Cheltenham 2014 Arkle Trophy Chase

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

I am no expert but would the mistake have caused Defy Logic to burst or would bursting have been a factor in the mistake ?

Reports seemed to suggest it was bad so hope he recovers for March.

Trifolium is the one going the right way but I will back Champagne Fever wherever he runs.

[Old Vic]

Trifolium is pricewised

[Morning Glory]

Irish Arkle Video

[Morning Glory]

Valdez wins Lightening. Anyone think he could be a player?

It is a real pity Rock on Ruby didnt take his chance. He needs experience. Also worried 9 year olds dont win the Arkle but do like that top rated hurdler stat.

[Old Vic]

Quotes from Racing Post


Harry Fry

Rock on Ruby "Cheltenham has to be good ground for him to be seen at his very best. We want to get at least one more run in to him for experience"

Vukovar "delighted with him at Newbury were the tongue tie worked. Would only take his chance on very soft ground. At the moment we are very much thinking of the JLT for him"

Nicky Henderson

Grandouet "He'll probably go straight to the Arkle as he's very good fresh"

Willie Mullins Champagne Fever - "considering stepping him up in trip for the Dr PJ and if we do we'll decide about his Cheltenham target afterwards. Ruby would like to run in the Arkle"

Djakadam - "It could be the JLT for him, Felix Yonger and Mozoltov are also in the JLT"


Paul Nicholls "Dodging Bullets and Hinterland are both being aimed at the race, their entries in the Champion Chase only precautionary. Caid Du Berlais and Dark Lover want further. No plan for Mr Mole "

Charles Byrnes

"Trifolium came out of sundays race well, the Arkle looks the obvious race.I'm not sure about running Arnaud"

Alan King

Valdez "going to let him down a bit and build him back up for the Arkle". Balder Sucess "not decided if he'll go for the Arkle or the Grand annual, its a decision we also need to make with Raya Star"


Paul Nolan

Defy Logic "Gone to Martinstown to be fully checked out"

Michael Scudamore

Next Sensation "He's certainly possible. He'll also have an entry in the Grand Annual , which may be a more sensible route, the option will be left open until the last minute. He won't run again before Cheltenham"

[Yeehaa]

Walsh: "I would think Felix Younger is ground dependent, he felt hat way at Leopardstown.

[skippymac6]

Poor auld Defy Logic out for the season after Sunday's episode. A pity as seeing him replicate his front running round of jumping from Christmas at Cheltenham would have been some sight.

[mayo]

Knew he bled but didnt know that. Pity for the Nolan's. They needed him - not much else in the yard. Noble Prince going for Coral Cup but thats probably it/

[skippymac6]

Yeah especially as he reckoned he was the best he's trained. Very hard for small trainers when they lose a horse of that talent

[donka]

A pity for connections and backers of defy logic, but for champagne fevers connections this could now make the arkle even more tempting.Taking into account that now he won't be taken on up front（which is a major plus） i can see ruby toying with the pace like he did in last years supreme, with defy logic in the race there's no way he could do that.

[Old Vic]

Hadn't thought of Champagne Fever getting the uncontested lead now. Good point that.

Front runners have a horrible record though ? Analogs Daughter 1980 last to make all.

[skippymac6]

He cant be as bad as Overturn's attempted make all last year anyway!!

[donka]

Hadn't thought of Champagne Fever getting the uncontested lead now. Good point that.

Front runners have a horrible record though ? Analogs Daughter 1980 last to make all.

Agreed stats for front runners ain't great.But i'm hoping CF's class & his love of cheltenham plus Ruby's tactical skills will see him through.

[donka]

He cant be as bad as Overturn's attempted make all last year anyway!!

I bloody well hope not!!

[Yeehaa]

Rock on Ruby might go straight there of the back of his one run according to Fry today.

Brave (maybe foolish). Will be some test of Fehily's skill.