2017 Arkle Trophy Chase

[jono]

I see Belshill as an ideal RSA type myself and I think the yard finally got his trip right by the end of the season. Interesting that Patrick Mullins thought the horse got very tired at the end of both his 3 mile races though and he thinks he's better suited to the JLT trip

[Kevloaf]

“Altior is blessed with so much speed and is a two-miler, full stop. I’m sure he would get two and a half miles - much like Sprinter Sacre would - but what on earth would be the point?"

Just stolen that quote from mayo on another thread...but Nicky isn't scared of making the comparison ... music to my eyes/ears.

[Kevloaf]

MIN - The trainer's son and assistant, Patrick Mullins, said: " We've schooled him over fences at home and we've been happy with his jumping."

"Altior was very good in Cheltenham and I don't think our horse had any real excuses," Mullins added.

Worrying for the battalion claiming Min got injured during the Supreme race....? I keep hearing it from pundits but it hasn't been confirmed or even suggested by anyone in the yard.

He goes on to say....

"Min does look more of a chaser than a hurdler - he's a very tall horse - so hopefully that will help, but Altior does look a bit special."

[billymag]

I get the distinct impression that it wasnt an injury but something else that stopped him getting up the hill.......

[Faugheen_Machine]

I get the distinct impression that it wasnt an injury but something else that stopped him getting up the hill.......

Breathing op?

[billymag]

Ricci saying that they have tinkered with a few things on ATR, the drift in the Supreme market just before the 5 day declarations, he travelled like the best horse in the race and then found very little when asked for his effort. I wondered at the time and then the lay off with no definitive answer on what the injury was, even Willie is usually much more open. Only my opinion but I have a suspicion that he might of had a wind issue. And they seem very keen to take on Altior again even though he was well beaten, where do they expect the improvement to come from?

[cwright23]

I wouldn't be backing him today at 1/3 that's for sure.. I'm MINs biggest fan and all over him for the arkle but there might be a couple of half decent horses on here today.. The JP thing was well touted for a festival handicap, but there might be other days ahead for him.. Ruby will need to kick out in front as a lot of these today have absolutely no chance of winning but might get in his way.. Needs to bolt up to shorted in the market in my opinion.. Knowing the bookies he will win a short head and be 3/1 ��

[Kevloaf]

Does Mullins usually keep wind ops quiet? With such a high profile horse you'd expect it to be mentioned in one of the various stable tours.

I don't see it myself, I think they expect the improvement because he is a tall leggy horse who will improve for going chasing, nothing more, nothing less.

He will need to win today, he is up against 6 JP handicappers and a previous Mullins inmate that they will surely feel they have the beating of! Anything less than an unflustered win is going to be disappointing...

[billymag]

Only an opinion kev, they have never specified the injury in fact after chelt i cant even remember them saying that the horse was even injured. Doesnt add up to me and would be explained with a breathing issue, although if it was they could just say and i dont think anyone would care.

[Kevloaf]

Very impressive debut... on the exchanges there was no horse in single figures which isn't great but not Min's fault!

I thought he jumped neatly too... liked that. Clever jumping.

Ruby not getting lured in to comparing the horse to Douvan or Vautour there either "they didn't get beat in the Supreme, he did"

I think they know Altior is the one to beat and I don't think they're too confident at this stage with Min at least...

[Faugheen_Machine]

I was also impressed. The Arkle could be the race of the festival if they all make it there in one piece.

I've took 6/1 Min - can only see him shortening in months ahead.

[Kevloaf]

PaddyPower have pushed Yorkhill out to 9/1 (best price) and cut Min to 4s for this... (They are still biggest price Yorkhill for CH and shortest for the JLT)

Good news for me, I only have Min in an EW double with Yorkhill (JLT)

[gjt7756]

I have Min in no fewer than 16 Yankee and Canadians e/w at 8/1, I can't complain, much more value than the current 15/8 on altior with betfair... min placing pays bigger than that!!

[Kevloaf]

Haha 16?! Some life-changers I guess!

Altior was available at 6 when Min was 8, so I'm sure some people are on both at nice prices, each way

[paz247]

"He got beat in the Supreme, the other two (Vautour and Douvan) didn't. Mind you, when you look what beat him, I'd say Altior is a very good horse and I thought he was very good in Kempton." The quote from Ruby after Min win