2021 National Hunt Novices Chase

[Spectre]

Jodami won the Peter Marsh on his 10th chase run and won the GC in the same year. Its a very good test and could be called a GC trial.

Again, not as a novice. God loves a trier.

[Spectre]

I love a debate and this one's got some milage in it !

Yes. Good fun.

[Spectre]

Anyway. It’s about time you broke your rule. He wins the National Hunt Chase, and you need him to hedge against your Galvin position. After Saturday you’ll be too late. Bite the bullet. Swallow your pride. And back him. You know in your heart of hearts you need to suck it up, or it’s going to hurt!

[charlie]

I love a debate and this one's got some milage in it !

It does, and that's 3miles 5 furlongs and 201 yards

[Quevega]

I think the NH chase is most likely myself.
But they would have to think hard about the Gold Cup if he wins Saturday.

I'm a firm believer that you try and strike whilst you can and this horse has sufficient experience and will be rated in with a chance.
There is only one Gold Cup, and Ricci has not won it yet.
And he should have, and he knows it.

He'll remember Djakadam running so well in it as a 6 yr old with only 4 completed chase starts.
And getting beat by a novice in the race.

The fact he's a novice just gives them options.
But a good win Saturday would narrow those significantly.

The doubt maybe the jumping that some have questioned (but punters aren't his trainer) , and they may also simply think he's over rated themselves so want to run in the amateur race, for a better chance of victory. - This theory is more likely.
This brings another question mark though, as if the amateur jockeys are allowed at the festival, they would want to secure a good one, and failure to do so may sway them the other way.

I do think Venetia is most likely to run one in the Gold Cup if she thinks she has a chance though.
They don't come around that often.

Having said all that I think he's over rated and likely to get beat Saturday, although the race doesn't look too hot.
I've been toying with the NRNB for the NH chase but still waiting.

[Lobos]

If he does win or run well in the Peter Marsh and doesn't go to the Gold Cup then clearly from the info I've dug up he has a top chance in whatever other race he takes in. I would definitely bet him during the week now.

[FinalFurlong91]

Id be seriously worried about his jumping in this or the gold cup personally

[BookieBasher]

Id be seriously worried about his jumping in this or the gold cup personally

Whilst his jumping isn’t his strongest point and certainly brushes his fair amount, he’s never fallen or unseated I believe. All aboard the NHC express

[jono]

Apologies for being late to the party on this one, but i've been struggling to stay on top of racing since the turn of the year with other commitments.
Has there been any confirmation or indication on whether the amateur jockey ban will be in place at Cheltenham, and this race?
I presume it's still up in the air? Could have some pretty large ramifications

[charlie]

Apologies for being late to the party on this one, but i've been struggling to stay on top of racing since the turn of the year with other commitments.
Has there been any confirmation or indication on whether the amateur jockey ban will be in place at Cheltenham, and this race?
I presume it's still up in the air? Could have some pretty large ramifications

It's based on a gov rules technicality. Amateurs are classed as grassroots sports participants and the new government rules restrict all but 'elite sport', so all grassroots sport has been suspended. Racing industry's Covid-19 steering group made the decision in line with this advice, and I imagine they await instruction from government. The good news, if there is any, is that gyms and leisure centres fall under the banner of 'grass roots sports', so there are wider health and economic implications of keeping these closed, and 50 leading British sports bodies (many bigger than BHA - FA, RFU, ECB) are hammering the government to bring back grass root sport as it is a positive public health response.

So basically, no. Zero idea on when the government will change / amend the rules. My hope is it will happen mid-feb / early March.

[jono]

Thanks charlie

[Muswell]

Lord Royal declared with Townend up

[Lobos]

Lord Royal declared with Townend up

At least we've finally found Mullins runner in the race !! 33/1 with B365 will surely collapse if he finishes too 4 to qualify. He'd go off single figures wouldn't he ?

[Muswell]

You’d think so just by dint of the stable he comes from

[jack1092]

Lord Royal declared with Townend up

Muswell, just so you know decs are in on Thursday for Saturdays...it's 2 days in advance now.