Cleeve 2023 Jumps Season – Ten to Follow excerpt
Hi there,
Unfortunately Good Land of Barry Connell's looks set to be out for the season, as he was in our just released Ten to Follow, we felt it only reasonable to replace him... and if you've not downloaded it yet (it's FREE), you have a chance to see the quality!
all the best
the team at Cleeve
Panda Boy
7yo: grey gelding
Trainer:Martin Brassil
Owner:Old Pals Partnership
Don’t be put off by his 4th of just 5 runners behind Cheltenham Gold Cup winner; Minella Indo at Punchestown, this horse is screaming out for the longer distances and will be aimed at Nationals, or long distance graded handicaps, wherever they are… you would think .
He ran a race full of promise, it was probably a bit short for him, and his jumping looks to have improved over the season break. He was never really put in the race, and as these Grade 1 chasers quickened, he was last coming into the straight, where he stayed on really well to finish in front of Conflated…. Another Gold Cup winner! He wasn’t unduly knocked about by JJ Slevin, so it was a performance that screams he will improve a lot.
He was a winning hurdler, and he has already run in several graded chases, including a fine placed effort in last year’s Irish Grand National, behind the well fancied I am Maximus of Willie Mullins. He was only 7, and had fallen early in his prep race, which wasn’t ideal! 7 years old is very young for a long distance handicapper, so with another year on his back, and more experience over fences, we can reasonably expect to see a much improved horse this year.
This one really does need watching closely, as his handicap mark won’t be unduly risked by connections until they feel the time is right. So he may run over hurdles at trips shorter than his best. He represents a yard that is well known for its ability of having it’s horses primed for the big day and ran the race of his life.
He will want it soft(ish) but is a good mover that travels with zest, and is not short of pace, so not too heavy. I’d be surprised if this one isn’t lining up for the big one at Aintree.