2017 Foxhunters Chase

[jono]

I'd echo that Ista. Foxrock has the benefit of being a younger than usual established horse going down this route (most tend to be older and on the downgrade, hence switching codes) so could be one to buck the trend but plenty have tried and failed before. I'd certainly favour a specialist over him for now.

Does anyone know or have a link to the entry requirements for the race? I never seem to truly know what is required?

[KingSprinterSacre]

As the link says lads hes not eligible

Foxrock has appeared as second favourite in some lists for the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham but Walsh revealed that he does not qualify to run in that race.

“He’s fine and will go to Thurles in the middle of the month for a hunter chase there,” said the County Kildare handler.

“He’s not eligible for Cheltenham and will be confined to Irish hunter chases this year anyway.

“He’s not eligible in England as he was placed in a Graded chase last season.

“That rules him out of the big two at Cheltenham and Aintree.”

[paz247]

OTF is fine, working away at home, just trying to get rid of a bit of weight but Enda delighted with him, same as last year, Leopardstown in Feb and then the big 3, he's at a good age for a hunter says Enda, and they last if they're good he says.
IMO, I expect a nice warm up, top 6 at Leopardstown and then full tilt at the Fests

[Faugheen_Machine]

Thanks for the info Paz. OTF is turning into one of my key horses for this year's festival.

[Istabraq]

OTF is fine, working away at home, just trying to get rid of a bit of weight but Enda delighted with him, same as last year, Leopardstown in Feb and then the big 3, he's at a good age for a hunter says Enda, and they last if they're good he says.
IMO, I expect a nice warm up, top 6 at Leopardstown and then full tilt at the Fests

Good news that paz.
I won't making the mistake of smashing into him at Leop this year though, as horses age they take longer to get fit/ready...

[jono]

OTF is fine, working away at home, just trying to get rid of a bit of weight but Enda delighted with him, same as last year, Leopardstown in Feb and then the big 3, he's at a good age for a hunter says Enda, and they last if they're good he says.
IMO, I expect a nice warm up, top 6 at Leopardstown and then full tilt at the Fests

Great to hear. Do you have connections to the yard paz?

[paz247]

Sadly not Jono, i found it on the web on a preview site

[jono]

Sadly not Jono, i found it on the web on a preview site

Ah ok. Great find though - hadn't seen that. Never easy to find Edna quotes!

On OTF's price - I think it's very reasonable but i'd actually say people may be better off waiting until after his Leopardstown prep. He's been turned over for this race for the last 4 years but that hasn't seemed to have shown with bookies (last year being beaten at evens 24 lengths). I think this will continue this year like pax said with it being a nice warm up. Another beating in this may push his price out a point or so more.

[Faugheen_Machine]

First Lieutenant and On His Own are also ineligible for the Foxhunter this season

[Istabraq]

I'm sure you all know but if you back a horse that doesn't qualify or is balloted out you get your money back, and this race more than any will have a number who fall in that catagory...

[Faugheen_Machine]

There'll be a few bookies who don't refund without being asked.

[paz247]

Looks Jamie Codd will get the leg up on OTF, has been doing 300 mile round trip to the yard to school him

[Kevloaf]

Looks Jamie Codd will get the leg up on OTF, has been doing 300 mile round trip to the yard to school him

Huge positive.

[jono]

Excellent news! Codd's the ideal replacement for Nina

[Kevloaf]

Excellent news! Codd's the ideal replacement for Nina

Has he got a good record in this race? Won't put me off if he hasn't but interesting side-note nonetheless?