Big Shu looks Aintree material after festival run | Grand National 2014
The honours in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham festival went to Balthazar King but it was the third horse that caught the eye. Big Shu had been narrowly preferred in the betting to Balthazar King but came through late to take third under Paul Carberry.
The Irish jockey is well known for his exaggerated waiting tactics but he may have been guilty of over-doing it here. Although Big Shu made ground to join the leaders with three to jump, the effort of making up the ground had taken its toll and he could not get to Balthazar King or Any Currency. He was only beaten a short head and three lengths at the end of the marathon trip on ground probably a shade faster than he likes.
Balthazar King won the race in 2012 and defied top weight to notch an incredible seventh course victory. Any Currency has been called a few names in the past but he could not be faulted here, responding to every call from Ian Popham and being unlucky not to snatch the verdict on the line.
Balthazar King does hold an entry for the Grand National but he faded completely after running prominently last year and trainer Philip Hobbs would go no further than calling it “an option”. Balthazar King must have good ground and would not be risked on soft while the reverse applies to Big Shu. Read more here
NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment