2016 Arkle Trophy Novices Chase

[iainmcf]

Agree Faugheen, I think this horse is out of this world a real superstar.It looks effortless to him, gliding along in a race as if its a piece of work.Anybody sitting on the 3/1 that was orginally offered for the Arkle must be counting down the days now.This is Ricci's Queen Mother horse for next season and is probably the best of all of his and thats saying something.

[Old Vic]

Douvan would probably want to jump a bit better but agree ...a monster.

[Yeehaa]

AR MAD wont go to Cheltenham according to Gary Moore - needs to go right handed

change of heart yesterday

After Sandown, Moore had been keen to rule out an Arkle bid at Cheltenham, with Ar Mad having been beaten when going left-handed on his chasing bow at Plumpton.

But a reassessment looks like being on the cards.

The trainer added: "It looks like it's something that we are going to have to try. It's the obvious race for him.

"Whether we go straight there, I don't know - we'll see what options are open to him.

"He's had three quick races now so we'll probably give him a break now."

[stephensmith84]

Agree Faugheen, I think this horse is out of this world a real superstar.It looks effortless to him, gliding along in a race as if its a piece of work.Anybody sitting on the 3/1 that was orginally offered for the Arkle must be counting down the days now.This is Ricci's Queen Mother horse for next season and is probably the best of all of his and thats saying something.

I have him at 4s in a variety of Ricci hotpot multiples, but that's from the day after the Festival.

[mayo]

L' ami serge here and Vaniteux JLT in your opinions ?

Both decent.

[Old Vic]

Kitten Rock

"He was lame post-race and has been diagnosed as having a small problem with his spine.

"He has had a procedure to hopefully rectify the issue and it will keep him out of action for three weeks.


"While it was a disappointing run, it was nice to find a reason for it and hopefully we have put it right now.

"It's too difficult to say at this stage when he'll be back on the racecourse.

"We hope to start back (work) with him after three weeks, and that's the only time-frame I have at the moment."

[Cashew King]

Think it would be more likely L'ami Serge goes for the JLT if Henderson decides not to run both in the Arkle. Think Vaniteux is still their number 1 Arkle hope even after getting done by Ar Mad last time out.

[KingSprinterSacre]

Think it would be more likely L'ami Serge goes for the JLT if Henderson decides not to run both in the Arkle. Think Vaniteux is still their number 1 Arkle hope even after getting done by Ar Mad last time out.

I think L'Ami Serge will go to the arkle. Owners will have Bristol De Mai in JLT

[Old Vic]

I think L'Ami Serge will go to the arkle. Owners will have Bristol De Mai in JLT

Yep. Wouldnt be surprised if both went for the Arkle. Different owners and jockeys.

[Cashew King]

I see reports with the headline Garde le Victoire could go to Kempton before a shot at the Arkle but the quotes from Hobbs doesn't specify a target race - any one know if they have decided Arkle over JLT ?

[mayo]

I see reports with the headline Garde le Victoire could go to Kempton before a shot at the Arkle but the quotes from Hobbs doesn't specify a target race - any one know if they have decided Arkle over JLT ?

Dickies Blog 2/11/15

Looking back at the action over the last few days and I was delighted with Garde La Victoire at Uttoxeter on Friday in what looked an above average novice chase.

There are plenty of areas for improvement and he was pretty low at one or two, but overall he jumped really nicely and he was spot on over the last four once he got his eye in.

He’s got a really exciting future over fences and I suppose the obvious next target would be the Open meeting at Cheltenham as long as the ground is alright.

We’ll have to take stock at that point and see where we are with races like the Racing Post Arkle at the Festival itself firmly on the radar.


and this week

Garde the pick of the week

I’m off to Ludlow on Tuesday and I’m excited about being reunited with Garde La Victoire (3.00pm).

He’s in great form at home and the plan is simply to get more experience into him ahead of Cheltenham.

All being well, Tuesday’s run will be one of two before the Festival, meaning he can still go there a fresh horse.

As for whether he lines up in the Arkle or the JLT, I suppose time and, more importantly, the ground will decide that.

[Old Vic]

I see reports with the headline Garde le Victoire could go to Kempton before a shot at the Arkle but the quotes from Hobbs doesn't specify a target race - any one know if they have decided Arkle over JLT ?

Garde La Victoire at Ludlow

The ground was far from ideal for Garde La Victoire at Ludlow on Tuesday, but it was nice to get another good round of jumping in.

I was particularly pleased with him over the last four fences and he was probably just idling a bit on the ground.

In an ideal world, I’m sure Philip would like to get one more run into him ahead of the Festival, although, as he’s had three chase starts, it wouldn’t matter if he went straight there.

Options for the Festival are still very much open, I’d honestly say it’s 50-50 whether he runs in the Arkle or the JLT.

[mayo]

Boring

No Horse Owner Trainer Rider Wgt
1 Domesday Book (USA)(138) Mrs S.J. Brookhouse (Hde Bromhead) AELynch 11,12
2 Douvan (FR)(160) Mrs S Ricci (WPMullins) RWalsh 11,12
3 Velvet Maker (FR)(143) Barry Connell (AFleming) APHeskin 11,12

[Faugheen_Machine]

How many do we think will oppose Douvan in the Arkle? It would surprise me if there were less than 8 in the race.

[Istabraq]

How many do we think will oppose Douvan in the Arkle? It would surprise me if there were less than 8 in the race.

The newer races mean that if connections run scared of a hotpot there are other options, Sprinter Sacre's Arkle saw just 5 challengers to the fav with many heading off for the JLT or whatever the 2m 4f novice chase was called then.
Anyone looking to oppose the fav with an each way selection I would suggest doing it ante post paying 3 places because there's no guarantee enough will go to post to pay 3 places