo.
If he wins today he’ll be given a 5 pound penalty for Cheltenham but will definitely be getting 7 or 8 pounds off the handicapper. So he’ll be in theory 2 or 3 pounds well in over hurdles.
10 days to the festival means little time for schooling so another negative for fences.
The coral cup ran over 2 and half miles would be perfect. It tests speed early on but you obviously have to stay.
If the trip brings out improvement he’ll be tough to beat in the coral cup. That’s the way I look at it.
Another who was gone too soon. I always rated him the highest of Willie’s exceptional crew, better than Faugheen. I loved the way he attacked his hurdles and fences and how he just came alive in Cheltenham. His JLT win was aeroplane stuff. The way he attacks the last here in Supreme Novices is just one of those brilliant sights.
I just love this. That drive into the racecourse through the cotswolds is very special. Just like walking from town out to Croker for all Ireland final day. The sense of anticipation is amazing.
