Arkle/Marsh/RSA/NH Chase - Novice Chasers 2021 (new)

[JackieMoon33]

JackieM,

Thinking along similar lines to you regarding staying chases.

Five O'Clock (Mullins) is one of two I have in mind for the National Hunt Chase, along with Run Wild Fred (Elliott).
It helps confidence when knowing the two top Irish Trainers have won the NHC 5 times on the last 8 years (plus 2 thirds in two of the other 3 races, with the only time they didnt place being the 4-finisher debacle that Le Breuil and Discorama slogged out the finish off, that led to the race changing).

I just replied to something similar on my diary page. I think out of the three Ricci + Mullins staying chasers, they'd be more likely to run two in the RSA and one in the NH Chase. I feel Aione is the slogger of the three and most likely for the NH Chase and that leaves Monkfish and Five O'Clock for the RSA.

[Lobos]

Cheers Jackie M. Love the thinking outside the box. Too many of us just play with horses at the top of the lists. Might have a pop. 28/1 seems very fair Hardy. He could go several ways.

[Halffat1]

I apologise if this has already been mentioned amongst the Envoi Allen debate, but for those who are sure the 2021 target is the Marsh then Skybet have 50/1 for the 2021 Marsh and 2022 Gold Cup in their National Hunt Special Doubles sections! It's not for me, but I couldn't see it highlighted!

[Hardy Eustace]

I just replied to something similar on my diary page. I think out of the three Ricci + Mullins staying chasers, they'd be more likely to run two in the RSA and one in the NH Chase. I feel Aione is the slogger of the three and most likely for the NH Chase and that leaves Monkfish and Five O'Clock for the RSA.

With RR/WPM having 3 horses of a similar mould, do you think there could be any chance they keep Five O'clock over hurdles for another year? He is only 5 going on 6 - would be of interest in the Pertemps if they did.

[Kautostar]

There’s also a good chance that 1 of the 3 gets injured at some point during the season which makes splitting them up easier so I’m not sure holding a horse back that is perceived to be a chaser is a good idea.

[Hardy Eustace]

There’s also a good chance that 1 of the 3 gets injured at some point during the season which makes splitting them up easier so I’m not sure holding a horse back that is perceived to be a chaser is a good idea.

Very true indeed.

[ComplyOrDie]

With RR/WPM having 3 horses of a similar mould, do you think there could be any chance they keep Five O'clock over hurdles for another year? He is only 5 going on 6 - would be of interest in the Pertemps if they did.

I think there is potential for one of the 3 staying over hurdles, yeah. Which one, I have no idea though.

[Saxon Warrior]

I think there is potential for one of the 3 staying over hurdles, yeah. Which one, I have no idea though.

Of all Rich Ricci's novice hurdlers from last year, I am hoping he keeps back FRANCIN and has a crack at the Stayers Hurdle.

I was gutted he didnt make the boat to Cheltenham, and then the day after Gold Cup day he came out over 2M6&1/2F in Heavy ground at Navan and won well,

(RP commentary:- Held up towards rear until progress before 2 out, went 4th at last, stayed on strongly to lead final 100yds)

Paul Townend comments: Francin was going to win well here the last day but made a mistake at the last so I was anxious to follow one down to the last. I was happy enough down the straight that I was going to get them. Stepping up to that trip didn't inconvenience him, I think he needs it - Paul Townend, rider)

He missed 2 years after a short french flat campaign, and still only had 5 runs over hurdles including finishing ahead of The Big Getaway in a 2M6&1/2F Novice when they were both close up behind Cobblers Way and Sempo.

Due to his time off, he is a lightly raced 7yo already, so he may carry on over Hurdles, and I am hoping he is one of those that blossom from Handicapper into a Stayers Hurdle horse through the season (like Ronald Pump & Paisley Park).
Ive got him loaded him into the Stayers markets across some of the better bookies, all quote 50/1.

[JackieMoon33]

With RR/WPM having 3 horses of a similar mould, do you think there could be any chance they keep Five O'clock over hurdles for another year? He is only 5 going on 6 - would be of interest in the Pertemps if they did.

I'd say that was slim based on everything that has been said about him in various comments. I'd be very surprised if he does not start over fences next season (I'm wrong plenty though).

[Lobos]

I think there is potential for one of the 3 staying over hurdles, yeah. Which one, I have no idea though.

Monkfish Stayers. Mullins mentioned it after he won Albert. May be easier to win than RSA. That'll leave TBG and 5 o'clock Shadow for RSA.

[JackieMoon33]

I think there is potential for one of the 3 staying over hurdles, yeah. Which one, I have no idea though.

To my eye, none of them look like hurdlers and they'd be forcing one of them down that route for the sake of it. Only Monkfish would be competitive over hurdles but he's also been touted as a future Gold Cup horse so I doubt they'll waste time hurdling. The other two were not good enough over hurdles this season and will only improve if they go over fences.

[Hardy Eustace]

Sound reasoning Jackie. Thanks.

That Francin Angle is an interesting one SW and one I will be taking a closer look at, as i must admit i don't know an awful lot about the horse.

[Lobos]

To my eye, none of them look like hurdlers and they'd be forcing one of them down that route for the sake of it. Only Monkfish would be competitive over hurdles but he's also been touted as a future Gold Cup horse so I doubt they'll waste time hurdling. The other two were not good enough over hurdles this season and will only improve if they go over fences.

Same can be said of Appreciate It who will be 8 next year. What a nice headache for Mullins.

[ComplyOrDie]

Same can be said of Appreciate It who will be 8 next year. What a nice headache for Mullins.

Be 7 won't he?

[Lobos]

Be 7 won't he?

Yes, my mistake. Just think that if they see him as a chaser then surely they'll not be waiting until he's 8 to send him novice chasing ?