Hunt Ball rolls into town

[my miss storm cat]

(A week late, but...):

Hunt Ball set to run in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

http://www1.skysports.com/news/465/9...-at-cheltenham

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...5#raceTabs=lc_

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

(A week late, but...):

Hunt Ball set to run in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

http://www1.skysports.com/news/465/9...-at-cheltenham

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...5#raceTabs=lc_

Thanks for the update. I will be looking forward to the entries at the beginning of next week.

Of course, mostly looking forward to Balthazar King running in the cross country on (I think) Friday.

[my miss storm cat]

Any thoughts on whether or not this would be a good spot for him?

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...2#raceTabs=lc_

Originally Posted by scanman

Thanks for the update. I will be looking forward to the entries at the beginning of next week.

Of course, mostly looking forward to Balthazar King running in the cross country on (I think) Friday.

That was a really nice win. No surprise there.

Who holds the win record at Cheltenham anyway?

Nice to see Leg Iron, who was pulled up, in entries (although he didn't actually run. At least I'm assuming it means he's alright!).

... and then, of course, there's this:

http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55752

Just amazing!

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Any thoughts on whether or not this would be a good spot for him?

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...2#raceTabs=lc_



That was a really nice win. No surprise there.

Who holds the win record at Cheltenham anyway?

Nice to see Leg Iron, who was pulled up, in entries (although he didn't actually run. At least I'm assuming it means he's alright!).

... and then, of course, there's this:

http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55752

Just amazing!

Sure, he's a maiden over hurdles, so why not. However, there are certainly easier novice hurdles written, so I fear the owners are over-reaching, again. Always would like to know if this is an owner entry or a trainer entry. Henderson has another sharp novice entered so it's anybody's guess as to how he will go. Currently, the ground is forecast as Soft, so that's another factor that doesn't work in his favor. If he doesn't run well, he will be on his way to establishing a "hurdles" handicap mark (I think he will get one after 3 runs), which one would think be significantly lower than his steeplechasing mark.

Balthazar King has been a money spinner for me. I love watching him run. He gave all of his followers a few anxious moments, but in the end, got the job done. I will miss him not running, as he will be put away until the Grand National, but after running a fantastic 2nd in last year's race who could blame the connections. More than anything, I'm sure that's the race they'll want to win.

Hurricane Fly and Jezki, looks like they going to be trading punches this season. Both great horses, so it should be fun to watch.

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for your thoughts, Scanman. As always, it's appreciated.

Another possibility for HB...

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...4#raceTabs=lc_

[my miss storm cat]

Well gee... doesn't seem like it was his finest moment or anything BUT happy he was 3rd.

Did you happen to see the race?

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/r...ize-bonus-race

[scanman]

Yes, I saw the race. He tried, but that particular novice hurdle was outside his scope. He's a useful horse, but the ownership keeps entering him in races he can't win.

Maybe once they get his hurdles handicap rating and it's low enough, they will be able to win a little handicap hurdle with him. Shame really, the owner's missed a great opportunity here in the US by going long, over timber fences, and usually getting fast ground; all which would have played to his strengths.

I'll be curious to see where he's shows up for his next start.