#and we all know race and albert are constantly getting themselves into trouble | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

doodlebug-aboo · 7 years

Note

46 for Ralbert :D

Yeah so this turned into a multichap fic… This is the first chapter, which you can also find on ao3 here ! I won’t be posting the other 2 chapters to tumblr so you’ll have to check ao3 for those!

Antonio “Racetrack” Higgins wasn’t afraid of a lot of things. He often got himself into situations that were stupidly dangerous because he wasn’t too afraid of the consequences. Albert hated this, and he was the one who normally had to stop Race from getting into bad situations. Race did have a few fears though, but he didn’t like sharing them because he thought they were embarrassing. Heights and roller coasters. They were both kind of irrational fears, and he knew that, but he was still terrified nonetheless. Albert knew about the height thing, because when being best friends with someone for years, a fear of heights is bound to be noticed. The roller coaster thing though, Race wasn’t sure if Albert knew or not. Albert had gone to the fair with Race and his aunt and cousin plenty of times over the years. Albert’s mom was busy a lot, so she couldn’t always take him. They always avoided the roller coasters though. Now they were juniors in high school and they were finally allowed to hang out at the fair alone. They’d been able to go with a group without Race’s aunt or any parent with them since freshman year, but it wasn’t until junior year that they could finally go alone. Though this was not a date. It definitely was not a date. No matter what Jack says, they’re just two friends hanging out at the fair and having a good time. Not a date. Nope.

Race had done a pretty good job at keeping away from the roller coasters. They went on a ton of other rides though, they went on the one that spins you so fast you get stuck to the wall and thankfully, nobody puked. They went on another one that spins you really fast but also flips you upside down. They went on a ride called the Scrambler that spins you around in a certain pattern that makes you slide into your friend and squish them into the side of the seat. Albert had offered the ferris wheel, but when Race just gave him a look, he realized that would be a bad idea. Race was about ready to offer they get some food, look around the little shops and play some games to win stupid prizes, but they were walking past the roller coaster.

“Race! We should ride the roller coaster! Come on, one last ride?” Race had been doing so well, what went wrong?

“Are you sure? I was about to suggest we get some food, aren’t you hungry?” He hoped the mention of food could save him.

“Well, yeah, but after we eat we won’t want to go on any more rides. Come on, Race, the last time I went on a roller coaster I was like, four, and it was one of the kiddie ones. Please?” Race sighed and reluctantly started walking towards the line. Albert cheered and followed. They made it to the line, but Race stood off to the side a little.

“You can go on it. I will stay right here.” Albert groaned and rolled his eyes.

“Come on Race! What’s the big problem?” Race puffed out his cheeks and walked over to Albert in the line.

“I may have… a small fear of roller coasters.” Albert’s eyes widened.

“Really? I didn’t know that. Race, they aren’t that scary and I’m sure you’ve done things way more dangerous than ride a roller coaster. Plus, I’ll be next to you the whole time.” Race sighed again.

“Albert, I am like, actually terrified if these things.” They were getting closer to the front as each cart got filled.

“Race, come on. Will you come with me?” Race really didn’t want to, but Albert maybe kind of looked really cute in that moment and he couldn’t just say no to that face.

“Only if you hold my hand.” Race said it more as a joke, but he saw Albert blush a little, and he was sure he was blushing too. They got up to the front of the line and got placed in the middle of the carts. Race was taking deep breaths, trying to calm his increasing anxiety.

“You’ll be fine, Race. Don’t worry.” Race placed his hand on Albert’s.

“I meant the hold hands thing as a joke but I could maybe use something to keep me calm right now.” Albert got the message and turned his hand up and intertwined his fingers with Race’s. The roller coaster started moving and Race flinched and closed his eyes.

“It’s okay, Race, you don’t need to close your eyes.”

“Well I’m still going to.” Albert chuckled at him, but didn’t say anything more. They made it to the end of the ride without dying, so that was a plus. Race opened his eyes slowly when the carts finally pulled to a stop. The safety bar lifted, and they pulled themselves out. Race took note of how Albert hadn’t let go of his hand yet. They walked away from the ride and Albert took a deep breath.

“I understand your fear now, and I don’t think I’ll be going on another roller coaster. At least not for a long time.”

“See? It’s a completely rational fear!” Albert just laughed at him as they kept walking in a random direction.

“You want to get some food now? I am still hungry.” It was Race’s turn to laugh at the other as he turned them in the direction of the food. It was still pretty light out, it couldn’t have been past three, so they had plenty of time to eat, look through some of the shops and vendors, and play some games before they had to leave. It wasn’t a long walk to the food area of the fair, but Race may have been slowing their walking down just a little so he could keep holding Albert’s hand. He was surprised Albert hadn’t let go yet, but he wasn’t complaining. They finally got to all the food and looked around at what they could get, they figured they’d stop where they always did for food, but it didn’t hurt to look. In the end, they ended up going to the same place where they get burgers every year. The burgers were huge though, bigger than their heads, so they always split one. They also got a soda to share and an order of fries. They had to let go of each other’s hands to pay, and Race was kind of reluctant to do so. After they got the food, they headed over to one of the more empty tables off to the side. The unwrapped the burger, cut it in half, and dug in.

“Why are these burgers always so good? How do they make them so good?”

“It’s because of how big they are. The bigger it is, the better it tastes.” They were both silent for a second, before they both burst out laughing.

“Nice going, Albert. Did you even think before saying that?” Albert hit him in the shoulder.

“Like you’re one to talk! You never think before you speak. Your big mouth gets you in a load of trouble constantly.” Race shrugged.

“Can’t argue there.” They both laughed and continued eating until they were done. After they threw their trash away, they walked towards the shop area and looked at all the vendors. There were places that were interesting or just fun to mess around in, like the multiple hat shops they’d stop by. They didn’t end up buying anything at any of the shops, but that just meant they’d have more money at the end of the trip. It was closer to five by the time they got to some games. Albert gasped when they walked past one of those games where you shoot water into a hole to fill a balloon and whoever pops it first, wins.

“Jesus, what?” Albert gasping scared Race and he jumped.

“Race, that stuffed monkey in the sunglasses and backwards hat. I need it.” Race rolled his eyes.

“You don’t need it.”

“Yes I do!” Albert ran up and soon was getting ready to play the game against some other fair-goers. It was one of the smaller prizes, so it wouldn’t be hard to get. He’d just need to win twice, and trade his two small prizes for one medium prize, being the monkey. Problem is, someone else won the first time, and then the second time. Albert walked away from the game, defeated. Race sighed.

“I’ll get it for you.” Albert looked up.

“What?”

“I said, I’ll get it for you. This is one of the only games I’m good at.” Albert looked skeptical.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you wasting tickets on me.”

“Oh shut up, I’m getting you the damn monkey.” Race walked up to the game then and got scanned for his tickets. He then sat down and started a game against some others. When the game ended, Race was the winner. He picked out a random small prize, knowing he’d be trading it later. He then played again after getting scanned, and again, he won. Rather than getting another small prize, he traded in the other one and got the monkey for Albert. Albert smiled.

“Race, when did you get good at that?”

“Simple math.”

“It might be simple to you, but not me.” Race laughed, but then they continued on. They walked past the game that Albert loved to play, he was good at it too. It was the game where you knocked the bottles down in the stack by throwing balls at them. Albert of course wanted to play it again, so he got scanned for tickets and easily knocked down all the bottles in the stack with the three balls given to him. The girl behind the counter told him to pick one of the big prizes, since he knocked them all down in one go. He looked at them all, and after a second turned to Race.

“Which one do you want?”

“Me? You got the prize, man.”

“Okay but you got me the monkey, I want to get one for you. Which one?” Race felt his face flush a bit and after looking for a second, chose the big stuffed dog. It wasn’t one of the huge prizes that people could hardly carry, but it was big enough that he had to hold it to his chest with both arms. Albert smiled at him. Before they walked off, the girl spoke up.

“You guys are cute together. I hope you enjoy the rest of the fair!” Race knew that his entire face was probably red now. Albert was turning red too. They just nodded at her and walked away.

They knew the games would be their final stop for the night, because no one liked carrying around prizes forever. It was getting a little darker anyway, and they’d be wanted home soon anyway, so they made their way out of the fair and to Albert’s car. Albert climbed in and unlocked it before Race climbed into the passenger seat. He had to situate the dog and monkey on his lap so that they weren’t in the way of Albert in some way while he was driving. Albert began pulling out of the parking spot, and began the drive to Race’s apartment to drop him off.

“Dude, today was so fun, I wish the fair was here year-round. We’re gonna have to wait until next year to come again and that sucks.” Albert smiled.

“Yeah, I know, but we had one hell of a time today, right? We went on some great rides, I learned about my fear of roller coasters, ate some great food, and we got some awesome prizes for each other.” Race smiled at that too.

“Yeah, I wish I could have gotten you something better though. This monkey looks like nothing compared to this dog.” Race pouted a little. He should have kept playing to get Albert something better.

“Okay, but I wanted the monkey. I didn’t want any of the bigger prizes.” He nudged Race with his elbow. He rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, okay, fine. Next year though, we bring some sort of backpack to hold stuff like prizes in so we can get more.”

“Deal.”

They pulled up to Race’s apartment building, and Albert stopped the car for him to get out. Race took the monkey and placed it on the dashboard and put the dog down by his feet for a second as he unbuckled. He turned to Albert to say goodbye and wow… he wanted to kiss him. Like, really bad. He bit his lip. No, he couldn’t. They were friends and nothing more. He smiled at him.

“Well I’ll see you at school Monday, later man,” he pulled himself out of the car and grabbed the stuffed dog, “drive safe!” He said before shutting the door and heading inside. He got inside the building and went up to his floor and barged into the apartment. It was probably a little loud for seven o’clock at night but he didn’t care much. His cousin, Melody, was sitting on the couch and her eyes widened upon seeing the big dog.

“Wow, did good on the games, huh?” Race plopped himself on the couch next to her.

“No, but Albert did. He got this for me.” Melody turned to him and gave him a hard stare.

“When are you going to admit that that was totally a date, and that you guys definitely like each other. Just kiss and get together already!” Race groaned and rolled his eyes.

“It wasn’t a date! And we don’t like each other!” Race got off the couch and headed to his room. He sat the dog down on the bed and plopped next to it. But what if it had been a date?

#newsies #prompt fill #racetrack higgins #albert dasilva #ralbert #fic

6 notes · View notes

gospelmusic · 4 years

Link

Catholic Mass Reading: 10 May 2020 - Many Ways Of Giving Up One's Life

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Sunday May 10, 2020 Fifth Sunday of Easter (A) Vestment: White Today’s Rosary: Glorious Mystery

Death Anniversary of Archbishop Albert Obiefuna of Onitsha 10/5/11

Theme of the Sunday: The Many Ways of Giving up One’s Life. The central theme of today’s readings is the “many rooms” present in the house of the Father, that is, the many ways we can help each other. In the gospel Jesus says that the way to the Father is the service of our brothers and sisters. The second reading uses the image of a new building and the first reading describes how the community of Jerusalem solved a problem. Both readings help us to deepen our understanding of the message.

Entrance Antiphon O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders; in the sight of the nations he has shown his deliverance, alleluia.

The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is said.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Collect Almighty everliving God, constantly accomplish the paschal mystery within us, that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal. Through our Lord.

FIRST READING “They picked out seven men full of the Holy Spirit. ” A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6: 1-7)

In these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the Twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 33: 1-2.4-5.18-19 (R. 22) R/. May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord. Or: Alleluia.

Ring out your joy to the LORD, O you just; for praise is fitting for the upright. Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp; with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. R.

For the word of the LORD is faithful, and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right, and his merciful love fills the earth. R.

Yes, the Lord’s eyes are on those who fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. R.

SECOND READING “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.” A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter (I Peter 2:4-9)

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Beloved: Come to the Lord, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame.” To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall”; for they stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA John 14:6 Alleluia. I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, but by me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 14: 1- 12)

In those days: Jesus said to his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayers of the Faithful Christ is our Way, Truth and Life.

PRIEST: My brothers and sisters we pray to God our Father for all the graces for the Church and the world, through Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

READER: For the Church, the sign of salvation, (pause) may she always point the way to the world. pause Lord, hear our prayer; through Christ, you Son we pray Oh Lord.

For the leaders of our society, (pause) may they never consider themselves as the most important members of society, but see themselves rather as servants in the world of which Christ alone is Lord. (pause) Lord, hear our prayer; through Christ, you Son we pray Oh Lord.

For those who are worried, or in great distress, (pause) may Christ’s words in today’s gospel, “do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God still and trust in me” console and encourage them in their time of trial. (pause) Lord, hear our prayer; through Christ, you Son we pray Oh Lord.

For an increase of vocations, (pause) may young men and women be encouraged to offer themselves as priests and religious for the service of the Church. (pause) Lord, hear our prayer; through Christ, you Son we pray Oh Lord.

In silence, we pray to our heavenly Father for our own spiritual intentions.

PRIEST: Father, may we be one with you by following your Son, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Personal Devotional: Day 10 of May Devotion

When our mission on earth comes to an end we must definitely return to the one who has made us come into this world to present our report card, Jesus finished his work and returned back to the Father (Ascension) and He received the reward to take His place at right hand of the Father at the end of His mission. Our Mother Mary also at the end of her earthly existence was also assumed into heaven and she received her reward. Let us learn from our Mother Mary to do good with all we got here on earth so that at the end heaven will be our reward.

Meditation: Mark 16:15-20

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to carry out my mission here on earth well as our Blessed Mother did, so that in the end I will come to live with you in heaven. Amen.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Follow us on social media: Facebook: @hottestnaija.com Twitter: @wherehot Instagram: @hottest9jablog (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Click here to take a look at our posts on gospel music download

or click this link to see all posts that include gospel music lyrics

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

You may also like our gospel worship songs page which contains, the best, coolest and hottest Nigerian Gospel Songs, and Foreign Gospel Songs. Whatsoever is the mood, we've got you covered. Do you feel like dancing, rejoicing, shouting, screaming, or you're filled with jubilation because of the Mighty things the Lord has done? Then look no further, cos our gospel praise songs page, containing the hottest Nigerian and foreign praise songs collection, was prepared specifically for you. Peradventure you need the lyrics of the songs you are downloading now, just downloaded, or have downloaded before, our lyrics page is the best place to look. What more could be more helpful and entertaining than seeing the lyrics of your most favourite song before you, as the music unfolds unto the climax. Hey we've been there before, and still encounter it from time to time when the vocals get lost in the cloud of heavy orchestration.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Are You a Classical Music lover, our classical music page, contains the best of classical songs, composed and written by composers like G. F Handel, Bach, Joseph Haydn, etc. As you listen to your best gospel song, you may also want to get some more insight and knowledge about the word of God, from eBooks written by God's servants, or you may want to learn something new or build yourself up in some way. Then our eBook Page is the right place to look. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You may be in need of entertainment, and probably want to watch a video too. We understand that as well. You can get entertaining video downloads from our video downloads page.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

#Music #Lyrics

0 notes

shanroeform · 4 years

Text

Poking Holes: An Alternative Gold Cup Preview

It’s sometimes hard to tell, by the time the Gold Cup rolls around on the Friday of the Cheltenham Festival, who is the most exhausted: the horses struggling up the hill or the racing public running on fumes (and particularly noxious ones at that in the Guinness Village). Podcasts, papers and presenters constantly remind us exactly how gruelling the pinnacle of racing is but fail to congratulate the spectators on making it through three and half emotionally and physically exhausting days to witness the spectacle. It’s certainly safe to assume that the number of fallers in the stands of Prestbury Park and pubs across the country far outweighs those on the course itself.

However, since Ed Chamberlain is unlikely to press Ruby Walsh for his opinion on whether Steve’s dad was wise to have his ninth Guinness of the day at only quarter to two, we’re left to analyse the racing.

This article is part of my Poking Holes series, which looks at the big Cheltenham races from a more critical angle in the hope that this alternative analysis may open up a previously unexplored angle. Previous pieces have focused on the Champion Hurdle and the Champion Chase.

Santini

In a somewhat strange situation, Santini is simultaneously many people’s “shrewd” bet of the week and the favourite for the Gold Cup. As a result of a late surge in popularity, having been relatively friendless all season, we now find ourselves two weeks away from witnessing insightful pundits clutching betslips dated 2019 stand arm in arm with “BOOOOOM” Twitter on the racecourse rail as they urge Nicky Henderson’s horse home.

Santini arrives at the Festival off the back of an unbeaten two-race season, most recently having seen off Bristol De Mai in the Grade Two Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham. Whilst this course form may be taken to be a huge positive, it is not the first time that Santini has performed well at Prestbury Park in January on his second run of the season – during his novice hurdle campaign, Henderson’s horse claimed victory in the Grade Two Ballymore trial before being turned over as an 11/4 favourite in the Albert Bartlett next time out. As Chief Brody proved in Jaws 2, if it looks the same, smells the same and sounds the same, it may well turn out to be the same.

Indeed, Santini’s only other run at the Festival also ended in defeat. This may seem like an overly harsh assessment – his run in last season’s RSA Chase was brilliant (as was the race as a whole) and, if you believe Nicky Henderson, came off the back of the stable wondering whether they’d need to amputate Santini’s leg, so poor was his preparation. However, it is sometimes necessary to conduct a nitpicky analysis in a race like the Gold Cup, and a Festival record of 0/2 is certainly something to flag.

On top of this, Santini’s defeat of Bristol De Mai can itself be looked at warily. The last winner of the Costwold Chase to convert this into Gold Cup success was Looks Like Trouble in 2000, before Santini’s sire, Milan, had even stepped foot onto a racecourse. Of course, trends such as these only take one horse to break – however, for a race which should in theory act as the perfect stepping stone to racing’s blue riband event, such statistics do not justify the revered position which Santini’s victory has been given.

The form of this victory is also not the most convincing. Bristol De Mai is an admirable but not quite top class horse, despite Nigel Twiston-Davies attempting to persuade even PETA otherwise – he threatened supreme class with two consecutive Betfair Chase victories, and even had the handicapper fooled when briefly rated as the best horse in training, but has never won at Cheltenham and clearly reserves his best form for Haydock. Whilst some may point to Bristol De Mai’s third-place finish in last year’s Gold Cup, this form can also be viewed sceptically given that he was beaten home by Annibale Fly, a horse who has finished dead last on all three starts this season.

The final stick to throw at Santini is his inexperience. Henderson’s horse has had just five career chase runs (perhaps explaining why some still perceive him to be an under the radar animal), a statistic which could quickly reveal itself in a race where everything happens quickly (despite its lengthy nature) and where Nico De Boinville will be given no room to allow his steed to settle. Santini had plenty of space in the Cotswold Chase and jumped well for the most part (bar a mistake at the second last) - this will simply not be the case at Cheltenham, and he may find himself like the child who comes to watch his dad’s Sunday league game but gets chucked in at centre back when they find themselves a man short.

To put Santini’s inexperience in to context, Al Boum Photo had seven chase runs before his victory last season. Native River had had so many runs that he was essentially handed the trophy as a reward for maxing out his racecourse loyalty card, whilst Sizing John had raced nine times before his 2017 success. This is not to say that Santini cannot win the race; many will view this limited experience as a positive, suggesting that Henderson has an unexposed horse who remains capable of vast improvement. However, it is certainly something to consider in a race as demanding as the Gold Cup.

Al Boum Photo

Whether you favour Al Boum Photo for the Gold Cup largely depends on how you read the form of last season’s edition. He looked hugely impressive, but, with the aforementioned Annibale Fly and Bristol De Mai behind him, it is valid to throw questions at the form.

This scepticism is furthered by the memory of Kemboy unseating at the first in last year’s Gold Cup, leaving Al Boum Photo free to race clear up the hill unchallenged; after all, the winner’s stablemate promptly turned up at Punchestown and put Al Boum Photo to the sword. Admittedly, the form of the Punchestown Festival can sometimes be skewed, the result of a long and difficult season. Unfortunately, in this case such an excuse is as convincing as Deontay Wilder claiming that his pasting by Tyson Fury was the result of an overly heavy walk-in suit. The defeat by Kemboy was only Al Boum Photo’s third run of the season, and Kemboy had in fact run in between the Gold Cup and his defeat of the Donnellys’ horse.

There is also no way of knowing how Al Boum Photo’s exertions last year have affected him. We have repeatedly seen how previous victors have struggled to return to their peak following Gold Cup success - indeed, Native River’s reappearance last season was the first time the existing champion had even returned to the race since Lord Windermere’s testimonial in 2015, and no horse has retained the title since Best Mate in 2004. All we have seen of Al Boum Photo this season is a comeback victory over the 152 rated Acapella Bourgeois at Tramore, who with all due respect he could have turned over with three legs and jumping backwards. There is nothing to suggest that Boum Photo has been affected by last season’s race; however, given the historic struggles of former victors, and the lack of evidence that the Mullins horse will not be similarly affected, this is worth highlighting.

Delta Work

Delta Work has had a brilliant season so far – he has claimed two thrilling Grade One victories, the Savills Chase and the Irish Gold Cup, finishing ahead of most of the leading Irish staying chasers. This follows an excellent novice chase campaign, in which the Gigginstown horse claimed three Grade Ones and finished third in what looks like one of the strongest RSA Chases in recent years.

However, whilst Delta Work is clearly a fantastic horse, his record on ground which is soft or worse would be cause for concern in a season where Storms Ciara and Dennis have caused racecourses to rebrand as a budget Aqualand. Gordon Elliot’s horse has form of 21211111 where the going is better than soft; turn on the sprinklers, however, and the gelding’s record turns in to 332431341. Whilst Delta Work clearly does not hate soft ground, he is also less than enamoured with it; he may not be the eight-year-old child who spits out his mum’s fish pie, but may well be the more mature 17-year-old who tolerates it out of politeness whilst barely concealing his contempt.

Admittedly, Delta Work took victory in the Pertemps at the Festival on soft ground. However, this was carrying only 10-10, winning by only a nose to a Glenloe who was carrying only 2 pounds less and who has not won since (and indeed has won just once in his entire career). Using this evidence to validate a belief that Delta Work will cope with soft ground in a Gold Cup, then, is akin to believing your best mate’s claim that he can comfortably deal with 17 tequilas because he can drink the equivalent amount of water.

On top of this, whilst last season’s RSA was a fantastic spectacle, it would be perfectly reasonable to hold reservations about Delta Work given that he was beaten by both Santini and the lamentably absent Topofthegame. It could certainly be argued that the Gigginstown horse found his momentum checked by the leading pair – however, enough of the race remained to give him the opportunity to counteract this, and yet Delta Work gave no indication that he would have overturned the result given an extra two furlongs.

Finally, Delta Work will be partnered by a new jockey at Cheltenham. Regular rider Jack Kennedy sustained a broken leg at the Dublin Racing Festival, whilst his other pilot, Davy Russell, will be loathe to abandon Presenting Percy. Mark Walsh will take the ride in the Gold Cup - he is clearly a very talented jockey and will no doubt meet Delta Work before the big day, but the lack of established connection between horse and rider may be enough to put some off.

Lostintranslation

Colin Tizzard’s horse looked one of the most exciting staying chase prospects in years at the beginning of the season. Indeed, the hype around Lostintranslation was so huge that RacingTV put together a highlight reel of all of his jumps on his seasonal reappearance at Carlisle – the media fawning was such that you'd have been forgiven for thinking the horse was in fact about to be retired. Rumour had it that Lostintranslation’s horsebox was completely carbon neutral, fuelled solely by the fervent insistence of the racing public that this was the second coming.

Unfortunately, despite turning up to Kempton for the King George in a vehicle which Greta Thunberg has since tried to borrow, Lostintranslation blew up spectacularly. Whilst he has since had a wind operation and Tizzard insists that he is back to peak form, Lostintranslation is difficult to support after ruining his environmentally friendly reputation. Backing the Flemensfirth gelding requires a lot of faith that the trainer has patched up the machine, with little evidence besides the former dairy farmer’s hollering to suggest this is the case.

Even without Lostintranslation’s Christmas struggles, there would be some cause for concern that he has been off the track for too long ahead of the Gold Cup. His record after a break is not fantastic (his seasonal reappearance form reads 221) and he has always been a horse who improves for racing, like the kid who returns to school after the summer holidays and for a few weeks has forgotten how to hold a pen.

Finally, it may even be questioned whether Lostintranslation wants a trip this far. Tizzard mostly kept him to around two and half miles last season and ran the gelding in the Supreme during his novice hurdle campaign. He had never even raced over three miles until Aintree at the rear end of last year and, whilst he was incredibly impressive in beating Topofthegame there, the Liverpool track is nowhere near as testing as the Gold Cup trip around Prestbury Park. Similarly, whilst beating Bristol De Mai on his stomping ground in the Betfair Chase earlier this year was hugely eye-catching, Haydock is a flat course which is not overly testing when the ground is dry (as was the case this year, when Lostintranslation won on good to soft). Whilst Lostintranslation looks like a stayer, he is yet to demonstrate this convincingly over a track which is somewhat similar to Cheltenham, and this would be worth considering on top of his interrupted preparation.

Clan Des Obeaux

Paul Nicholls’ Clan Des Obeaux has been the brilliant victor of the King George in its previous two renditions, somehow allowed to go off at 11/2 earlier this season despite cruising to victory a year before. However, despite his performances in the Christmas showpiece, questions remain over whether Clan Des Obeaux is capable of repeating such a showing at the Festival.

The Nicholls’ star could credibly be labelled as a flat track bully – he has not demonstrated an appetite for Prestbury Park, with a record of 264225 at Cheltenham, and has struggled on similarly undulating tracks (finishing fifth at Sandown and second at Down Royal). All but one of his victories have come at Newbury, Haydock, Kempton and Ascot, relatively flat tracks, and, whilst he has won at Exeter, this was in a Class Three novice chase. Put a rolling track in front of Clan Des Obeaux and he appears more likely to require a ski lift to get up and a sledge to come down than to prick up his ears and drag Harry Cobden along for the ride.

It is also questionable as to whether Clan Des Obeaux has the stamina for this trip. He travelled nicely for a long way in last year’s edition, sitting in behind Native River and alongside Al Boum Photo before the field rounded the turn, Clan saw the hill and said to Harry Cobden “no thanks”. As much as some pundits will insist that the King George is a thorough test of stamina due to the breakneck speed at which it is run, it simply cannot compare to three and a quarter miles around a hilly Cheltenham. It is therefore fair to question whether a horse who travels as beautifully Clan Des Obeaux has the endurance to see out this gruelling race.

Finally, it is hard to actually assess Clan Des Obeaux’s form this season. Whilst he won the King George by 21 lengths, the impressive nature of this distance is tempered by the fact that second-placed Cyrname was clearly suffering from his Ascot battle with Altior; his subsequent defeat in the Ascot Chase attests to this. Clan Des Obeaux was also beaten by Road to Respect on his seasonal reappearance, who, whilst a lovely horse, has proven that he is not top, top class. Whilst this could be viewed as the Nicholls horse demonstrating that he needed a run (his first time out form is 1424), it remains a point of consideration.

Kemboy

Kemboy looked to have the world at his feet last season. He ran a lovely race at Leopardstown over Christmas before cruising to victory at Aintree and finally delivering Ruby Walsh to a glorious retirement with a Punchestown triumph over Al Boum Photo. Anticipation for Kemboy’s campaign this season was high and it is therefore difficult to comprehend how the Willie Mullins horse is now as big as 9/1 for the Gold Cup.

It may appear harsh to label Kemboy’s 2019-20 campaign as disappointing. He has not finished far off the victor in both of his outings, but has twice been beaten by Delta Work and lost a bit of the sparkle which made Walsh’s final race so special. Add this to the chaos surrounding Kemboy’s Supreme Racing Club ownership and his recent loss of lustre becomes more understandable.

On top of Kemboy’s form this season, concerns remain over whether he is capable of producing his best at Cheltenham. The Mullins horse has made appearances at three festivals: after finishing fifth in a Neptune and fourth in a below par JLT (won by Shattered Love, who is 1/12 since), his appearance in last year’s Gold Cup evoked so many bad memories that Kemboy threw David Mullins off at the first fence rather than experience the ordeal again.

These concerns can be complemented by a critical assessment of Kemboy’s form last year. His Aintree performance was undoubtedly the visual highlight of his season, putting nine lengths between himself and Clan Des Obeaux. However, it should be remembered that Kemboy had decided he deserved a rest before the Grand National Festival when unseating in the Gold Cup and so turned up at Aintree fresh; this was in stark contrast to Clan Des Obeaux, who wheezed over the line at Prestbury Park and arrived in Liverpool looking as though Paul Nicholls had suddenly decided to tighten the pursestrings and order his horses to make their own way to the track. Whilst the same cannot be said for Kemboy’s defeat of Al Boum Photo (as noted above), there are certainly alternative angles from which to assess his form from last year.

Presenting Percy

I have nothing against a bet from the heart – in fact, I’ve had several girls call me out for showing more love towards Cue Card than I ever have for them (and who could blame me - he never complained that I had eyes for other horses or that I struggled to cook a poached egg).

Unfortunately, that’s all a bet for Presenting Percy can be. His preparation for last year’s Gold Cup was as bad as Andy Ruiz Jr’s ahead of his rematch with Anthony Joshua (allegedly) and he performed as lethargically, coming home in eighth despite starting as the (ridiculously short) 10/3 favourite.

God knows what happens at Pat Kelly’s yard (or even where it is), but it seems like Percy has continued to enjoy himself since last year’s Festival – he has finished third, fifth and third in his races since the Gold Cup, travelling well in the Irish equivalent at the Dublin Racing Festival before fading like he’d spent the previous evening tucking in to a curry after watching Honeysuckle win the Champion Hurdle.

After his RSA victory, Presenting Percy looked like he could have been one of the most brilliant staying chasers of recent years. However, since then, the mystery around the horse has transformed from endearingly intriguing into frustrating inconsistency. Percy could well turn up at Cheltenham and return to his previous best, but supporting him on this basis is essentially supporting him out of loyalty and hope.

Back in his stable, Pat Kelly and Presenting Percy will get out their magic eight ball ahead of the pre-race parade and give it a shake to see how he should run - fingers crossed we get a definitive answer this time.

Conclusion

The Gold Cup is going to be a fantastic race. In truth, this was an exceptionally difficult piece to write, as the main contenders are all brilliant horses who have far more positives than negatives about them. However, I hope that this has highlighted some of the potential frailties in those at the head of the market and made your analysis easier. I am also fully aware that some may disagree with my negative approach to these horses and so I would love to discuss this further – the debate before a race is arguably the best thing about this sport besides the event itself!

0 notes