Leopardstown 27/1/08

[WoodyTHFC]

1.20 Be My Leader SP 7.5 pts e.w 10/1 early price but may go bigger, not sure on that. Whatever, I think good e.w chances at least today. Last year some ok efforts when second to Snowy Morning and Offshore Account. This season impressive I thought first time when beating Scotsirish, who is contesting the Grade 1 today, then second in Grade 1 when making late progress in testing ground and beat Line Ball to second. Lto disappointing when fav. but I suspect that the trip was too short that day, I put it up on the thread and said it was a concern beforehand and proved to be. Moved back up in trip today, definite place claims. 1.50 Scotsirish SP 15 pts Liked this horse last year with a couple of good hurdle wins on testing ground and indeed better ground. Backed numerous times on chasing starts early on and ran respectably but did not scream Arkle winner to me at the point. Indeed I really thought it needed further than 2m. But the trainer said knowing the family well that he thinks 2m is ok and was justified in that lto when beating Wins Now. Showed a fair amount of pace that day and despite mistake at last held him off easily enough. Now Wins Now over hurdles was pretty good, not sure about chase form yet and critics could say it was given a lot to do and needs better ground, but Scotsirish routed him and showed 2m then wasn't a problem. Thyne Again the danger today. 2.55 Aitmatov 4/1 PP 7.5 pts e.w Put this in TTTF as sub for this bonus race for one. it was 10/1 ante post for this and I kept looking at it and thinking that could be big and now it really does. This has improved a lot this year. Last year it was well enough if not quite top class in the novice ranks but numerous victories this year establish this as a potential for CH or WH maybe. Shown it can go on good ground and more testing ground, it stays well as lto showed at 2m 4f, has enough cruising speed for 2m I think as it has won over and definite chance in my book today. Only 2 places for e.w but should be staying on and finishing the race so i can see this being in the picture at the end. 3.30 Gem Daly 5/2 PP 15 pts Won his bumper well enough and good start to novice hurdles. Beat Venalmar who has gone onto win Grade 2 novice hurdle, then just second in a Grade 3 before second in grade 1 lto to Trafford Lad who is prominent in cheltenham betting. Shown it can go in various types of ground. the Harrington horse fell that day but still has task to give weight to this one.

[socky1]

Re: Leopardstown 27/1/08 Nice write up's Woody I'm going with you on Gem Daly. I think the AIG Hurdle is between Hardy and Al Allie myslef, Al Allie has really come on this season and think it will just pip Hardy eustace to the post.