Despite being subject to significant support, Panjo Bere finished well beaten at Kempton.
His blinkers seemed to light him up and he was quickly at the head of affairs and jumping very big. However, it was soon apparent that he was doing too much in front and he was a spent force half way down the back straight.
To his credit he battled on as best he could – but he ultimately finished well beaten.
There is clearly still some ability there – though harnessing it is going to be a different matter…
The race was won by the hyper progressive Hunt Ball, in really taking fashion. He was recording his fifth win in six starts this season, so it amused me when his owner said that he was now going to ‘lay him out for the festival’ !!
Conventionally, when you lay a horse out, it’s not sighted all season prior to it’s target and is primed just for the big day. Clearly, Anthony Knott has a different view of ‘laying out’ – LOL !!
That said, it would take a brave man to oppose him at the festival (where presumably his target will be the 2m5f novice handicap chase). His jumping was markedly improved under Barry Geraghty today, so if he can handle going left handed – and the undulations of Prestbury Park, he should be a danger to all.
Over at Newcastle, Incentivise ran disappointingly.
Like Panjo Bere, he was prominent from the off – however, whereas Panjo was clearing fences with feet to spare, Incentivise got into the bottom of far too many of them.
I would struggle to take much out of the performance at all – and he is definitely one to steer clear of for the time being…
As I mentioned yesterday, there were some key Triumph hurdle trials run this afternoon and as a result, the ante-post market for the race was shaken up considerably.
I believe there is now some value in Minsk (who was favourite for the race this morning).
Hopefully, you will have all received an email suggesting him as an ante-post bet. The logic for the selection will appear in the ‘Cheltenham Festival’ area of the blog, later this evening…
Unlucky yesterday Andy and best of luck today. I knew you would tip pocket pocket aces, you have to keep the faith ;)
ReplyDeleteI see Minsk wont make the triumph hurdle due to an infection starting in his throat. Poor horsey..... Wee fucker cost us a point! lol
Ciaran