When Tocororo beat Swamp Fox in a maiden hurdle over two miles of 'heavy' ground at Fairyhouse two days ago, Gordon Elliott's charge nigh on fitted the final piece of the 2016 Triumph Hurdle, due to be staged two months from next Friday.
On her previous start this formerly moderate 63-rated Teofilio filly finished 4th (of 18!) to Aidan O'Brien-trained Ivanovich Gorbatov over a similar distance at Leopardstown, beaten THIRTEEN LENGTHS!
We timed that race!
Convinced of our accuracy 'we' advised someone to go in, ante-post, at odds of 7/1 to a 'chunk' of money; now my so-called client is sitting pretty because 'Ivan' is about 4/1 and likely to get shorter when the realisation kicks into others albeit unsuspecting punters.
How many runners will there be in the much-heralded, eagerly-awaited, 'juvenile classic' on the last day of our fabulous Cheltenham Festival?
Given the time-handicap mark achieved by Ivanovich Gorbatov was colossal, and that , as mentioned, will obviously filter through 'professional' circles, who in their right minds will want to take him on?
Big guns like Henderson and Nicholls might just fancy their chances and Alan King will undoubtedly race Who Dare Wins but none is capable of extending, never mind beating, the favourite which, to all intents and purposes, is being trained by Aidan's dual champion jockey son, Joseph.
We're forecasting that the 'Triumph' will house about ten declarations with other juvenile hurdlers going for an option of the Fred Winter 4-y-o Handicap Hurdle earlier in the 'Festival' week.
Ivanovich Gorbatev was rated 97 on the flat, has won three of four races and could well be a Champion Hurdle prospect.Joseph reckons he might line-up for the Royal Ascot Gold Cup!
Incidentally, and coincidentally, the Triumph Hurdle situation is similar to last year when we 'spotted' Peace And Co and took 6/1 about the eventual 5/2 winner; readers weren't left out, you never are!
Exciting 'times' ahead, in the meantime there are two 'heavy' ground jumping fixtures scheduled today, Ludlow and Fakenham where of particular interest will be be Grand Turina in the Mares' Maiden Hurdle over two miles.
Grand Turina won her only race, a 'bumper' last year since when she's been shipped from Pam Sly to trainer-in-form, Venetia Williams; don't oppose.A moderate all-weather fixture is set for Lingfield polytrack and two speculative bets are Lightsome and Obboor.
Stick with the daily patent!
SELECTIONS
9.20 Grand Turina
9.40 Lightsome
11.40 Obboor