John Smith's Midlands Grand National (Uttoxeter, Saturday
14.55 GMT)
HAVING waited more than five years for his first Glorious
Goodwood winner Sylvester Kirk enjoyed two in less than two
and a half hours on Saturday. Group Captain initiated the
landmark in the Vodafone Stakes and Opera Cape followed up
in the maiden.
The Irishman, who assisted Richard Hannon for seven years,
hopes those high-profile successes mark a turnaround in his
stable’s fortunes.
He said: “It’s amazing how quickly they changed
the whole feeling around the yard. They were a couple of welcome
highlights after a very disappointing campaign.
“I had a very good start on the All-Weather but things
went downhill after the beginning of the turf season. Our
problems have been a combination of badly handicapped aider
horses with a few not being quite right, and our bwo-year-olds
have been backward.
“When it goes that way every problem seems to crop up,
Dut I’ve got a lot of understanding owners who have
been ,ery kind to me.”
Is it me or is
best mate good value at 9.4 for some antepost action ? Have been a
big fan of him and had nice antepost bets for last 3 years , let
down this year but i can,t see henrieta sending him out more than 3
times before cheltenham 06 , kicking king was a good winner this
year but i would not be scared of him , i don't think this years
gold cup was particurarely good quality and 3.55 is much too short !
Only concern is that father time is catching up with him but if gets
there fit could even end up jolly on day , the public would ensure
plenty of support betting with their heart !
I think he did a
wonderful job with BM though stuill cannot believe he managed to get
the thing beat by Sausalito Bay in the Novices a few years back.
The reason my dear friend that I oppose Mr McCoy is that in my
opinion Best Mate seemes to respond a little more to a quiet ride
and is better when able to put itself into a fence rather than a
jockey urging it to do so, hence the reason that I do not think that
Mr McCoy would be the best jockey for it as he in my humble opinion
likes to shoot his horses at the obstacles which BM would not
appreciate it (1 from 2 you may say is not a bad ratio but they were
2 scrambling performances)!!
I think that he may be given the ride
as at time of writing I am not aware of a major GC horse for the
Magniers and he will surely be a name in the frame, that my friend
is the reason I would oppose the horse !!!
However having said all of that I would still be somewhat surprised
to say the least if it were to win the GC let alone any race against
Kicking King...
But that is why this forum is here to express our
opinions.
Last season, Salamanca significantly contributed to her rather’s
prize -money when winning the valuable Water;hip Down Stud
Sales race at Newbuiy Comparing his current crop of juveniles,
Kirk said: “Nick’s Nikita and )pera Cape are decent
and should be our flag-bearers.”
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