Interest was piqued this week, when noticing a market springer for the Paddy Power Imperial Cup. Master of Arts from the David Pipe yard plunged from 20/1 into 4/1 for the first leg of a possible bonus if he manages to follow up later in the week (County Hurdle). Very reminiscent of a stratagem successfully employed by the trainer's father, the redoubtable Martin Pipe. I strongly fancied Master of Arts for the 2009 Triumph Hurdle following his eye catching debut at Doncaster. He was close to favouritism for what turned out to be a very good race but drifted before the off and subsequently put in a somewhat disappointing effort (later mitigated by a reported injury). I had often wondered what became of him afterwards and was slightly surprised to see him returning to the track last spring at Meydan! Now following his sojourn with Mark Johnston (where he will undoubtedly have been strengthened), he returns in a testing handicap hurdle. He will be assuredly be primed for action and one will definitely be watching this afternoon with a curious eye. However the value is long gone and Alan King's Devil to Pay might prove to be a better alternative.
enjoy and by the way, only 3 days to go now....
No comments:
Post a Comment