Ballymore Novice Hurdle 2020

[jack1092]

Everyone seems to be obsessed with odds on here. If it’s that much of a certainty he runs in the Ballymore then get your mortgage on at 1/3

Everyone's obsessed with Envoi Allen that's what.....cue the carnage in here when he gets chinned

[Saxon Warrior]

Loving the banter on Envoi Allen today, it's great to see such conviction.

Sundays Grade 2 over 2M4F should shape the Ballymore market behind Envoi Allen a lot more, and give Gordon a decent steer for his 2M4F options, as he has six of the eleven entries. Also should be of interest for the Bartlett and Giggy novices that may move toward the handicaps at the Festival.

[Kautothegreat8]

I’ll play a bit of devils advocate as I’ve not got enough at stake to become emotionally attached to the Envoi Allen decision.

Last season we saw a flip flop on Envoi Allen but we don’t know if that was Gordon changing his mind or Cheveley overruling him. The decision was merely should he run as he only had the one race to target. This season the decision is regarding the target as there is no doubt he’ll run if fit. Will the ‘yard money’ prevail or do Cheveley make the call? I’m not sure anyone, other than those involved, can pass judgement on that with 100% certainty.

The other angle to consider is Gordon’s future pursuit of festival glory and a trainers title. Can he afford to rock the boat with a new, powerful owner? Last year he was the beneficiary of their two most expensive NH recruits but this season it switched to Willie. If Gordon wants to keep them on side, he may have to play ball or risk losing them in the future. He could potentially see a significant cut in his top class horses now Gigginstown are winding down so keeping Cheveley on board could be vital to his success.

Really good point

[Scooby91]

If envoi doesn’t run for whatever reason I’d be very sweet on Blue Sari

Maybe, I think willie has better in their box waiting, but its plausible.

[Kautothegreat8]

Everyone's obsessed with Envoi Allen that's what.....cue the carnage in here when he gets chinned

Noooooooooooooio

[Saxon Warrior]

Yes, good point re Cheveley Park, JackieM. They have a spread of trainers in Ireland, not completely in thrall to Gordon (Like Rich Ricci to Willie M).

[Scooby91]

I’ll play a bit of devils advocate as I’ve not got enough at stake to become emotionally attached to the Envoi Allen decision.

Last season we saw a flip flop on Envoi Allen but we don’t know if that was Gordon changing his mind or Cheveley overruling him. The decision was merely should he run as he only had the one race to target. This season the decision is regarding the target as there is no doubt he’ll run if fit. Will the ‘yard money’ prevail or do Cheveley make the call? I’m not sure anyone, other than those involved, can pass judgement on that with 100% certainty.

The other angle to consider is Gordon’s future pursuit of festival glory and a trainers title. Can he afford to rock the boat with a new, powerful owner? Last year he was the beneficiary of their two most expensive NH recruits but this season it switched to Willie. If Gordon wants to keep them on side, he may have to play ball or risk losing them in the future. He could potentially see a significant cut in his top class horses now Gigginstown are winding down so keeping Cheveley on board could be vital to his success.

I cant see it rocking the boat, very easy for them to convince them the ballymore is the right race. I cant think of why they'd say no we'd like to go for the supreme. You sell the dream with the gold cup down the line.

[Can't Catch Me]

I’ll play a bit of devils advocate as I’ve not got enough at stake to become emotionally attached to the Envoi Allen decision.

Last season we saw a flip flop on Envoi Allen but we don’t know if that was Gordon changing his mind or Cheveley overruling him. The decision was merely should he run as he only had the one race to target. This season the decision is regarding the target as there is no doubt he’ll run if fit. Will the ‘yard money’ prevail or do Cheveley make the call? I’m not sure anyone, other than those involved, can pass judgement on that with 100% certainty.

The other angle to consider is Gordon’s future pursuit of festival glory and a trainers title. Can he afford to rock the boat with a new, powerful owner? Last year he was the beneficiary of their two most expensive NH recruits but this season it switched to Willie. If Gordon wants to keep them on side, he may have to play ball or risk losing them in the future. He could potentially see a significant cut in his top class horses now Gigginstown are winding down so keeping Cheveley on board could be vital to his success.

Excellent post Jackie. I posted about the ownership thing a while back. With Gigg investing less in big money purchases, its definitely going to be a factor in GE's mind. There aren't many owners like JP and Cheveley Park.

Whatever anyone says, my experience of owning horses makes me absolutely certain this hasnt been set in stone already. They will have a plan and an idea, but no top class trainer would not consider all eventualities. And of course, things can change at the drop of a hat.

[Can't Catch Me]

I cant see it rocking the boat, very easy for them to convince them the ballymore is the right race. I cant think of why they'd say no we'd like to go for the supreme. You sell the dream with the gold cup down the line.

Thats the thing though. It isnt 'very easy' to convince them anymore. Not after seeing how slick and pacy he has been over hurdles over 2m this seeason and considering he's never ran at another distance over them.

[Scooby91]

They also said
"We keep saying he wants stepping up in trip"

When he says nows the time,
They're hardly going to say hang on a minute, we'd like to stay 2 miles.

They've basically told you the answer.

[Can't Catch Me]

If I owned him, Id want to run him in the Supreme.

How do we know the owners don't think the same?

[Pendil]

Why not ffs they own the horse

[JackieMoon33]

I cant see it rocking the boat, very easy for them to convince them the ballymore is the right race. I cant think of why they'd say no we'd like to go for the supreme. You sell the dream with the gold cup down the line.

Cheveley are hardly a small time operation that need convincing of what to do with their horses. If the races align and 2m is the only trip Envoi Allen can run at pre-festival, they may go for the ‘if it ain’t broke’ route.

[Scooby91]

If I owned him, Id want to run him in the Supreme.

How do we know the owners don't think the same?

They've just said
"We keep saying he wants stepping up in trip"

Cant be much clearer. Unless you need to convince yourself? Due to backing him for the supreme.

[Can't Catch Me]

Lets be honest, what more could you want in a Supreme horse? If you were to design the perfect type for it, you'd choose the EA we've seen this season wouldnt you?