Tingle Creek Preview. The Showdown. Sprinter Sacre vs Sanctuaire.

The Tingle Creek Chase 2012. Sandown Racecourse. The fastest 2 mile chasers going head to head around the sternest jumping test in the country. A natural stepping stone to Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. A superb roll of honour. It won't let us down.

Sizing Europe - was an awesome winner of the Tingle Creek  last year, but won't be present to defend his title

Sprinter Sacre has been dubbed many nicknames, an 'aeroplane' has been popular, but the most appropriate nickname, came to me in a blinding flash of inspiration whilst playing FIFA last night, put simply, Sprinter Sacre is the All Black, Jonah Lomu in equine form. In the words of youtube phenomenon Ksiolajidebt, a pure BEASSSSSSST.

Sprinter Sacre (Pictured Left) - Looks the real deal

Sanctuaire is a boeing 747, having left all passenger carrying aircraft in his wake, he now takes the step up to go head to head with a fighter jet, how will he fare?

The form at last years Arkle is working out unbelievably well. 2nd placed Cue Card ran riot in the Haldon Gold Cup, that 26 length victory has earned quotes of 13/2 for the King George later this month. 4th placed Al Ferof has subsequently won the Paddy Power Gold Cup and will oppose Cue Card in the Christmas spectacular at Kempton. Sprinter Sacre thumped these two at Cheltenham, his supremacy was almost embarrassing.

However, the Tingle Creek represents Sprinter Sacre's biggest test to date, Sanctuaire is the first horse that has the potential to really serve it up him. Going hard and fast from the front, asking the question on everyones lips, how good are ya pal? We saw on Sunday at Fairyhouse how good Ruby Walsh is at judging a race from the front, Arvika Ligeonniere decimated his rivals in the Drinmore Novice Chase, they couldn't get close to him. He performed similar master-strokes at Cheltenham 2 weeks ago when aboard Dodging Bullets and Far West. He is just the master and having him on board will assist Sanctuaire no end.


Nicky Henderson's superstar has done everything on his own terms so far in his career, he's just been far too classy for his rivals. Sanctuaire has the potential and the racing style to force Sprinter Sacre out of his comfort zone for the first time over fences, there's a possibility he could turn him over. Saying that, Sanctuaire could be the next horse in a long line that are made to look mere mortals, effortlessly swept past just after half way, his body language arrogantly illustrating his mindset : 'you're not good enough mate, thanks for trying'.

Sanctuaire - Judgement Day has arrived, can he be a Queen Mother candidate?

My prediction is he will be throwing his head around in 2nd place behind Ruby Walsh and Sanctuaire, I genuinely think he's bored, it all comes to easily to him, he just wants to go faster. If he's racing like this after half a mile, Sanctuiare is a sitting duck. However if that head is still, we've got a race on. It ultimately means Sanctuaire is a worthy opponent who has achieved what no other horse has achieved, he's got Sprinter Sacre to settle. Sanctuaire will say 'catch me if you can' and it will simply depend on whether Sprinter Sacre can. In my eyes, it's as simple as that.

I think Sprinter Sacre will have Sanctuaire's measure, why wouldn't you? On the basis of last year you can't argue he won't, he's not bombproof, but you've got to be a brave man to oppose him with any confidence.

It is fair to say that this looks to be a mouth watering clash between two heavyweights of the national hunt scene, the anticipation is at fever pitch, record this race, as it has the potential to be something you keep stored on your sky + for the considerable future.

Comments Welcome. Contact me through Twitter:

@JoshRWDown

The Open Meeting Exclusive - Sunday Selections

Whilst it's difficult to make selections with entries at the 5 day stage and I`ll still be too busy enjoying myself at Cheltenham on Sunday to blog!! Here are a few ideas!

1:10 - 2 Miles. Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices Chase
Selection - Captain Conan

Captain Conan - Expected To Make It To The Top Of The Novice Chasing Ranks This Year

Nicky Henderson has been very public in saying how he adores this horse. His novice hurdle campaign was ultimately a successful one, a placed finished at Aintree followed a debut victory in the Tolworth at Sandown in January. The Aintree run behind his stable mate Darlan is solid form, more so than his Tolworth win where he beat Colour Squadron. Whatever Captain Conan did last year was a bonus because he has always been thought of as a chaser. I hear he has been schooling well at home and a stiff 2 miles should suit, I have a niggling doubt that he will want further in time though, he may lack that killer turn of foot over 2 miles. However, I don't think that will be a problem here, there isn't much pace in this race. Sire Du Grugy is the only horse that may have the pace to do Capatain Conan for toe, he is a genuine 2 miler but I wouldn't say he has a killer turn of foot. He had cracking handicap hurdle form last year, notably when 4th in the Betfair Hurdle. He has the scope to make up into a really nice chaser and measured his fences accurately on his debut at Kempton. I worry he is best going right handed. Third Intention would prefer further in my opinion, although he was caught up the run-in here last month. That wasn't the first time he has been caught when clear after the last, Houblon Des Obeaux wore him down at Haydock two years ago, personally I would stick a pair of blinkers on him. I think he is a very frustrating horse to follow, the consistency is there, which I like, but he looks hard to win with and that puts me off. He jumped well on his debut, maybe with too much zest which may have cost him later in the race, but he stays 2 1/2 and I don't think he likes being alone in front. Not for me I'm afraid! Rebel Rebellion ground it out on his chasing debut at Exeter. I thought he had a bit of an ungamely action and didn't look a natural. He jumped well from the front and was barely headed as he stayed on best to get the better of the Bold Henry. However that horse failed to frank the form on Wednesday and he looked like he would need further than 2 miles to me, he ran over 2 3/4 whilst with Charlie Mann, he also has to carry a penalty which won't help. He looks up against it here but he may do ok bearing in mind he will jump well from the front, I fear he will give the better horses a toe into the race, the strong pace he may set will suit horses in behind down to the ground. His Excellency wore down Third Intention to win here last month, this is a much tougher race and looks to have each-way claims at best. I will have to assess the market nearer the time, but I think Sire De Grugy could go off a decent price if the bookmakers get sucked into the Captain Conan hype.

2:50 - 2 Miles. Racing Post Hurdle
Selection - Darlan

Darlan - Champion Hurdle The Target And Horses Of That Mould Have Good Record In The Race, No Value In His Price Though

Darlan is being trained for a crack at the Champion Hurdle this year and Nicky Henderson is pleased with how he has matured over the summer, he looks a really promising sort. Carrying top weight is always a concern, but horses carrying large weights have a good record in this race and have gone on to progress into Champion Hurdle horses. Examples are: Rooster Booster, Rigmarole, Detroit City, Sizing Europe, Khyber Kim, Menorah and Brampour last year (carried 11-11 without Harry Derham's claim). It would be fair to say that Darlan fits that mould. I think he is the best horse in the race, will appreciate a strongly ran 2 miles and has a great chance, I have got 5/1 but 3/1 or 5/2 is a ridiculous price, like Grands Crus it represents no value! Cash And Go is a grade 1 winner and had strong form when with Edward O'Grady in Ireland. His transfer to Nicky Henderson's yard is interesting and he looks open to improvement off a mark of 141, however he will have to improve a lot to get the better of Darlan on all given novice hurdle form last year. He receives 10lb off his stable mate here, I personally don't think that's enough. He beat Dylan Ross by only half a length at Leopardstown and Dylan Ross was well down the field in the Supreme Novice, behind Darlan. Domination is the unexposed horse in the race who looks to be on a steep upward curve. His second to Baily Green by a nose over hurdles at Killarney was a decent effort, the winner has gone on to rack up a 5 timer over fences. Beaten a nose by a horse now rated 145 over fences and he runs here off 136, he could be well in on that form. I'm not a huge It's A Gimme fan, but I expect him to run well here on the back of his 2nd at Ascot 2 weeks ago, but Mcmanus has never won this race with his 2nd string and I am confident McCoy will side with the first string Darlan. Moon Dice has had a show of confidence from his trainer during the week. He runs off a pound lower here than he did last year when he was 4th, I think the handicapper still has him in his grasp. This is also a second thought after a disappointing start to his novice chase campaign earlier in the year which is a negative in my eyes. Prospect Wells will have the race run to suit and I think is a solid each way bet, I worry this may come to quick for him after last weeks ding dong battle with Zarkandar. Bothy and Olofi have run admirably in big handicaps, I love their consistency, but I feel the handicapper has them. I don't fancy Kazlian because I don't like backing horses who ran in the Fred Winter in this race, I don't think their quite classy enough otherwise they would have run in the Triumph. The same could be argued for Vendor, however Alan King rates him on a similar level to his top juveniles last year Grumeti and Balder Succes. He could be potentially well handicapped but he pulled very hard at Aintree last month and I wonder whether he would be better suited by a smaller field. Dark Lover won easily in a conditional jockeys handicap here last month, he is obviously on the upgrade but he will have to improve again to win here. Ryan Mahon takes 3lb off which assists and I think he has each way claims. Glam Gerry is my each way bet at a price. 33/1 looks a bit big for me considering he was placed behind Salut Flo at the Festival last year, he won the flat race when Go Native made his comeback and I feel he may stay on into a place.

3:25 - 2 Miles 5 Furlongs. Hyde Novices Hurdle
Selection - Village Vic

Village Vic (Black Sleeves) - Ticks All The Boxes

In my opinion, the form from the October equivalent of this race will stack up well come the spring. Ante-post Neptune Hurdle favourite The New One stayed on strongly to to get the better of Village Vic by 3 lengths, the third, the useful Thomas Crapper, was 21 lengths further behind! Phillip Hobbs rates this gelding very highly, his bumper campaign tailed off a bit last year after a cracking effort to come within a nose of the classy Shutthefrontdoor in February. However, his trainer has admitted he should have put him away after that run and not gone to Cheltenham and Punchestown in he spring. The run last month suggested he has overcome those poor efforts and is back on track, that piece of course form may stand him in good stead here against less experienced horses. He is the safe bet in the race and looks a solid contender. Fox Run had a large reputation in the Point To Point field and made a slick debut success at Worcester for his new stable. He showed good pace to quicken away from the consistent Chargen, it was a really taking performance. You're taking a punt on his untapped potential but he could be anything. Wingtips is my Under The Radar Juvenile for the season, he ran well to be 5th in the Triumph Hurdle last season and followed it up with a solid 3rd in the Punchestown equivalent. He was given a bad ride on his seasonal reappearance when 2/9 fav at Fairyhouse earlier in the month, it will have sharpened him up for this though. He has a chance if he can repeat his Triumph Hurdle form. I Shot The Sheriff, apart from being fantastically named (for you Bob Marley fans out there!), showed a smart turn of foot when winning at Wetherby on his hurdling debut and looks to have improved for the summer. He was quite a weak bumper horse last year and he has also moved to David Pipe's stable during the off season. I wouldn't put him out of it on the back of that win, he could be a horse at a price that may warrant some respect. According To Trev won the 3 mile novice hurdle here last month, he looked slow and may get outpaced here when stepping back in trip. Also the race looked poor and he has to carry a penalty, not a lot in his favour in my opinion. Bondage is another horse who won here last month in a 2 1/2 handicap hurdle, McCoy gave it a great ride that day but will be deserting him for the JP McManus owned Dursey Sound here. He also carries a penalty and is likely to get out classed. The fore mentioned Dursey Sound will have the champion jockey on board, his form isn't the strongest and will need to improve to win here but he could be anything.

My selections for the day:
1:10 - Captain Conan
1:45 - Malt Master, Well Sharp, Close House (Undecided)
2:20 - Sprinter Sacre
2:50 - Darlan
3:25 - Village Vic
4:00 - Fascino Rustico

Any questions or comments? Contact me through Twitter: @JoshRWDown

The Horse Racing Blog Jumpers Ten To Follow 2012/2013

1. Big Bucks

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=658928#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

How could I leave him out? Without doubt the greatest staying hurdler there has ever been. Although his victories are never by margins that stick in the memory, he looked as good as ever in the spring when claiming the World Hurdle at Cheltenham and then the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. It is hard to argue that he won't win the 2013 renewals next year. With potential high class staying novice hurdlers from 2012 such as Fingal Bay and Boston Bob probably heading novice chasing next year, there seems to be little new competition that may be a threat to Big bucks when he looks to extend his 17 race winning streak. At the age of 10 when the World Hurdle comes around in 2013, some may say he is heading into the latter stages of his career. However, I doubt this will be too much of a hindrance to the gelding and I would expect him to still be plenty strong enough to claim a 5th World Hurdle and subsequently a 5th Liverpool Hurdle next Spring. This should be in addition to winning the: Newbury Hurdle on Hennessy day, the Longwalk Hurdle and potentially the Cleeve Hurdle on Festival trials day in January. I assume 2013 will be another year when he truly cements his dominance on the 3 mile hurdle division.

2. Sprinter Sacre

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=750129#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

The most exciting novice chaser I can recall in my relatively short horse racing following. Unbeaten over fences, this alpha-male of a horse defeated his rivals in a manner that can only be described as 'spanked'. The resident of Seven Barrows stables is a 2-1 ante-post favourite for next years 2 mile Queen Mother Champion Chase and in my eyes, rightly so. Described as an 'aeroplane' last year, his jockey Barry Geraghty was certainly a 'pilot' in the geldings victories effectively just doing the steering. The rest was left to Sprinter Sacre , and jeez he delivered! The highlights of his novice campaign were taking the Arkle Trophy at the Festival in March and following up this with the Maghull Novice Chase at Aintree. Both looking what my mate would describe as 'The Badgers Nadgers'. Being a new-comer to the championship 2 mile chase division places an element of doubt that inexperience could be his undoing. However, the competition he will face is either ageing in the case of Sizing Europe or quite frankly not good enough in the case Gauvain. His stable mate and last years winner of the Queen Mother Finians Rainbow also looks like being stepped up in trip for a crack at the King George. Consequently, I don't consider his level of inexperience to be a problem. Look at the way he demolished the 2 mile seasoned chasers in the Game Spirit at Newbury in February for example. The only thing that can surely beat Sprinter Sacre, is Sprinter Sacre. This horse is a banker.

3. Sir Des Champs

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=753565#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

Long thought as a future Gold Cup horse by his trainer Willie Mullins, this Gigginstown owned gelding is already ante-post favourite for the 2013 renewal at 6-1. 2012 was a progressive year for Sir Des Champs. Starting off in relatively serene surroundings at Fairyhouse, two more novice chase wins followed before the highlight of his season came when winning the 2m 5f Jewson Novice Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He powered away up the hill from Champion Court that day like a really good horse. I distinctively remember Dad backing him at 14-1 ante-post which bought the family a nice Chinese that evening. The peking duck was yummy as ever! What made it even more tasty was that I had a little dabble on the Irish raider too! Looking forward to this year, I expect to see Sir Des Champs putting up bold displays in the championship 3 mile chases across the Irish Sea. I feel his main quality his the ability to stay and jump in a manner that doesn't exert too much energy. This could be crucial if he is to challenge for the Gold Cup in March as there are many rivals who will be around to pick up the pieces. These horses could be Bobs Worth, Long Run or The Giant Bolster. For those of you who have noticed I haven't included Flemenstar in this summary, to be honest with you, I was torn to choose between him and Sir Des Champs. I sided with the latter due to feeling he will get every yard of the 3 mile trips he will be covering this year whilst Flemenstar hasn't gone beyond 2m 4f in his career as of yet. I feel Sir Des Champs will out-stay Flemenstar. Simple as that. Although I have very little confidence behind this theory. Nonetheless, my gut instinct tells me that Sir Des Champs will fund many more takeaways this winter in the Down household!

4. Hurricane Fly

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=663874#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

This entrant at no.4 doesn't need much of an introduction. The apple of his trainer Willie Mullins eye, his constant reiteration of the brilliance his stable star is capable of was vindicated in the 2011  Champion Hurdle and more recently in the Irish Champion Hurdle. The latter performance was rated as 'his best ever' by Mullins and it seemed, on that form, the defence of his crown at the Festival was a formality. It obviously wasn't with the 8 year old finishing 3rd. He then reappeared at the Punchestown Festival to defend his Rabobank Champion Hurdle where he won in a style that was similar to his run in the Champion Hurdle. I'm not sure whether he was quite himself last spring, I going to attribute that to his brilliant win in the Irish Champion Hurdle taking more out of him than first thought. I am more than willing to give him another chance and I have no doubt there isn't a horse than can live with him in 2 mile hurdles when he his on top form. I don't consider last years Supreme Novice to be the best we've seen and if that judgement proves to be correct then something like Cinders And Ashes surely can't be good enough to get the better of the Fly. Lets just hope horses racing equivalent of Ledley King arrives fit and healthy at all his intended targets!

5. Simonsig:

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=756250#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

Cemented himself as the top novice hurdler over 2m 4f last term with two devastating victories at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring. Nicky Henderson believes a drop back in trip would suit rather than a step up, as he feels Simonsig has a lot of natural speed which would be best utilised over the shorter 2 mile trip. His high cruising speed should assist him over 2 miles and help his jockey Barry Geraghty get his rivals off the bridle. Also his natural scope would also suggest that jumping a fence should not be an issue, in fact Henderson said the reason he ran over 2m 4f last term was to help his jumping as hurdles seemed to just 'get in the way'. Simonsig is definitely a horse for the ten to follow and is ante-post favourite for the Arkle at 3-1. This short price would suggest there is a lot of confidence behind the grey. I expect to see him competing in the top class novice chases this year and he is in my ten to follow principally as my ante-post selection for the Arkle in 2013.

6. Fingal Bay:

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=776899#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

Campaigned at staying novice hurdles last year. Fingal Bay could not be faulted only losing in the Sefton at Aintree (prefers softer ground and interfered by fallen horse were adequate excuses) whilst also racking up wins in the Challow hurdle and at The Open Meeting. He is almost certain to be stepped-up to 3 miles which would suggest that either the RSA or the World Hurdle are potentially his main targets. To win those races the main characteristic that a horse requires, in such a grueling contest is to stay. In my opinion this is Fingal Bay's greatest attribute. An issue may be whether he goes novice chasing this year or delay the inevitable until 2013/2014. The dilemma Philip Hobbs faces is whether to take on Big Bucks (the greatest of them all!) in the World Hurdle and give the horse another year to mature and gain experience. Or whether to take a chance this year but then possibly leave the horse with less experience when he takes on the big boys in the high class staying chases the following year? In my view this horse is a top quality animal and will almost certainly be seen in Gold Cups of the future. The gelding is 10-1 ante-post favourite for the RSA and he is my likely winner of the race. An element of doubt about whether he will go novice chasing and a liking for some cut in the ground which has not been present at the Cheltenham Festival in recent times would worry me though. However, I feel he is a gamble worth taking as I feel he is top top class. When a trainer describes one of their horses as 'phenomenal' like Phillips Hobbs has, you take note and listen.

7. Hunt Ball:

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=736164#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

The story of the 2011/2012 season, there isn't a lot I can say about Hunt Ball that hasn't already been said. The Anthony Knott owned gelding rose an astonishing 88 pounds in the weights last term, that's over 6 stone!  I know some may argue that he can't improve much more and to be honest I agree with you. He proved he can compete with the top class 3 mile chasers at Aintree and he definitely appeared to stay. I think he is a horse who will relish a stamina test this year. He is in my ten to follow as my ante-post selection for the Hennessy at Newbury in November and then if things go well, he may well go to the Gold Cup. I hope this horse can collect the bonus points on offer for these races. I feel he meets a few trends the Hennessy has created. Apart from the fact the race seems a logical place for the 7 year old start his campaign. The fact he is 7 is to his advantage, 5 winners in the last 10 years being aged 7. Also 6 of the last 10 winners have been rated between 142-158, Hunt Ball currently has a rating of 157. I think there is potential the handicapper hasn't got him quite yet. He is at least as good as, or better than, Medermit and Burton Port for example. They are rated 167 and 166 respectively. I still think he may be a few pounds to the good! Is the dream still on for the 2013 Gold Cup? Could we have another winners enclosure classic like last year? If his enigmatic owner Anthony Knott (pictured above riding his horse back into the winners enclosure with jockey Nick Schofield at Wincanton) is around  you can almost guarantee we will. 'B****r the cows!' Comment of the year.

8. Rebel Fitz

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=751233#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

It is always questionable where the Galway Hurdle winner will venture after their success in the summer and more importantly, whether they will have any more success in the coming winter. Looking at previous winners such as Moon Dice and Oslot, the Galway Hurdle race win has been their last due to their rise in the weights. Consequently, like Oslot, Moon Dice may have to head novice chasing in search of races where he can still be competitive. But, and this a big but, this years winner in Rebel Fitz looks to be something a bit special. The gelding turned up at Cork later in August this year in another handicap hurdle, where at a starting price of 4-11 favourite, he promptly swept aside solid handicappers such as Sailors Warn and Fosters Cross. The starting price told you the story, they knew! From the relatively unknown yard of Michael Winters, Rebel Fitz has progressed to a rating of 155. If you look at the ratings he is much higher in the weights than Moon Dice was after his Galway hurdle win, however I think this gelding may well be a bit better than a handicapper such as Moon Dice. In my opinion this horse has so much progression to come that he could be a championship racehorse. Don't be surprised if you see this animal appear in the Champion Hurdle next year. It may sound a bit optimistic but there's something that stinks about this horse and I wouldn't be surprised if he's still well in off a mark of 155.

9. Salut Flo

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=727318#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

I may be criticised for thinking through my heart rather than my head here, whereby the 33-1 I missed ante-post for the Byrne Group Plate at the festival is still haunting me. I have put him in my ten to follow principally for the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November where I think he has a fantastic chance. Winning the 2m 5f contest would provide me with some of those precious maximum 25 bonus points. For those of you who want to hear why I think the gelding has a real chance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup please refer to my post 'The Paddy Power Gold Cup Winner' (http://thehorseracingblog1.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/the-2012-paddy-power-gold-cup-winner.html). If you haven't already done so. The plan is to substitute this horse after the December Gold Cup race at Cheltenham. Will handicap mark will have rocketed skywards following two victories! I will be replacing him with Finian's Rainbow when his main target the King George comes around on Boxing Day.

10. Boston Bob

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/horse_home.sd?horse_id=750839#topHorseTabs=horse_race_record&bottomHorseTabs=horse_form

My judgement of Boston Bob is much the same as the majorities. I believe he was the best novice hurdler in Ireland last year and his defeat in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival came as a bit of a shock. He was the centrepiece of my Union Jack bet that day, although his defeat didn't cost me too much money as I didn't have the best of Gold Cup days. The fact he was my centrepiece displayed I thought he had a great chance. He just seemed to run a bit 'flat', he ran well but not quite as well as we know he can. His performance was similar to Hurricane Fly's run in the Champion Hurdle, just not quite 100%. Coincidently, they both won on that day at Leopardstown when conditions were horrendous. Boston Bob probably had more of a slog than was first thought and I think it may have taken quite a lot out of him. He was expected to move onto Punchestown after Cheltenham where he would get his novice hurdle campaign back on track, but he was not entered. His trainer Willie Mullins' explanation was that he thought Boston Bob had done enough for the year. I interpreted this as something was not quite right and whatever it was that meant he wasn't 100% at Cheltenham was still present later on in the spring. I think the plan is to go novice chasing this winter. He will almost certainly be aimed at the RSA and other staying novice chases in Ireland. I would imagine jumping a fence will not be a problem as he was athletic over his hurdles and he has the scope to jump a fence. He showed he stays last year when he and the ill-fated Brindisi Breeze out-stayed their rivals in the Albert Bartlett in March. I expect many bold displays from Boston Bob this year. However if things don't go to plan I would imagine I will substitute this horse with a staying chaser with the 'National' races coming around later in the season.