Wednesday 20 March 2019

Cheltenham eye-catchers - Day 3

It seemed to be just as windy on the Thursday of the meeting, if not more so, and the going continued to dry out with some fresh ground on the New Course.

JLT

Lostintranslation; A most likeable individual with loads of size and scope. Not for the first time this week the jockey - in this case R Power - didn't set strong enough fractions on the lead and he was done for toe by old rival Defi Du Seuil. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he'll be much better over 3m+ and has the Ladbroke Trophy written all over him.

Kildisart; I rated his most recent form almost on a par with the front two in the market and he's such a sturdy horse that he must be very hard to get fit at home. Unfortunately he was a little rushed off his feet on this better ground, making minor errors, and he'll bag a decent pot next term when conditions are more to his liking. He'll surely stay 3m.

Ryanair

Footpad; Not the most taking of horses but seems to have a hold over the betting public despite falling short this season. His defining moment was when he 'fell in' in last year's Arkle, and I'd be happy to take him on at the highest level unless he was faced with optimum conditions of 2m on heavy ground.

Monalee; A horse with plenty of size but he looks a bit tripless at the highest level and he's not going to be easy to place if he's to land a Grade 1 event.

Terrefort; Looked quite lean and leggy and he's probably more a three miler in any case.

Stayers

Paisley Park; Noted as a horse with serious potential after winning at Aintree earlier in the season, the favourite looked really well jig-jogging around the paddock. Has the size to jump a fence but doubtful they'll go down that route now.

Faugheen; Looked really well and is a credit to connections considering all that's he's been through down the years.

Plate

Siruh Du Lac; A lovely big horse with loads of size and scope, his jumping is a sight to behold and who knows how far it will take him. Landed this off 141 and he's still only six.

Spiritofthegames; Dropped right out and never able to get to grips with those making hay up front, he could be one for the big handicaps here early next season but improvement will surely come when sent over 3m.

River Wylde; The first big negative from the paddock all week as the Henderson horse got really wound up beforehand, sweating up and looking really edgy. He ran no sort of race and clearly wasn't right.

Mares Novice

Sinoria; Light framed sort and on her toes, she was weak in the market and ran no sort of race.

Queenofhearts; A very likeable sort, strong and robustly made for a mare, she's all about stamina and was unable to hold her position on this drying ground, before running on strongly into a never-nearer 10th. She'll really come into her own when stepped back up in trip next season on soft ground.

Posh Trish; Looked well but was quite keen in the prelims and that didn't help her in the race, and she failed to see her race out. She's been quite busy this season.

Concertista; A nice, strong daughter of Nathaniel, who looks to be a big influence for stamina. Almost got the job done at the first time of asking and she'll be back here next year.

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