Blazing Khal
12th November 2021 – Cheltenham – After looking to be at his strongest from the last to the line on his hurdles debut at Galway, it was a case of more of the same here. He did jump left into his main rival at the final hurdle; however, I doubt it made any difference whatsoever given his superiority at the line. This was his seventh career start compared with three less previous racecourse appearances from the runner up. Maybe this was quite crucial. I am not sure…
His trainer mentioned the Albert Bartlett as the likeliest spring target especially if the ground in March was similar to today. I doubt this was the strongest of renewals beyond the first two horses to finish.
It was also a slowly run race with a sprint finish in relation to the opening race on the card. The 120 rated Art Approval was around six seconds quicker than Blazing Khal from their respective first hurdles to the winning post first time around. This grade two winner made up about four seconds on Art Approval by the time the handicapper had crossed the winning line. Most of that ground was made up from four out to the line.
Gelino Bello
12th November 2021 – Cheltenham – He jumped with fluency once again and drew away from all bar the winner up the final hill. It is certainly possible that he matched the quality of his debut run her and maybe even improved upon it. The Irish trained winner may simply turn out to be very good. Perhaps this was also a sign of things to come once again this season. We shall see…
The other possibility is that he will be better in future with more time in between his races. It also maybe relevant that the other two Paul Nicholls-trained horses on the day both traded at short prices and were both beaten a long way at the line.
Current Mood
12th November 2021 – Cheltenham – She enjoyed an untroubled lead throughout and may have been advantaged by this variable. I thought she might be held onto to enhance her claims for a third-place finish and the subsequent reward of black type. The way this race unfolded probably suited her most as she was only taken on by the eventual winner and runner up from the approach to the final hurdle. I doubt very much finished behind her; nevertheless, in terms of the main aim today I suspect it was a case of job done.
Off Your Rocco
12th November 2021 – Cheltenham – He was another horse to be outpaced from two out; however, in his case he did not lose much further ground and did plod on up the hill to be beaten by nearly a dozen lengths.
Glencassley
12th November 2021 – Cheltenham – He jumped one or two fences big and slow and was then left behind from in between the final two hurdles. His trainer mentioned pre-race that this grade two contest would determine where to go with him as a novice hurdler. I assume his trainer will conclude that this season is now a waiting game for next when he will go novice chasing. His mark of 122 might still turn out to be an attractive rating for a handicap hurdle in the north.
Kayf Hernando
12th November 2021 – Cheltenham – Perhaps he will be better on a softer surface; either way this was still very disappointing as he was quickly left behind from the second last hurdle. I would not cross him out on the strength of one poor run; likewise, I would not be in a hurry to knock the form of his Carlisle race for the same reason. Nevertheless, this was still a very poor display
