Arkle 2018

[JackieMoon33]

My first real head scratcher of the season is Movewiththetimes in this race. I really want to get stuck in but for all my positives, I have some negatives holding me back.

Positives
Although he was fifth or six in a hot Cheltenham Novice over 2m, everything went wrong and he still finished close up under a tender finish once his chance had gone.
Even though he was well handicapped, being on the bridle coming down to the last in the Betfair Hurdle is impressive.
He improved progressively as the season went on despite really being made he for chasing.
If Finians Oscar goes over further (which I think he should) then the Arkle could be an open race this year and the current odds are very generous indeed.

Negatives
Although on breeding he was made for chasing, his sire Presenting, does not tend to have many runners that reach the top level over two miles. I made the same comment when there was talk about Yorkhill going for the Supreme two years ago. You tend to find the Presenting Novice chasers contesting the RSA if anything at the festival.
It has been a while since Nicholls has had a Novice Chase festival winner and that slightly puts me off as well.

[Innoko]

Not sure?

You tempted? I am actually really taken with that performance. You can assume that DDC was under-par but using The Unit as a yardstick, he was an alright little hurdler (ran in the race Pinshou won at the festival) and he has absolutely put him away....

Reminds me a little bit of the first time I watched Ar Mad?

Skelton on his Ladbrokes blog before the race...

SHANTOU ROCK

5 b g Shantou – Cool Cool

"He starts today at Newton Abbot and he’s Hopefully a horse that can progress over fences.

He was remarkable in the spring in how he got going and hopefully we’re not finished with progression.

He’s only a young horse so hopefully there is more to come".

Can't find anything else, quotes stating targets etc. If anyone can I'd be grateful!

One thing I do know is that I'm a huge fan of Skelton as a trainer. And that performance from Shantou is as good as I've seen first time out. The Unit admittedly needs further, but DDC was firmly put in his place and had experience under his belt.

Cloudy Dream who finished second in this race last year, achieved an RPR of 158.

So achieving 154 first time up makes 40-1 looks massive.....I think!

[Kevloaf]

Pretty nice debut from Petit Mouchoir.... jumped really well in the main, kept up the gallop.... looks pretty no nonsense!

[ComplyOrDie]

Well, I'm extremely happy with that start by Petit Mouchoir, bar the last he looked in control of his jumping all the way around, although the camera work could have done with some improvement.

Looked like a canter for him, and I guess on all known hurdles form it should have been as well, but sometimes we never know when jumping a fence, fondly remember Un De Sceaux being one to fall first time out over fences 2 years running I believe!

[Faugheen_Machine]

Loved that performance. I bet CoD is delighted with that.

I got some 12/1 for the Arkle as he jumped the last and topped up at 10/1. Tougher tests will come but the runner up is no mug.

[archie]

Pretty much all positive and an enormous benefit to have Davy on board. Just the best to educate your novice chaser.

[Faugheen_Machine]

Well, I'm extremely happy with that start by Petit Mouchoir, bar the last he looked in control of his jumping all the way around, although the camera work could have done with some improvement.

Looked like a canter for him, and I guess on all known hurdles form it should have been as well, but sometimes we never know when jumping a fence, fondly remember Un De Sceaux being one to fall first time out over fences 2 years running I believe!

Plenty for you to look forward to CoD

[KingSprinterSacre]

I really really liked that display by Petit Mouchoir. I'm hoping he goes to the arkle and takes them from the front like that.

[Faugheen_Machine]

None of the JP horses were put in the race at any stage, but no surprise there

[ComplyOrDie]

Plenty for you to look forward to CoD

Two main concerns now for me are a) he makes it to Cheltenham & b) he doesn't end up in another race, but currently it's certainly looking good.

[Scooby91]

Petit mouchoir still 10s any race with sportsbook. Topped up a bit on my earlier any race bet
Going forward it's normally the last market they adjust immediately after the race.
I hope he does go arkle but Eddie oleary deffinately wanted him up in trip over fences

[Faugheen_Machine]

Nicely spotted Scooby.

[Scooby91]

"Petit Mouchoir goes for the BETDAQ Champion Hurdle," added O'Leary.

"He ran very, very well at Cheltenham and was beaten by an extremely good horse. Now he's more settled in his races, I think that gives him a bit more of a chance.

"He'll be going over fences next season and we hope he's a nice three-mile chasing prospect."

[ComplyOrDie]

"Petit Mouchoir goes for the BETDAQ Champion Hurdle," added O'Leary.

"He ran very, very well at Cheltenham and was beaten by an extremely good horse. Now he's more settled in his races, I think that gives him a bit more of a chance.

"He'll be going over fences next season and we hope he's a nice three-mile chasing prospect."

I find this strange having never even attempted to go beyond 2m over hurdles, though did win his PTP.

Just fingers crossed now HDB sticks to 2m and the Arkle!

Edit: did actually go over 2m 2f and got stuffed!

[The Beast]

Nice reappearance today , if you have backed him prior to today id say you have a nice bet in the making. Sets the standard atm.