Pretty sure my accounts been flagged for a few years now, and they still let me play as long as I don't go too mad.
I was going to do some long winded spiel on Salver as a lively outsider for the Gold Cup @ 100-1 but the price got changed last night to 66-1 best. So not as attractive really at this point. He's the type that might only run at his best in a race like the Gold cup so could easily be fancy prices nearer the time IMO. Obvious risk is he wins something decent early doors or goes close, and his price contracts.
I actually think he jumps and travels well enough and in Spring last season in the 2 big races he ran in he wasn't put into either race till it was too late and both races seemed to favour those on the pace. In the Browns in particular he was left a little at the start and jumped the first widest of all, then was settled at or near the back for most of the rest of the race, then he had to hurdle Kaid Dauthie after he fell. The jockey started riding him on the way down the hill as I think he knew they were not going to stop in front, so this was a good decision and he got him rolling nicely and he was by far the best horse from 3 out to the line. He seemed to really like the uphill finish.
I can't see the finish of the race at Aintree cos of the Gold Dancer incident, but he was looking like getting up for second but made a mistake at the last after letting the first 2 get first run off the front again. The front 2 definitely nicked a soft enough lead anyhow.
The Caveat is that he probably lacks the pace and class of a Gold cup horse but these classy types don't always win the blue riband it's sometimes the ones that stay really well up the hill. The staying types are definitely the ones that can get placed more often than not.
Salver looks all heart and stamina to me.
His back form is also far better than you first think, so worth a look at that for anyone vaguely interested.
But he's probably just one to watch early in the season now i reckon. His runs late last season suggested that he will be better the longer the trip especially if they go a good gallop.
I think the Gold cup would suit him well and he might not get that test until that test, I'd like to think the trainer appreciates this and doesn't duck it cos his early season form isn't sharp.
Although he'll probably end up at Sandown for the Whitbread at the end of the season. Forgot it's new name.
Obviously not in love with the trainer as a Gold Cup winning prospect either, or the breeding, but yesterday I did think the 100-1 as an each way shot was worth a go.
Still long winded wasn't it ?
mark their card for them when they are out of kilter!
