BigChaang
Sha Tin Expert and FJ Patron
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2017
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I'm throwing one out there - Great Field - Champion Chase
You'd be hard pressed to find a horse who has loved the transition to fences more than Great Field. Rumour has it a few names politely refused the ride when watching this animal schooling, and during his first three demolitions over in Ireland it became quite clear why. He's the Paul Walker of National Hunt.
I was much more impressed by his latest run in Navan last March where he comfortably put away a solid yardstick in Doctor Phoenix. He was measured in this round of jumping, despite understandably tiring close to home in heavy ground.
Obviously a fragile horse we've only seen him race once in 18 months, but I think this has allowed him to go under the radar compared to what we have seen on the track. At 25/1 this price reflects the strength and depth of the yard he's from, but on a closer look you'd think it is certainly possible Great Field ends up the Mullins A-string come March.
At 3/1 Footpad holds the best claims with his usually flawless jumping and probably one of the performances of the 2018 festival. However he's also the horse with the most potential of stepping up in trip. Mullins Gold Cup hand (ABP, Bellshill) is average at best, and if the yard rumours we are hearing today that Footpad may take in the King George are true, you'd have to consider it now more than a remote chance he lines up for the blue riband event. A strong performance in the King George (which to be fair, he looks tailor made for) would only serve to solidify this. Running over the others; Min has been proved on several occasions now to be below the class, UDS needs it heavy to be shown at best effect here and Douvan is reported lame again today - you can't take ante post on a horse with his profile.
At 25/1 each-way I think Great Field is a knocking bet as this is his only realistic target, and I would even fancy him to give Altior a proper shake up. Given his exhilarating, front running style of racing it's quite possible they won't be able to reel him back in.
PS: nice to meet everyone
welcome Bobbyvalentino , I was reading up about Great field at the weekend and had to have a little bet on him.
Got 25-1 with Paddy .p i think it was.