Performance Of The Week:
Couer Sublime delivered a sexy performance at Down Royal on Friday, finally justifying some of his big reputation on the track.
Some nice types have landed the WKD Hurdle in recent years and it’s become a popular starting point for Champion Hurdle campaigners such as Jezki, Identity Thief & Melon.
Despite mention of stepping up in trip this term, Elliott may now be tempted to keep him at the minimum trip. He’s been cut to 25/1 with most firms for the Champion Hurdle in March.
Pending on Apple’s Jade comeback at Navan, the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse may be the next stop for Couer Sublime.
Can’t wait to see him again.
Also Noted:
Clan Des Obeaux jumped like an absolute stag and almost traveled too well for his own good in Saturday’s Champion Chase at Down Royal.
Hasn’t won first time out in any of the last three seasons and this workout should leave him spot on for next time.
Lostintranslation was mouth watering at Carlisle and the Altior/Cyrname duel hasn’t happened yet but, in my eyes Clan Des Obeaux is still very much a lively contender to win back to back King George’s.
Separately, Delta Work was weak in the market before and looked rather big in the pre parade. Worryingly for his fans, the Gigginstown horse didn’t travel with much enthusiasm and put in a hugely disappointing round.
Real Steel was flagged up as an outside Gold Cup bet by podcast member Ronan Groome recently and he got off the mark nicely for the season in the Irish Daily Mirror Chase (2m 3f) on Saturday.
A blistering pace was set early on by Secret Investor and Mengli Kahn and held up off the pace Real Steel moved into the race with ease, before taking it up two out.
I noted Paul Townend pushed out the Real Steel aggressively the whole way up the home straight, perhaps testing the fuel gauge.
It was a good performance from a horse going in the right direction.
Vinndication was hammered off the boards on Saturday and didn’t disappoint first time up over 3m. Kim Bailey’s star should rise past 160 for his victory.
Second run back after wind surgery, it was Regal Encore that caught my eye by finishing a fantastic second. Looking a major threat before turning into the Ascot straight, I can forgive him for not being able to live with the winner.
Rated 154 only a year ago, another big day might be on the horizon soon.
Chuvelo (by Milan) was bought for €100,000 after finishing second in a Fairyhouse Bumper in April and he produced a stylish winning debut for Donald McCain at Carlisle today.
Tucked in behind a wall of horses early in play, Chuvelo was given a lovely education by jockey Brian Hughes. The gap opened 3f from home and he drove clear staying on to win by 4L cosy.
Nice horse for the tracker.
By Barry Doyle – Sunday 3rd November 2019
