Arkle 2020

[Can't Catch Me]

I wouldn't discount Melon with the weight turnaround.

100%. Know who i want to back at the current prices and Melon's record at the Festival.

[charlie]

100%. Know who i want to back at the current prices and Melon's record at the Festival.

Melon 25/1 365

[jonthehammer]

100%. Know who i want to back at the current prices and Melon's record at the Festival.

His record of finishing 2nd about 50 times. I like Melon but its Fakir all the way for me

[Can't Catch Me]

Melon 25/1 365

Already on cheers charlie

[SeanRock]

Fakir is lightning quick over his fences isn’t. Joy to watch!

[Kevloaf]

Melon 25/1 365

I'm going to add that as well, only on win only but decent each way price really.

[Lobos]

Yep, willie will be having a rethink I reckon.
although today was a proper race

Agree. I do think Willie would fancy chances of beating Fakir in March so if that one is Arkle fav the why not. After Samcro mishap today I also think that will given them more confidence of beating/outjumping him in JLT.

[TigerRolllllll]

Small form boost for Notebook....Janidil beaten by him (albeit hurdles)

Obviously, I’m a Notebook fan

[somer1]

Was a fan of Fakir before today. 2 runs 2 wins over the big ones and looks a tad classy. Happy bunny me

[Cheltenham Novice Chase]

Based on today’s performance and from what we’ve seen thus far this season, if Fakir comes here the he wins. His jumping was phenomenal - he was taking two lengths out of the opposition at every fence. The performance of the day. Whether Samcro would have won will never know, but he goes for the JLT not here. Whereas Samcro was tentative at his fences Fakir attacked them with relish and he will take some pegging back if he gets into a rhythm. My only concern would be his rounded knee action on typical spring ground but it was only yielding to soft today so you never know, he might be ok.

[jack1092]

Based on today’s performance and from what we’ve seen thus far this season, if Fakir comes here the he wins. His jumping was phenomenal - he was taking two lengths out of the opposition at every fence. The performance of the day. Whether Samcro would have won will never know, but he goes for the JLT not here. Whereas Samcro was tentative at his fences Fakir attacked them with relish and he will take some pegging back if he gets into a rhythm. My only concern would be his rounded knee action on typical spring ground but it was only yielding to soft today so you never know, he might be ok.

I'd also be concerned given he won't have the 8pds, and wasn't certain to beat Samcro who was sketchy over his fences.

Fakir could go from getting 8pds vs geldings to racing Laurina with a mares allowance, that would be a huge test IMO.

[ComplyOrDie]

I'd also be concerned given he won't have the 8pds, and wasn't certain to beat Samcro who was sketchy over his fences.

Fakir could go from getting 8pds vs geldings to racing Laurina with a mares allowance, that would be a huge test IMO.

Yep, this is a big deal.

I have both covered, Laurina the more favoured but it wouldn't be horrendous is Fakir done the business, but I do think the Mares allowance could easily be the difference no matter how slick Fakir is.

[Cheltenham Novice Chase]

Yep, this is a big deal.

I have both covered, Laurina the more favoured but it wouldn't be horrendous is Fakir done the business, but I do think the Mares allowance could easily be the difference no matter how slick Fakir is.

I suspect both Samcro and Laurina will be going JLT, leaving the Arkle clear for Fakir. That’s my suspicion without getting too bogged down in the Mullins bingo.

[jack1092]

I suspect both Samcro and Laurina will be going JLT, leaving the Arkle clear for Fakir. That’s my suspicion without getting too bogged down in the Mullins bingo.

True it's hard to know- even with that though, surely Melon + Laurina won't both go JLT, and Melon off levels round Cheltenham would have every chance!
Fakir was very impressive today, just think the 8pd is quite important right now!

[Cheltenham Novice Chase]

Hi Jack - I don’t disagree that the 8 pounds will make a difference, particularly when finishing off a race but I’m not convinced it would affect his jumping all that much, which looks superb, and which is where he makes his major gains.