Not A Bother Boy to thwart Knight hat-trick for Smith

Not A Bother Boy: looks to have been primed for a crack at the Durham NationalCredit: John Grossick Racing Photography

I am in two minds over what to think about Thistlecrack.

A large part of me wants to join in with getting carried away about his chances of Timico Gold Cup glory in March, while the more sensible, cynical side wants to shake people to their senses.

That Thistlecrack is top class is beyond doubt. A peak hurdles Racing Post Rating (178) that matches Big Buck's at his best tell you that, while on the evidence of one racecourse outing over fences he is a considerably better jumper of them than the former Paul Nicholls-trained legend.

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Published on 26 October 2016inHorse racing tips

Last updated 15:56, 27 October 2016

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