Arrived safely home from the Cotswolds and despite a certain weariness, I have spent the past few days reflecting on yet another enjoyable trip. Hats off to the racecourse team who never fail to produce a thrilling 4 days. The racing was it's usual high standard but perhaps because of the going, not a vintage year. The harsh winter followed by warmer temperatures (due to being a week later) is no doubt responsible for the quicker going but the track still looked well and handled the racing comfortably. The form lines took a bit of bashing also, but this may have been due to passing of years as much as anything. Pre-meeting research was negated somewhat with only 2 clear winners, albeit decent ones (Sizing Europe + Copper Bleu), which helped mitigate damage to the betting bank.
Day 1 started with Dunguib's downfall with blame subsequently being attached to the jockey, Brian O'Connell. He did the sensible thing in taking the "Jim Culloty/Best Mate" route and having watched the replay, thought he finished the race well. He was beaten by 2 solid horses ridden by very experienced and capable jockeys. Have no doubts that he will be back in 2011!
A revitalised Binocular was a clear winner of the Champion Hurdle although his main rivals seemed below par for some reason. Highlight was Sizing Europe in the Arkle who proved his doubters wrong (first mentioned as live contender here on Nov 15 09) and appears a very likely sort for next year's Queen Mother. The form should be backed up by the eyecatching Somersby who will be competing over longer distances next term. Quevega also impressed after her absence and she must be of great interest at Liverpool.
Day 2 started brightly with an exciting duel between Nina & Katie in the National Hunt Chase. Peddlars Cross was next to strut his stuff winning the Neptune impressively. It was disappointing to see Quel Esprit fall, but not surprising to see Rites of Passage failing to properly stay the distance. Summit Meeting's failure to place was an omen of forthcoming punting calamities, although he should feature at Punchestown. Weapons Amnesty given a canny ride won the RSA, where Punchestowns and Diamond Harry failed to shine on the going. Much touted, Long Run did his best but very definitely needs more experience and should not to be written off.
I had an inkling that, Big Zeb would prosper under the conditions but failed to act accordingly. He duly won in great style, being given an ultra confident ride by Barry Geraghty. Master Minded, however failed to fire. Ostensibly, it looked as if it was the ground but to my eye, it looked that he injured himself early, as he flinched and shook his head after jumping the second fence. Sadly it looks as if we have seen best of him. The day ended in similar fashion with both Shot from the Hip and Day of a Lifetime refusing to settle in a moderate Bumper, eventually won by a 40/1 outsider to muted applause. Strangely it was the first Bumper, in quite a few years, where I found it difficult to nominate a horse to follow.
The sun shone brightly for the beginning of Day 3 with Copper Blue landing the Jewson. Menorah pointed the way to this one and Richard Johnson used all his craft and experience to guide him home. Delighted to have been on @ 14/1 with a decent bet. Johnson's eternal rival, AP also showcased his greatness when bringing Alberta's Run home in the Ryanair from a game Poquelin. Both Tranquil Sea and Barbers Shop disappointed on the underfoot conditions.
The star of the day was Big Bucks who sauntered to a second World Hurdle from a gallant and promising Time for Rupert with aforementioned Powerstation placed in third. Doubtful if anyone will oppose his bid for a hat trick. The faster going led me to a much noted, I'm So Lucky in the Plate, but inadequate jumping nullified his chance and reminded me that there is always more than reason!!
And so on to Gold Cup Day, where Imperial Commander living up to his name, gave a fantastic display, justifying his connection's opinions, in winning the big prize. It was a compelling spectacle with Denman (great ride from AP) and Cooldine (unlucky to pipped for 3rd) also running well. Kauto's effort was disappointing, looking to me a bit too fresh early, erring badly and subsequently falling. In retrospect the pressure applied to the Nicholls' camp may have taken it's toll. Although the stats are against him, it is not difficult to see him triumphing again next year.
The afternoon started ominously from a punting perspective with Alaivan never looking likely to catch trail blazing, Barizan. However both he and Carlito Brigante look ones to keep in the notebook. Things got worse when Enterprise Park bowed out early of the Albert Bartlett which ended up in the hands of an unfancied outsider. Tell Massini looked to be travelling well before being suddenly pulled up. Hopefully he will be alright for the experience as he showed distinct promise. The Grand Annual concluded affairs and my outsider for the meeting, Nomecheki ran creditably. He should be worth another go.
In summary, it was as ever, a tremendous and enjoyable meeting, despite lack of punting success. Lessons learnt and reaffirmed include the importance of the going, Festival form, stable form and of course the impact of the weather.
Star performances: Imperial Commander, Big Bucks, Binocular
Horses to note for next year: Dunguib, Peddlars Cross, Sizing Europe, Zaynar, Time for Rupert, Somersby
Thanks for reading and roll on 2011!
cheers.......
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