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Weekly Review - 5th December

A week is most certainly a long time in racing. Since I last wrote here last week, many horses have enhanced their Festival claims and many have raised question marks about their targets or their potential for success at the Festival. Not only that, but the effect the Festival has on the National Hunt season as a whole has been brought into the spotlight by the eleventh hour defection of Altior from the Tingle Creek at Sandown. For what it's worth, I think the decision rests with those closest to the horse and those speaking through their pockets on social media must realise that there is a risk associated with ante-post betting. Clearly, Nicky Henderson regretted running Altior last season but public pressure in the build up to the match with Cyrname possibly influenced his decision then. It was to the detriment of his stable star and I am sure he is aware of the definition of insanity. If there is a criticism of Henderson, then surely it must be his PR when it comes to these big announcements and announcing them through a bookmaker does little for the credibility of the sport. 

Last Sunday, we saw a number of market leaders for the Graded races in March strut their stuff. Zanahiyr was visually impressive in the 3-year-old hurdle, a view that was heavily supported by the time and sectional analysis that has appeared in various outlets throughout the week. He has halved in price for the Triumph since crossing the line on Sunday, with everyone bar the horse himself putting him up for the Festival. The value has gone for now, but he will certainly be very hard to beat and the dangers may be within his own stable. However, if not already on, it may be worth holding fire until at least he is declared again as something may appear in the interim. 

The Royal Bond left me with more question than answers... I'm just not sure quite what to make of Ballyadam. He gives me the slight impression that he may be a weak finisher and those horses just don't win at Cheltenham. Perhaps he may benefit from being held on to a bit longer but I was disappointed with his effort from the back of the last, admittedly Jack Kennedy wasn't hard on him. In the aftermath, I thought Ngolo was a little bit overlooked considering how keen he was throughout and how well he finished the race. He could be really well suited to a Supreme where they go quick and I love the way finds off the bridle. Envoi Allen did what he always does and won impressively. It is very hard to pick any holes in him, he has a huge engine and jumps really well. He is a horse that you just have to enjoy and even though you rarely have a financial interest, the thrill is in the excitement of seeing a top horse do what he he loves. Finally from Fairyhouse, I got a vibe from Henry De Bromhead that Honeysuckle might go down the Champion Hurdle route this season. I presume that would depend on how she gets on in the Irish Champion. I wouldn't be too keen to include her in anything ante-post just yet!! 


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