For me a lot will depend on the noises coming out of Closutton. I’ve taken early positions on both Melon & Draconien. Melon might be the one but at the least will be a good benchmark for anything else than Mullins targets the race with?
I think Thomas Darby, provided he can jump a fence, looks nailed on for a place, at minimum, and at 25/1 is my main bet so far, though I do have Sharjah at smaller stakes and expecting to cash out soon enough though.
Early free bet used on Draconien too, Melon will only be backed 'any race' until I see him over a fence.
Cashed FD out after the news earlier.
Draconien has never excited me personally, but nothing really does in the market this year and theres no standout. That's for sure.
Out of the top 20 in the market you can put a line through over half of them (Laurina, Klassical Dream, Band Of Outlaws, Malone Road, Samcro, Champ, City Island, Fusil Raffles, Summerville Boy, Aramon). The likes of Thomas Darby, Getaway Trump and Angels Breath could all easily emerge as players in this but I just think the Irish hand will be stronger. Willie has won 4 out of the last 5 and once you have put lines through everything that runs elsewhere, Melon stands out and I think is still a decent bet @ 12/1. Draconien is a complete punt at this stage, but I am happy to have these two in the book, plus 2 free bets on Thomas Darby @ 25/1.
The one I have just added is Fakir D'oudairies @ 25/1 with B365 (as short as 14's elsewhere). I know there is a chance he stays hurdling but they have mentioned chasing and I think JOB will have unfinished business with the race after their bad luck with Le Richbourg last year. We know he handles Cheltenham. It's speculative but with B365 being the best priced and with cash out, it seems the right horse and price to add all things considered.
Why a line through Laurina? Ruby said the other day no decision has yet been made re her staying over hurdles or going chasing.
Why a line through Laurina? Ruby said the other day no decision has yet been made re her staying over hurdles or going chasing.
Every time I look at the market I just think if Melon takes to fences he just wins this
Every time I look at the market I just think if Melon takes to fences he just wins this