tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25292190.post2958740970943777864..comments2024-03-24T15:26:37.931+00:00Comments on PG's Tips: Cheltenham's Boylesports SaturdayGeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834633278297488704noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25292190.post-3457584079901988752009-12-13T09:53:11.004+00:002009-12-13T09:53:11.004+00:00Something of a shock in the International with Khy...Something of a shock in the International with Khyber Kim (12/1) readily quickening away from odds on favourite Celestial Halo; well done John Francome who called this one correctly. KK is now 12/1 for the Champion. Punjabi ran as though he needed the race; I'm not one for ante-post betting but the 16/1 on offer for the March showpiece immediately afterwards looked big - he's now 12s in most places with the odd 14/1 here and there.<br />Zaynar (1/5f) won with his head in his chest and is now 5/1 for the Champion.<br />Skippers Brig was 12/1 in the morning but that price contracted to 15/2 at the off. The horse ran a sound race without ever threatening to win - he stayed on into third after Chapoturgeon blundered at the last. Poquelin became the first favourite since 1996 to take this and he did so in the style of a smart animal, holding Razor Royale seven lengths at the line; it's clear connections think the winner will be a better horse on better ground.<br />Tom George may have been struggling to find winners of late but he had two here, with Tell Massini (4/5f) never in any trouble at the head of affairs and staying on well up the hill. Selection The Minack (11/4) made a bad mistake three out that in effect put an end to his chance - Ruby did well to sit tight. Having said that, I don't think he would have got anywhere near the winner.<br />Tom George's Olofi (100/30) took the opener; selection George Nympton (12/1 in the morning but 8/1 at the off) came with every chance at the last but couldn't go with the winner, finishing two and a half lengths second. This was a decent effort and certainly his best run to date; earlier in the season Barizan was the top-rated juvenile out - Olofi beat that one at Cheltenham the last time so the form looks respectable.<br />At Doncaster Cesare jumped well but came home third. In Channel 4's coverage, Jim McGrath said he thought the horse was up to winning a hurdle race. Jockey Paul Moloney doesn't - here's his quote "He doesn't stay. He jumped great but I think he'll struggle." <br />Racing - it's all about opinions, isn't it?GeeDeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09834633278297488704noreply@blogger.com