Going Chasing / Staying Hurdling.

[Craigy14]

That is frustrating, can’t say I’d fancy Kargese, nor many juveniles going 4 to 5 not just the mares.

I think Lossiemouth was a bit of a freak and don’t think many mares will emulate what she did as a 5 year old going into open company.

Only one of note in the last few years I can recall was Espoir D’Allen (RIP), the rest really struggle the following year. Perhaps giving them the bulk of the winter off is the new way forward but Gala Marceau really struggled having had plenty time off too.

[ComplyOrDie]

That’s disappointing as I had a nice 33/1 voucher on JDG for Mares Hurdle. Have to think to cash out or not.

Yeah, I'm in the same position.

I've left it for now, though she did look a chaser in the making last season.

[Magpie]

Going to let it run for now as well COD, hopefully they don’t suspend the bet, and backers can see what the others the other two horses do.

[Nevertoolate]

Birdie or bust entered in a beginners chase at punchestown next week.

[Fouroverthrutwo]

Birdie or bust entered in a beginners chase at punchestown next week.

Who do we think might be Henry's Arkle horse(s) this year? Obvious candidate is Slade Steel but a few on here are of the opinion he is a stayer in disguise which I can relate to. Does anyone think he would send Birdie or Bust here?

[TigerRolllllll]

Who do we think might be Henry's Arkle horse(s) this year? Obvious candidate is Slade Steel but a few on here are of the opinion he is a stayer in disguise which I can relate to. Does anyone think he would send Birdie or Bust here?

Inthepocket if back ?

[Spectre]

I think there's an entry incoming for Inthepocket over 2m3f. I've considered him as a bang two miler so it'll be interesting trip to start off over given he's already got one chase under his belt, and this could be a soft way to have a quiet second chase in on seasonal debut, only needing two more to get a workable mark over 2 miles for something like the Grand Annual. JP has plenty of other options for the graded races, so I'll be watching his campaign very closely.

[ComplyOrDie]

I think there's an entry incoming for Inthepocket over 2m3f. I've considered him as a bang two miler so it'll be interesting trip to start off over given he's already got one chase under his belt, and this could be a soft way to have a quiet second chase in on seasonal debut, only needing two more to get a workable mark over 2 miles for something like the Grand Annual. JP has plenty of other options for the graded races, so I'll be watching his campaign very closely.

Yeah, entered at Limerick on Sunday over 2m3f.

[Runragged]

JP has plenty of other options for the graded races.

2 mile novice chasers is probably one of his weakest area. Only Majborough and Mystical Power are shorter in the betting. Debateable whether Majborough would have the pace for an Arkle let alone attempting to win as a 5yo with no allowances whilst Mystical Power is expected to remain over hurdles. Mirazur West is the same price as Inthepocket but on hurdles form has an RPR 16lb less. Iberico Lord could be an interesting one with an improving RPR of 147 prior to the Festival though to me looks ground dependant.

ITP had an RPR of 150 over hurdles putting him equal with Firefox and ahead of Slade Steel plus has already achieved an RPR of 149 over fences in defeat to Facile Vega. Unless injury has diminished his potential then hopefully he will prove a more than capable Arkle candidate.

[Lobos]

When ITP got beat by Vega I remember Ruby getting very excited about him and especially his jumping. He said he was given an 'educated ' ride that day and you got the impression he thought that ITP would end up the better chaser of the two. I'll watch him first though to see if injury has had a negative effect. He can go Arkle for Henry with SS going BANC.

[Craigy14]

Let’s remember Slade Steel isn’t that highly rated as a Supreme winner, 151.

If HDB was wise enough he could easily play that mark for the new turners (145 ceiling) and considering it’s looking like being a limited handicap, then I’d have no issue with him being top weight.

It’ll all depend on how high he rates the horse I suppose and how he takes to fences. The BANC and Arkle are going to (touch wood) be extremely competitive.

[Lobos]

Rachel hopes he'll be a GC horse so she clearly rates him better than a Handicapper

[Black Dog]

Rachel hopes he'll be a GC horse so she clearly rates him better than a Handicapper

Arkle it is then

[Craigy14]

Rachel hopes he'll be a GC horse so she clearly rates him better than a Handicapper

I think WPM rated State Man more than a handicapper and look how that turned out……

He’s now the champion hurdler as well. Nothing stops a horse progressing in future to take a different path at this stage. I don’t think HDB is that way inclined anyway but it could be a viable option imo.

[Lobos]

Deffo Craigy, absolutely anything can happen in this game. That's what makes it so fun!