Good morning all! Stuffed from yesterday? Then sit back and relax!
We are going to have a look at the King George, a race which never fails to provide such amazing performances and memorable memories. The ground is a bit wet, but it shouldn't take anything away from the race and either 'A real star will be born' or the Gold Cup puzzle may have to be shuffled around again. Here is my small preview on the King George for 2012:
A gruelling 3 miles, 10 runners and all of whom are top class in their own department. Looking at the bottom of the betting, For Non Stop and Champion Court are very likeable 7 yo's and have showed their consistancy throughtout recent seasons. Champion Court in my eyes will find this all a bit too much as I still think he is learning, whilst For Non Stop's run at Ascot makes you wonder about the ground concerns. His runaway victory at Aintree beforehand was very likable, but the form hasn't worked out too well and he is passed over today.
I can see why Junior has been entered up, due to the conditions and his win last time at Newcastle, but I dont think he has a chance due to the quirkyness and style of his racing and I pass him over with ease. As many of you will know, I can only get stuck into the racing the night before or in the morning, as I take conditions and other elements into account. For the past week, I was looking into Captain Chris, thinking, ground would suit, never nearer 4th at Cheltenham in March in the Ryanair and ran well in last years King George. But the 3 miles, I just cant see him getting it with the conditions and competition today. So although he is a likeable sort, I think a good run for most of the race will happen but towards the end will tire.
Many race-goers are very keen on Cue Card's chances, thinking the 3 miles will suit the Colin Tizzard force. I'm not convinced. Yes, I know his win in the Haldon Gold Cup was impressive and last seasons form was fairly strong, but he wont be given an easy lead today and I'd rather see him run a good race over this distance before backing him. Long Run, is a marmite horse, you either love him or hate him. I am a fan of Long Run, with how he has always given it a go, and Kauto caught him out last year. He will appreciate the conditions and has the stamina to run a decent race, but as stated in previous big race previews, value is key. 2/1 on a horse who was soundly beaten behind Silviano Conti, never the neatest of jumpers, and the Sam Waley-Cohen parternship just makes me think, its not a match made in heaven. Hopefully I'm proved wrong, but Im a doubter for todays race. The Giant Bolster will relish the conditions, but casting back over the last few years form, I'm not sure he has the class to win a King George. McCoy will give him a bold run but a place at best is my opinion on the David Bridgewater trained horse.
That leaves us with 3, and the one I next rule out is a Kempton specialist in Riverside Theatre. I remember backing him at a huge price of 6/4 in November 2010 in a 6 runner race around the course after a lay-off and knew he was something of alright. He then was soundly put in his place in the re-scheduled King George by Long Run and has been running over 2m 5f, where Ascot proved to be a decent run. Ascot gives you the impression, his right handed form is something to take note of. The lay-off today and testing conditions are the only two reasons why I pass him over. That's all I can say on the Jimmy Nesbit owned horse.
The two selections for the race are GRANDS CRUS and KAUTO STONE. The latter whom which I was trying to back for last years Feltham, but was not directed there, showing, that in time, he would be stronger, and this has been the target for some time. He will relish the ground and has shown he will appreciate the trip and is a sound jumper. I think he could run a cracking race. As with Grands Crus, he is a horse, I've judged reasonably ok throughout his promising career. His Feltham win and Cheltenham early season win last year was something to take note off. His dissapointing 4th in the RSA, was due to scoping badly and he has had a wind-op after running poorly in the Paddy Power. I think the op would have done him a world of good and a bold front-running performance is expected to make them all at it today.
I hope you enjoyed my read, if you'd like to give me feedback then post me a note on my homepage, or tweet me at @blue_bajan Thanks! :)
We are going to have a look at the King George, a race which never fails to provide such amazing performances and memorable memories. The ground is a bit wet, but it shouldn't take anything away from the race and either 'A real star will be born' or the Gold Cup puzzle may have to be shuffled around again. Here is my small preview on the King George for 2012:
A gruelling 3 miles, 10 runners and all of whom are top class in their own department. Looking at the bottom of the betting, For Non Stop and Champion Court are very likeable 7 yo's and have showed their consistancy throughtout recent seasons. Champion Court in my eyes will find this all a bit too much as I still think he is learning, whilst For Non Stop's run at Ascot makes you wonder about the ground concerns. His runaway victory at Aintree beforehand was very likable, but the form hasn't worked out too well and he is passed over today.
I can see why Junior has been entered up, due to the conditions and his win last time at Newcastle, but I dont think he has a chance due to the quirkyness and style of his racing and I pass him over with ease. As many of you will know, I can only get stuck into the racing the night before or in the morning, as I take conditions and other elements into account. For the past week, I was looking into Captain Chris, thinking, ground would suit, never nearer 4th at Cheltenham in March in the Ryanair and ran well in last years King George. But the 3 miles, I just cant see him getting it with the conditions and competition today. So although he is a likeable sort, I think a good run for most of the race will happen but towards the end will tire.
Many race-goers are very keen on Cue Card's chances, thinking the 3 miles will suit the Colin Tizzard force. I'm not convinced. Yes, I know his win in the Haldon Gold Cup was impressive and last seasons form was fairly strong, but he wont be given an easy lead today and I'd rather see him run a good race over this distance before backing him. Long Run, is a marmite horse, you either love him or hate him. I am a fan of Long Run, with how he has always given it a go, and Kauto caught him out last year. He will appreciate the conditions and has the stamina to run a decent race, but as stated in previous big race previews, value is key. 2/1 on a horse who was soundly beaten behind Silviano Conti, never the neatest of jumpers, and the Sam Waley-Cohen parternship just makes me think, its not a match made in heaven. Hopefully I'm proved wrong, but Im a doubter for todays race. The Giant Bolster will relish the conditions, but casting back over the last few years form, I'm not sure he has the class to win a King George. McCoy will give him a bold run but a place at best is my opinion on the David Bridgewater trained horse.
That leaves us with 3, and the one I next rule out is a Kempton specialist in Riverside Theatre. I remember backing him at a huge price of 6/4 in November 2010 in a 6 runner race around the course after a lay-off and knew he was something of alright. He then was soundly put in his place in the re-scheduled King George by Long Run and has been running over 2m 5f, where Ascot proved to be a decent run. Ascot gives you the impression, his right handed form is something to take note of. The lay-off today and testing conditions are the only two reasons why I pass him over. That's all I can say on the Jimmy Nesbit owned horse.
The two selections for the race are GRANDS CRUS and KAUTO STONE. The latter whom which I was trying to back for last years Feltham, but was not directed there, showing, that in time, he would be stronger, and this has been the target for some time. He will relish the ground and has shown he will appreciate the trip and is a sound jumper. I think he could run a cracking race. As with Grands Crus, he is a horse, I've judged reasonably ok throughout his promising career. His Feltham win and Cheltenham early season win last year was something to take note off. His dissapointing 4th in the RSA, was due to scoping badly and he has had a wind-op after running poorly in the Paddy Power. I think the op would have done him a world of good and a bold front-running performance is expected to make them all at it today.
I hope you enjoyed my read, if you'd like to give me feedback then post me a note on my homepage, or tweet me at @blue_bajan Thanks! :)