Despair turns to joy in the space of 40 minutes as Angel wings in
First, there was the dreadful disappointment of Oscars Well being so unlucky to slip after the last hurdle when going to win. But then what a difference 40 minutes makes and there was the absolute exhilaration of Bostons Angel’s win in the RSA Chase.
I’ve had a few Cheltenham winners now, but you never get tired of that feeling and it’s absolutely certain that I will have a raging hangover this morning. But you’ve got to celebrate!
Of course I have said consistently that Bostons was ridiculously overpriced and overlooked and repeated that opinion yesterday. He was a two-time Grade 1 winner and yet he won at 16/1 which was crazy.
I don’t think he touched a twig; he jumped brilliant. But then he has always jumped really, really well, he always travels and he always stays. I said that and he did that. Then of course he got a length up and idled and nearly got caught again but he would never have been caught; he would have kept going. He’s always very easy on himself and doesn’t like to do too much. He always does just enough.
Oscars finished fourth but he was going to go and win the Neptune. Robert did absolutely brilliant to stay on. He was in front and jumped that last hurdle very well but just stumbled, not on landing, but a stride after. How he didn’t fall over I don’t know.
You know he stays on and he wasn’t going to be passed. Michael O’Leary came over after the race and said “we won the race but you have the best horse” and that was very nice of him. Early indications are that he came back fine so that’s a relief and we’ll live to fight another day.
After a great day for the Irish yesterday, hopefully there’s more to come today and I’m very happy with Roberto Goldback, especially since there has been no rain and he likes good ground. He’s been running on soft ground all winter and couldn’t really go in it at all the last time against Rubi Light, who really loves it soft. I think he’s value each way.
Poquelin is obviously fancied but he was favourite for it last year and didn’t trouble the judge. He’s a very good handicapper but my horse has won two graded races, albeit novices. In addition, his jumping since he’s come back this year has been very good. He hasn’t put a foot wrong all winter. I’m happy with him.
In the World Hurdle, they all say Grands Crus has a chance and Willie will have a chance with Fiveforthree and Mourad. Maybe Big Buck’s won’t have it all his own way, but I can’t see him being beaten.
I think Noble Prince will win the Jewson. He has some good form but he’s been waiting for some better ground. It will be fresh as well as it’s the first race on the Old Course, having had the first two days’ racing on the New Course. He travels really well in his races, but the heavier ground he’s been running on until now has prevented him seeing it out. I think he will this time.
There are plenty of Irish riding in the Charity Race even though Gordon Elliott couldn’t make the weight but, after his two winners yesterday, I’m sure he won’t mind. Lorna Fowler, who’s married to my nephew, looks like she is on the best horse in Henry Cecil’s Plato and she’s a very good rider so I hope she wins.
