2022 Cross Country Chase

[Istabraq]

I wouldn't be put off by Balko's weight on Friday.
Something Paul Jones wrote years ago when he wrote the trends book for Weatherbys, and when the race was a handicap, the twists and turns of the course prevent horses from getting up to full race speed until they come out onto the racecourse proper.
Obviously you'd rather be carrying a stone less than your opponents than giving it away but it's a code where weight becomes less relevant.
Right now I like the look of Alpha des Obeaux assuming Elliott send him over....

[Sprinter Sacre]

That's the Trowtown. Not until Sunday fortnight.

Oh yeah, thanks. Looking forward to it though, really think Farclas has been overlooked for this race.

[Quevega]

I wouldn't be put off by Balko's weight on Friday.
Something Paul Jones wrote years ago when he wrote the trends book for Weatherbys, and when the race was a handicap, the twists and turns of the course prevent horses from getting up to full race speed until they come out onto the racecourse proper.
Obviously you'd rather be carrying a stone less than your opponents than giving it away but it's a code where weight becomes less relevant.
Right now I like the look of Alpha des Obeaux assuming Elliott send him over....

There is something in that I'm sure.
But it was more relevant when it was more of a specialist event I reckon.
And then there is the wanting to win factor for this particular horse.
If his season target is the cross country in March then fine, but if they want another go at the National, then why risk adding a couple more pounds to an already impossible mark of 161.

[charlie]

Tiger just schooled and was absolutely lethal.

[Lobos]

Tiger just schooled and was absolutely lethal.

That 6/1 ain't going to last is it !

[BookieBasher]

That 6/1 ain't going to last is it !

However if he is beaten by race fit horses on Sunday it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if he’s pushed out a point or 2.

[Odin]

However if he is beaten by race fit horses on Sunday it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if he’s pushed out a point or 2.

Not declared - suspect it was a mark fishing (and schooling) exercise

[Lobos]

Not declared - suspect it was a mark fishing (and schooling) exercise

Be interesting if they dropped him by a bit

[Odin]

Be interesting if they dropped him by a bit

165 UK mark now - won second National off 159 - what do you think they can get him down to? I'm thinking 160-162 would be best case scenario for them in the Grand National and I'd be interested in him off that mark

[Lobos]

165 UK mark now - won second National off 159 - what do you think they can get him down to? I'm thinking 160-162 would be best case scenario for them in the Grand National and I'd be interested in him off that mark

His last win in the GN will be 3 years ago . Even if they dropped him to 160 I wouldn't fancy him in the National. The XCC will be his big sendoff win.

[ToniC]

Taken the 25s boosted for plan of attack with William hill, eye catching run and should be much better for the experience next time

[Many Clouds]

The most impressive schooler in recent weeks has been Back On The Lash, he's taken to the obstacles really well and runs off 10-3.

My main hope is BDF makes it round, learns his job, finishes maybe 3rd or 4th with credit and the bookies are daft enough to push him a bit. That would be the ideal scenario.

Cheers charlie stuck a few quid on Back On The Lash based on this, happy days.


Edit: Just realised i placed it in a little double with Off Your Rocco in the next too so fingers crossed for another winner.

[Madmoose]

That’s a fine run from Balko seeing he shows his better form in spring usually, 14/1 still holding is still fair.

[Lobos]

That’s a fine run from Balko seeing he shows his better form in spring usually, 14/1 still holding is still fair.

Very fair on today's showing.

[ToniC]

Shady operator was absolutely faultless over the banks there in punchestown, would love to see him over for the December meeting XC with a view to coming back in March