Jonjo runs his expensive purchase The Gooner in the last at Wetherby today. He got rave reviews after his point win and was sold for a whopping 280k to Mrs Smith and Son, who wouldn't think twice about such a price tag. But there were only two finishers of the 12-horse field in that point win, and the runner-up hasn't been seen since. Despite that fact, The Gooner (poor horse, burdened with such a name!) went off odds-on on his hurdles debut and ran abysmally, as if he'd never seen a hurdle in his life. At Wincanton next time he again jumped as if he hadn't a clue, ran behind the bridle and looked an absolute mule of a horse. Hence his modest BHA mark of 100 and being pushed out to 3m for his handicap debut. Jonjo likes to clown around with his novices with handicaps in mind, but I'm really not sure this was the plan with such a talking horse for his second most prominent owner (after JP). He is very like the same owner's Anyharminasking (one point, one win) who won his first two handicaps off a modest mark, and everyone marvelled at how he had been given such a favourable rating. But now his upward progression has completely stalled. So on his point win alone and his reputation, The Gooner should be laughing at his mark today. But on his first two runs in novice hurdles I wouldn't be having him at twice his current odds.

I'll probably be laughing on the other side of my boat race at 4.30 this afternoon. But that's racing.

GForce

Jan 26

Replying to

I suppose the money will tell us when Johnjo's is going to win, he travelled well for a long way there and jumped soundly, whereas Jet Legs wasn't foot perfect so may have a similar race within his scope soon. The Imposter was very well ridden, bugged for the lead by PK's for most of the way (it doesn't seem that long ago that PK was top Wetherby trainer before his change of emphasis) and then taken on by Jet Lag. Barrier Peaks who beat it last time has multiple entries in the next few days.

Harrytheactor

Jan 26

Replying to

He looks a bit soft to me, happy enough on the bridle today but hung away from the stick up the straight. I'm not sure 3m is his trip at this stage either. The Imposter is the opposite sort of horse, tough as old boots and tries his heart out. Nigel Hawke is a very good trainer, places his horses well and usually makes his northern raids pay. That was really quite easy for him in the end. His defeat by Barrier Peaks was a bit of a fluke on desperate ground, and I wouldn't be sure BB can reproduce that form on anything but heavy.

Pebbles

Jan 26

It will no doubt become obvious later as to why she’s taken such a walk in the market but Bare Necessity (each way) in the 15.20 at Southwell will still do for me.

Pebbles

Jan 26

Replying to

🎼🎤 “I can see clearly now the race has gone!”

LukeH

Jan 26

Mohatu 1.35S nap

GForce

Jan 26

Gordon Elliot dragged Davey out of retirement and still manages to find another 9 for todays race. Perhaps the threat of team tactics put Brassil off going with Longhouse Poet, or maybe he's trying to protect that ones hcp mark for another tilt at the National. Unusually I've only had a small bet on 1 and thats too short a price really, Escaria 10.

Will Gincident run today? Must have Traveller genes to run at Southwell after yesterday's hack canter at Newcastle.

Nap South 1300 Abruzzo Mia

Harrytheactor

Jan 26

Replying to

Gordon's going to have quite a job issuing the jockeys' instructions. I think I remember AP O'Brien having five in a race, but this is on another level of absurdity.

Harrytheactor

Jan 26

Replying to

Well, let's just say LP had a nice day out and completed, after pulling up on his seasonal debut. I'm not sure what his Irish chase mark is now after winning the Thyestes last year off 145, but the Aintree handicapper gave him 155 for the National and I expect he won't get much less this time.

That was a real penalty kick for Teahupoo. But he'll need soft/heavy at Cheltenham to win the Stayers.

Tom Jolliffe

Jan 26

Replying to

Elliot throwing the kitchen sink at the race did not have the desired effect. It's apposite and poetic justice that "Carefully Selected" took the laurels.

David

Jan 26

i'll head to Gowran Park today too, as it seems in fashion, with an EW Nap. Donkey Years 14.50.

Alan

Jan 26

Little Jo 13:00 South EW Nap

Alan

Jan 26

Replying to

Little Jo came up in my tracker.....along with Ballynagran won 14/1 and Thefastnthecurious won 14/1 combined in a lucky 15...seems I just picked the wrong nap today...Little Jo nowhere

jakebuckfast

Jan 26

Little Jo 1.00 Southwell is the nap,well done yesterday David.

GazP

Jan 26

Iron Bridge 2.35W.

GazP

Jan 26

Replying to

NR midnightattgeoasis 2.45S

GazP

Jan 26

Replying to

midnightattgeoasis won 4/5.

john987

Jan 26

2.10 southwell. Zip

Leo

Jan 26

nap: 2.50 Gowran - Darren's Hope (each way)

Highflying

Jan 26

Emancipator - 15.55 Gowran

el gran senor

Jan 26

I haven't been to Kilkenny for 4 years but am guessing that the Thyestes is still taken seriously in those parts.

It isn't just people in Bars.or Bookies.

When you queue at a supermarket or eat at a cafe at this time of year in that County they talk about this Race.

I was going to nap Dunboyne but see his recent form is R1P (seriously) so going Captain Kangaroo. e.w. Gowran Park. 14.50.

craigrowland23

Jan 26

Replying to

It's still a fairly big deal, as their biggest race of the year. There's a mini bus going from my local in Kiltealy, as there is every year, and it'll be mobbed after they get back! I've to head to Kilkenny for a drain hatch, so may go today and pop in for the race on the way home 😉 It's the only time you'll see Gowran with a big crowd, which is a shame - it's a nice track.

Bit late in the month for a pop at the comp, but I spent ages on the Thyestes last night and eventually, with no confidence whatsoever, landed on Gabbys Cross (EW NAP) 250 Gowran Park.

Robicheaux7

Jan 25

I feel Coko beach, has a fair chance of another Thyestes win.

I'll make him an ew nap. Gowran 2.50.