Mares Novice Hurdle 2020

[Saxon Warrior]

Princess Zoe still for a hurdling campaign? Apparently not decided yet

“Princess Zoe is already priced up as ante-post favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with some bookmakers, and owners Paddy Kehoe and his sister Philomena Crampton are keen on a jumping career.“

Please no I’ve already cashed some of my bets of the back of the trainers previous comments ��

The Attheraces quotes seem to be hedging their bets until PZ's 2nd Group 1 is run at the weekend.

As they have already mentioned running in the Ascot Gold Cup in June, then later, the Arc, at some point if they dont stop running the mare she will bottom-out completely and not win anything in the next year.

It does reek of over-excitement (quite rightly) at being able to mention all these great race names, and top race meetings, for once - and why not.

I wouldnt be backing her for a hurdle race at the price she currently is for the MNH, given the variety of races being talked of, that she could run in, during the next 12 months.

Tony Mullins has also mentioned the amount of work done on her with physio to get her right for each race (He says she is a bit bow-legged), and the issues that could be caused by schooling or jumping hurdles in races, given her conformation.
That worry would be the biggest thing to overcome, as it could sacrifice a flat campaign next season, if that went wrong.

[Hurdles or chasing]

Princess Zoe still for a hurdling campaign? Apparently not decided yet

“Princess Zoe is already priced up as ante-post favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with some bookmakers, and owners Paddy Kehoe and his sister Philomena Crampton are keen on a jumping career.“

Please no I’ve already cashed some of my bets of the back of the trainers previous comments ��

Surely that's an old quote??

[Quevega]

Surely that's an old quote??

I'd say that it's a bit of both, and poor journalism. And not ruling it out.

[Saxon Warrior]

I'd say that it's a bit of both, and poor journalism. And not ruling it out.

Yes, the owners and trainer adore having a headline horse, and TM seem to be available 24-7 for quotes.
He probably doesnt want it to stop, so saying all options are open, keeps the quotes rolling on.

Also being in the headlines does give him more potential to attract owners to his yard.

[Eggs]

....I imagine Princess Zoe’s Festival participation is very much dependent on how she does this weekend.

[Quevega]

Yes, the owners and trainer adore having a headline horse, and TM seem to be available 24-7 for quotes.
He probably doesnt want it to stop, so saying all options are open, keeps the quotes rolling on.

Also being in the headlines does give him more potential to attract owners to his yard.

Often forgotten how much salesmanship (to keep the treadmill rolling with new owners) plays a part in being a racehorse trainer. Which is why the bullshit detector needs to be on full alert.

[Quevega]

The thing with Princess Zoe now I reckon is...

Even if the owners (like many of us on here) are massive Cheltenham fans. And would love to have a winning horse at the festival.
It becomes a more financial consideration at some stage, as well as romantic.
The prize money in the staying group ones and excitement is massive. The Arc, the Ascot Gold Cup, The Melbourne Cup. Would all be amazing to have a horse run in, and the prize money is awesome.

In comparison to the Mares Novice hurdle.

I'd say if the financials and risk of injury don't sway them and they want to go to Cheltenham still.
Why would you go for the Mares Novice ?
If she shows she can jump and they think she's as good over hurdles as on the flat, then surely it'd be the Champion Hurdle, or the Mares ?

But realistically the risk of injury has to put them off, as imagine doing a tendon jumping a hurdle at Tramore !

[jack1092]

....I imagine Princess Zoe’s Festival participation is very much dependent on how she does this weekend.

Why? She's a G1 winning mare already. She's already worth more that any Cheltenham race will pocket them. The only reason they go for it is if there deadset on trying to get a festival winner.

[Eggs]

Why? She's a G1 winning mare already. She's already worth more that any Cheltenham race will pocket them. The only reason they go for it is if there deadset on trying to get a festival winner.

....Tony Mullins; “The owner has expressed an interest in jumping, I’m not saying he’s right or wrong, only it ups your chances of injury with a valuable mare. We’ll probably re-address next Sunday but all I can say is it’s not off the table yet.”

[jack1092]

....Tony Mullins; “The owner has expressed an interest in jumping, I’m not saying he’s right or wrong, only it ups your chances of injury with a valuable mare. We’ll probably re-address next Sunday but all I can say is it’s not off the table yet.”

Yeah i see that, but i don't think Sunday's race is all that important in the decision really. They'd be mad to over hurdles.

[Eggs]

Yeah i see that, but i don't think Sunday's race is all that important in the decision really. They'd be mad to over hurdles.

...I agree, it’s very unlikely we’ll see her at Cheltenham.

[somer1]

There's more chance of me sprouting a fanny than PZ going to the fest

[Lobos]

There's more chance of me sprouting a fanny than PZ going to the fest

Lovely bush Somer

[somer1]

Lovely bush Somer

Nooooooooo i dont smoke it anymore

[taylorch1990]

Don't know if she was on anyone's shortlist but Coquelicot just ra a pig of a race. Didn't jump a single hurdle well finished second but would have been a well beaten third but for the leader falling at the last. Definitely won't be backing her over hurdles.