I'm getting on the dodgepot 201111

Morning people, what a sight; watching a rejuvenated Kauto Star. The Racing Post summed it up the best "A memorable edition of this now prestigious chase, being deep in terms of strength, with two Gold Cup winners, the Charlie Hall one-two, and the last season´s impressive Hennessy winner all taking part. The pace was an even one, ensuring it was a proper test at the distance, and they finished tired, but none the less it was still a course record time.

As fascinating as it was to see Long Run´s return, there were plenty of eyes fixed on the great KAUTO STAR, already a three-time winner of this whose powers looked on the wane last season, for all that he was placed behind the favourite in both the King George and Gold Cup. Off since pulling up when odds-on at Punchestown in May, he´d been trained differently in the off-season, with this race in mind. Nicholls said he was "ready to run for his life", and he did just that, putting in one of the best performances of his career, all things considered.

Ridden positively on a track that suits well, he jumped impressively, as was often the case in his prime, and was the only one left on the bridle rounding the final bend. Despite briefly looking vulnerable after two out, as Long Run attempted a brave rally, he produced a great jump at the last and drew on again after Walsh got serious with him. An emotional victory, it proved wrong those who said he should have been retired after his Punchestown flop and there´s no reason why, provided he gets some decent ground come March (best-priced 12-1), he couldn´t hit the frame once more, although there is a thought that if he had one big race left in him, this was it. Surprisingly, Nicholls was talking of another King George bid post-race, but for a contest only five weeks away after such a huge effort, one would be astonished if he could follow up"

I didn't pile in at the 12s available for the Gold Cup, as I believe this was his Gold Cup. Long Run hardly disappointed, in fact, considering the depth of class in the field, this was a good effort. The ground was described as good to soft, however, considering this was the 2nd course record of the day, the going was at least good. This is the best I've ever seen Kauto jump, fast and economical at every fence, forced Long Run into mistakes as far as I am concerned. Using Bob's method of handicapping, this was one of his best efforts to date!! This just goes to show you, don't write off us old dogs yet!!


Anyway, to the dodgepot that I am gonna be on today; 1.30 Exeter Sangfroid - yes, it IS a dodgepot, but go back to his last win 250409 (I know ages ago and a hurdle). Stayed on and battled that day in a class above this. The Nicholls animal in the race will ensure a decent price at least.