Timeform’s David Cleary questions whether Thyme Hill is best headed for the Stayers’ Hurdle after his defeat to McFabulous at Newbury.
THYME HILL (Philip Hobbs) – November 26, 2022
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Given how well he looked he went over fences at Exeter on his first trial, leading over hurdles. Cimbru Hill was an unfortunate disappointment in Newbury’s John Francome rookie chase.
He looked winded after ballooning the first open ditch and once the race got into earnest he was completely overtaken over the last four fences by the winner McFabulous.
In Thyme Hill’s defence, a tactical race on good ground wouldn’t have brought his stamina into the game and from a numbers point of view it’s arguable he didn’t run badly at all. That being said, it would be very hard to like something like Kauto Star on this show.
His appearance in the paddock beforehand perhaps hints at another problem – he looked weak, his appearance in contrast to the winner who had an even shorter break.
Thyme Hill’s overall profile suggests a horse that needs time between races. He only once had three rounds without a break of at least two months after the first or second.
Where do I go now? Thyme Hill came to watch relatively late in his career, turning nine in January.
With him now likely to have a break, it would certainly make sense to draw stumps in the chase and target him for the Stayers’ Hurdle in March.
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BOOTHILL (Harry Fry) – November 19, 2022
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The furore around the field at Ascot and the withdrawal of Constitution Hill meant the quality of BoothillHis performance in winning the Hurst Park Handicap Chase is gone.
It shouldn’t have worked: Boothill, on just his third start over fences, put in a performance that would put him right in the mix for any graded novice chase ahead of Cheltenham. However, he does not appear to have received a single quote for Sporting Life Arkle.
It’s no surprise that Boothill is already a much better hunter than he was a hurdler, with the physique and demeanor of one.
He disappointed in just one attempt over fences last season but won well at Newton Abbot on his return and there was plenty to like about the way he won on Saturday.
Having a good look at his fences, he certainly jumped and, after traveling with enthusiasm, also saw the race with strength.
Sandown’s Henry VIII may come a little early and is the target of Arkle’s favorite Jonbon, so Wayward Lad at Kempton at Christmas could be a good option.
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BANBRIDGE (Joseph O’Brien) – November 12, 2022
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There was no outstanding performance over the three days of Cheltenham’s November meeting, but for my money, Banbridge is the horse that has done the most to claim top honors.
Banbridge is already a winner at the Cheltenham Festival after landing the Martin Pipe over hurdles last spring, but physically he is very much a hunter, a gunner and his fluent fencing was key to his victory in Saturday’s Arkle Trial.
Faced with a quartet showing better stone form than he did over hurdles, he gave them a lesson in jumping, only needing to be pushed to beat Tommy’s Oscar by six lengths.
The race time looks good and Banbridge wouldn’t have much to find to get a place in Arkle itself. And there’s definitely more to come.
Although he has mostly run further, he is not short of speed and two miles will continue to give him no trouble over fences.
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