Time to wrap us this week, and look at the big races coming our way at the week end. In this post I want to mark the passing of a man who has had an effect on how I live my life, say farewell to a great jockey, and give you my thoughts on tomorrow’s Boylesports Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Most of you will not have heard of Jim Rohn. He was an inspirational speaker, an author, a business counsellor, and a pioneer in what we now know as ‘personal development’. I have twice seen him speak at seminars, and I’ve listened to many of his recordings. When I heard he had passed away last week end, it was like hearing that one of your school teachers had died. It’s also something of a pity that you recognise the impact some people have had on your life so far, only when they are gone. So I just wanted to take a little time to pay tribute to Jim Rohn.
You can watch this short video if you want to, otherwise scroll on down to the next section….
We also said goodbye to Mick Kinane this week. Not in such a permanent way, but we shall not be seeing him ride professionally again. Mick’s profile has never been higher than of late when steering the awesome Sea The Stars to any number of stunning victories in major races. Now the 50 year old follows the colt into retirement.
During a glittering career Kinane has triumphed in four 2,000 Guineas, three Derbys, two Oaks, a St Leger, five King Georges and six St James’s Palace Stakes – more than any other rider. He won 14 Irish Classics as well as a record seven Irish Champion Stakes. Add to that three Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes, a Melbourne Cup, a Belmont Stakes, and three victories at the Breeders’ Cup. Not too shabby says this blogger!
OK, the big race over the week end is tomorrow at Cheltenham. The Boylesport Gold Cup is a Class 1 handicap chase run over 2m 5f . Nineteen runners are declared to line up, so let’s have a look at the leading contenders.
Poquelin is one of three horses saddled by Paul Nicholls and it would take a brave man to bet against another winning Saturday for the trainer, following the Betfair Chase, the Hennessy, and the Tingle Creek on successfive weekends. He finished second here four weeks ago to Tranquil Sea in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, when he proved he can handle soft ground. He has also only been penalised 1lb by the handicapper for that run.
Chapoturgeon is also trained by Nicholls, and was a faller in the Paddy Power. He has fallen three times in his last seven starts, so there has to be some concern for me over the reliability of his jumping.
Barry Geraghty partners Atouchbetweenacara for young trainer Tim Vaughan. He’s been raised 19lbs for a course and distance win here back in April, but I think he is still on the up, and Tim Vaughan has been quite bullish about his chances. This race could well be within his compass, and a stepping stone to the Rynair Chase at the Festival.
I’ve always liked Tamarinbleu and he won this two years ago. He made a good seasonal reappearance in the Charlie Hall at the end of October. He would be a solid each way bet, but the question is whether he will be called the winner outright tomorrow afternoon.
Nigel Twiston Davies has two horses in the race, but his best chance lies with Razor Royale. Paddy Brennan rides him. He won last time out, here at Cheltenham, which is always a positive. But that was in a lower grade chase, and he’s been put up 11lbs for that.
I’m going to go for Tamarinbleu. I think a price in double figures is good value for a previous winner, and a horse who has already come out and demonstrated the form to win at this level already this season.
My choice: Tamarinbleu each way at 10/1 or bigger
I hope everybody has a (reasonably) non-hectic weekend. I know I still have plenty of “tasks” to accomplish, all Christmas related. I managed to break the back of my xmas shopping yesterday in Milton Keynes shopping centre, but I’ve still got my parents to sort out (with presents I mean!), a tree to source, and decorations to put up.
Are you ready for Christmas yet? Let me know what is still on your list of things to do by leaving a comment.
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