Hunt Ball rolls into town

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

As we get closer to the Grand National I hope you'll let me know who interests you and why.

Thank you again!

Some people wait all year for the Ky Derby or Breeders Cup, but it's the English Grand National for me. I love this race!!! Got to walk a bit of the front stretch when I attended in 1984. Will post back later as it gets closer, but for now Goulanes looked a very good winner of the Midlands National at Uttoxeter this past Saturday.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

Some people wait all year for the Ky Derby or Breeders Cup, but it's the English Grand National for me. I love this race!!! Got to walk a bit of the front stretch when I attended in 1984. Will post back later as it gets closer, but for now Goulanes looked a very good winner of the Midlands National at Uttoxeter this past Saturday.

I'll look forward to it.

Assuming Dictina's Boy is retired now (no I didn't remember the name... only that there was once a thread for your horse ) do you have any others?

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

I'll look forward to it.

Assuming Dictina's Boy is retired now (no I didn't remember the name... only that there was once a thread for your horse ) do you have any others?

Yes, Dictina's Boy is retired, though he is being re-trained as future foxhunter or show horse.

I had another jumping prospect who won at 1 5/8m and was placed at 1 3/4m and 2 miles at Presque Isle Downs. His name is King Congo. You couldn't find a more genuine horse. We just couldn't keep him sound and as such has been retired. He is being re-trained as a show horse. His new owner absolutely loves him.

Currently, I'm taking a break from ownership, with the hope that I'll pick up a few somewhere down the road.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

Yes, Dictina's Boy is retired, though he is being re-trained as future foxhunter or show horse.

I had another jumping prospect who won at 1 5/8m and was placed at 1 3/4m and 2 miles at Presque Isle Downs. His name is King Congo. You couldn't find a more genuine horse. We just couldn't keep him sound and as such has been retired. He is being re-trained as a show horse. His new owner absolutely loves him.

Currently, I'm taking a break from ownership, with the hope that I'll pick up a few somewhere down the road.

Well I hope that, when you do, you'll let me know so I can follow them.

[my miss storm cat]

Oh no!

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/201...-to-end-hoodoo

Nicky Henderson will run four in Grand National in a bid to end hoodoo

• Long Run's National odds cut after encouraging reports
• Champion trainer still hopes to catch Paul Nicholls

Meanwhile, Henderson conceded that Hunt Ball's stamina would be severely tested by the National's four and a half miles but expected that his owners would be keen to try their luck in the race. "He's run a great race [to be fourth at the Festival] and an extra half-mile's going to help him. This is an extra two miles."

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Meanwhile, Henderson conceded that Hunt Ball's stamina would be severely tested by the National's four and a half miles but expected that his owners would be keen to try their luck in the race. "He's run a great race [to be fourth at the Festival] and an extra half-mile's going to help him. This is an extra two miles."

You see, therein lies the problem. The owners are grievously mismanaging this horse. If he ends up running (and failure is a foregone conclusion), I hope it won't ruin what I believe to be a very useful horse in the right spot.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

You see, therein lies the problem. The owners are grievously mismanaging this horse. If he ends up running (and failure is a foregone conclusion), I hope it won't ruin what I believe to be a very useful horse in the right spot.

I agree and yes I hope you're right about him not being ruined cause, at this late date, he is definitely going.

So who do you like?

In my heart of heart I hope either Long Run or Balthazar King wins. I am not familiar with too many in the race, to be honest, and will continue to look at the runners but would love to hear your opinion.

(... have to mention that I hope The Package doesn't fall again. He was my pick a few years ago. Not exactly a win machine but hope he does okay).

I know you really love this race and so hope you have a great time watching it and playing it. Stupidly (but honestly) it's the kind of race where I'd rather catch the replay after the fact. I have a hard time with the fallers so at least if I know what to expect... (I'm an idiot, I know).

As far as betting it I was totally going to sit it out but am having second thoughts. We shall see.

Best of luck to you, Scanman.

[scanman]

Thanks. Yes, the Grand National is my favorite race of the year (winning by a nose over the Cross-Country races at Cheltenham). Balthazar King is currently my favorite horse in training. He’s provided me with a couple of nice wins at Cheltenham, but I don’t see this as his race. While I hope he does well, I think sending him to a lucrative cross-country steeplechase in France would have been the move. But this is the Grand National and he’s in great form, so why not take a shot. Down the road, I’d like to see him line up in the Velka Pardubica at Pardubice in October.

My choice for the race is The Package. I really like the Pipe/Scudamore combination and it appears that he’s been laid out for the race. Lots of fantastic horses in the race, so he’ll need a bit of luck in running. He’s an easy bet for me, as he’ll be in the “Field” with Twinspires since their platform only provides 24 betting entities. So I will take the Field and get horses 24-40 (The Package is #33) and hope for the best. If he doesn’t come through, then maybe one of the other 15 will. If the odds are right, I may have a saver on Teaforthree and Prince De Beauchene.

Long Run could certainly be in the finish and his rider knows how to win on the National course taking the Fox Hunters’ Chase today on Warne for the same connections. I just don’t like the amount of weight he has to carry.

As for Hunt Ball, I just hope he comes out of the race okay.

[my miss storm cat]

Cannot wait to see who wins and how you did.

Had to post this (!).

103 year old who has bet this race for oh... the past 70 years (... without a winner).

http://www.independent.ie/world-news...-30151754.html

[my miss storm cat]

Congrats to the connections of Pineau De Re!

Scanman I was wondering your thoughts on the race which I obviously have not watched yet (although from what I hear everyone made it home just fine... is that right? Hope so).

Aintree

Crabbie's Grand National Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) 4m 3f 110y
(7yo+, 4m 3f 110y, Class 1, 40 runners)
Winner £561,300 2nd £211,100 3rd £105,500 4th £52,700 5th £26,500 6th £13,200 7th £6,800 8th £3,600 9th £2,000 10th £1,000
Going: Good (National Course: Good to Soft, Good in places)
Surface: Turf

1st 29 Pineau De Re (FR) Dr R D P Newland 11 10-6 L P Aspell 25/1
2nd 5 9 Balthazar King (IRE) P J Hobbs 10 10-13 R Johnson 14/1
SP 14/1 opened 16/1
3rd 1¼ 14 Double Seven (IRE) M Brassil 8 10-11 pt A P McCoy 10/1j
SP 10/1j £4900-£350 £4800-£400
4th 10 37 Alvarado (IRE) F M O'Brien 9 10-2 Paul Moloney 33/1
5th 2½ 5 Rocky Creek (IRE) P F Nicholls 8 11-5 N Fehily 16/1
6th s.h 26 Chance du Roy (FR) P J Hobbs 10 10-6 p T J O'Brien 33/1
7th 3 19 Monbeg Dude (IRE) M Scudamore 9 10-9 P Carberry 16/1
SP 16/1 opened 20/1
8th 16 34 Raz De Maree (FR) D T Hughes 9 10-3 v1 D J Condon 50/1
9th s.h 40 Swing Bill (FR) D Pipe 13 10-1 C O'Farrell 66/1
10th 4½ 28 Kruzhlinin (GER) D McCain Jnr 7 10-6 K Renwick 100/1
11th 2½ 16 Buckers Bridge (IRE) H De Bromhead 8 10-10 A E Lynch 66/1
12th 18 33 The Package D Pipe 11 10-4 pt T Scudamore 14/1
SP 14/1 opened 16/1
13th 6 32 Vesper Bell (IRE) W P Mullins 8 10-5 Ms K Walsh 40/1
SP 40/1 opened 50/1
14th 2 13 Across The Bay (IRE) D McCain Jnr 10 10-11 bt Henry Brooke 50/1
15th 7 11 Mr Moonshine (IRE) Mrs S J Smith 10 10-12 Ryan Mania 20/1
SP 20/1 opened 25/1
16th 37 18 Prince De Beauchene (FR) W P Mullins 11 10-10 P Townend 20/1
17th 33 3 Hunt Ball (IRE) N J Henderson 9 11-7 A Tinkler 50/1
18th 1 27 Hawkes Point P F Nicholls 9 10-6 Ryan Mahon 50/1

Also Ran

Tidal Bay (IRE), Long Run (FR), Triolo D'alene (FR), Quito De La Roque (FR), Colbert Station (IRE), Walkon (FR), Wayward Prince, Teaforthree (IRE), Battle Group, Lion Na Bearnai (IRE), Big Shu (IRE), Burton Port (IRE), Our Father (IRE), Mountainous (IRE), The Rainbow Hunter, Vintage Star (IRE), Golan Way, Twirling Magnet (IRE), Rose Of The Moon (IRE), Shakalakaboomboom (IRE), Last Time D'albain (FR), One In A Milan (IRE),

[scanman]

Fantastic race, as always. All made it back safe and sound from all reports.

The Package ran a game race, but flattened out. Betting-wise, it went well. The "Field's" odds were 3.30-1, so even though The Package didn't win Pineau De Re (#29) did save the day.

Balthazar King ran a fantastic race and I was thrilled to see him run 2nd. I hope they will find continued success with him throughout the year.

I was happy to see Hunt Ball complete the race, albeit 100+ lengths behind the winner. I hope he comes out of it okay and that they give him a try over the timber her in the US. He's earned a break and he could give the International Gold Cup and some other of the Fall timber races a try. Unfortunately, he's been hugely mismanaged thus far, so it's anyone guess where he will end up.

Another great National in the books. Never disappoints in the excitement category and has proven to be nicely profitable again.

I hope you enjoy the replay.

[my miss storm cat]

What a brave 2nd Balthazar King was and yes, just watched it and I am so happy that you did well and that Hunt Ball came home safe (that they all did). I hope his connections start doing right by him.

Thanks for your continued insight. I have much to learn and since it isn't terribly popular it keeps it interesting, fun and exciting when someone has the passion that you do and will share their thoughts!

Congrats on your very good day!

Replay for anyone interested...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfNpAewK4m4

Originally Posted by scanman

100+ lengths behind the winner.

Sounds like it could be the name of a book if his life story were ever written...

In a good way!

[scanman]

Thanks. Just one more jumps festival left (Punchestown, Ireland; 4/29-5/3) and the Scottish Grand National (Ayr) this Saturday.

However, the US jumps season has just completed the third week of the 2014 season. If you have the chance, you should try to attend one of the meets. I've been to all of the venues except High Hope (Lexington, KY) and My Lady Manor (Monkton, MD). All are great fun and I highly recommend them.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

Thanks. Just one more jumps festival left (Punchestown, Ireland; 4/29-5/3) and the Scottish Grand National (Ayr) this Saturday.

However, the US jumps season has just completed the third week of the 2014 season. If you have the chance, you should try to attend one of the meets. I've been to all of the venues except High Hope (Lexington, KY) and My Lady Manor (Monkton, MD). All are great fun and I highly recommend them.

Thanks for the suggestions and yes maybe someday I will just do that!

In the meantime, it looks like they're not giving him a break (yet)...

http://www.herald.ie/sport/horse-rac...-30177594.html

Disappointing.

As Tidal Bay is the only horse I am familiar with (in the Scottish Grand National) I'm rooting for him (not a great reason but I'm being honest).

Let me know who you like - if you're around between now and then - and continued good luck!

[my miss storm cat]

Hope you had Al Co (wow 40/1)!

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Thanks for the suggestions and yes maybe someday I will just do that!

In the meantime, it looks like they're not giving him a break (yet)...

http://www.herald.ie/sport/horse-rac...-30177594.html

Disappointing.

As Tidal Bay is the only horse I am familiar with (in the Scottish Grand National) I'm rooting for him (not a great reason but I'm being honest).

Let me know who you like - if you're around between now and then - and continued good luck!

Wonder if the Herald misquoted Henderson. Hunt Ball is not listed among the declarations for said race: http://www.irishracing.com/cards/Pun...2014_5_30.html . I don't know how entries work over there. They still may be open, but as of now he's not entered. I also checked his profile on sportinglife.com and he currently is not entered in any race. Will wait and see.

Did not have the chance to watch the Scottish National live, and as such, did not have as much interested in it. I did watch the replay. Doubt if I could have come up with Al Co. He's a good ground horse and won a decent race at Chepstow last December (beat Alvarado, who was 4th in the Grand National). Of his mark, he had claims. Ayr may have be on the good side of good to soft, which would have aided him.

Hopefully, I'll have some time to watch the Punchestown festival.

[my miss storm cat]

I guess maybe this is the new plan...

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/ca...6#raceTabs=lc_

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[scanman]

It's a WFA, which will work in his favor. A couple of nice horses entered. Giving it a quick look, I would think that Spring Heeled will have a great chance.

He has a chance to get a check. It will be interesting to see if he takes to Sandown. He's never had a run there and it's pretty flat with a short finishing straight after the Pond Fence. He doesn't really have much of a turn of foot, usually just grinds it out.

[my miss storm cat]

Well good for him for getting check!

Once again would be happy to hear your thoughts.

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/res..._tabs=ANALYSIS

[scanman]

I watched it live. Once again, he was well beaten. Tried to get close a few fences from home, but just doesn't have the pace. Worse yet, he was beaten 6 lengths to a horse that is rated 142 which validates what I've said months ago, in that, he's a horse that should be rated around 135-138. As long as he stays in the UK, I don't believe he'll win another race.

I can only draw the conclusion that the owners are content with collecting the scraps that fall from the table. True, the check will continue to pay his way, but I always thought the idea was to "win" races, not just fill a spot.

They still have to be significantly in the red with him and are making no efforts to get him back in the winner's circle. Perhaps the people involved with Atlantic Equine have deep pockets and don't really care.

At 9, he still has a possible future over timber here.

BTW, Tidal Bay was retired today. Good for him. The handicapper had him at an unrealistic mark, and at 13, it was unlikely he'd ever win again. Hope he enjoys his days in the field.