2022 Novice Chase Division

[Istabraq]

I feel like the marsh is becoming a more fashionable race these days

Trainers maybe not wanting to bottom their future gold cup horses in the RSA which can be a bit of a slog if they have the speed for 2m4f

I’m not seeing that, with the exception of Kemboy (4th) I can’t think of a another G1 stayer that has come from the race.
Bristol de Mai maybe...

[Lobos]

I feel like the marsh is becoming a more fashionable race these days

Trainers maybe not wanting to bottom their future gold cup horses in the RSA which can be a bit of a slog if they have the speed for 2m4f

You could argue that travelling at speed over 2 or 2 1/2 against top class horses on a stiff undulating course could take more out of a horse than cruising round over 3 miles.

[archie]

I could be wrong but I think that the Marsh/JLT was brought in partly because there was a growing body of opinion that the RSA was a very tough race that wasn't necessarily the best preparation for the Gold Cup. Certainly, Best Mate would have run in the Arkle because that was Hen's view.

With my owner's hat on, I wouldn't have a preference based on relative prestige of the novice chases but it's not a choice that you get with Willie. HdB seems to consult owners but that might just be some owners.

[FinalFurlong91]

You could argue that travelling at speed over 2 or 2 1/2 against top class horses on a stiff undulating course could take more out of a horse than cruising round over 3 miles.

You could but that depends on the cruising speed of the horse

Running a horse like champ over 2 miles was probably a harder race than hed have had over 3 miles for instance as he had to go as fast as he could go the entire race instead of lobbing along at 3 mile pace

With Bob he has a high cruising speed so the 2m4f would suit him perfectly, same with samcro, envoi, lostintranslation who were future gold cup hopefuls with a good bit of speed too

[Lobos]

Just checked oddschecker. Looks like a bit of money today for BO in RSA. Several of the obscure bookies have gone 10's from 14's and Hills have gone 8's from 12's.

[Priceiskey]

Threeunderthrufive could be a dark one in the staying chase division.

[Nevertoolate]

Has Mullins said anything about ferny hollow and the plans for him next season, I presume it’s all up in the air (especially with the injury) but was just wondering if anyone has read anything about him.

[Stormez]

Think the last time Mullins spoke on him was just after Cheltenham when he said he’d be missing Punchestown, but he gave no indication of what plans were for him next season. I’d like to see him go for the champion hurdle personally.

[Stormez]

Double post

[Fouroverthrutwo]

Think the last time Mullins spoke on him was just after Cheltenham when he said he’d be missing Punchestown, but he gave no indication of what plans were for him next season. I’d like to see him go for the champion hurdle personally.

Ruby Walsh has said the same (go Churdle) in his blogs for Paddy Power. He still rides out for Willie but I don't really know what influence he has at Closutton any more.

[Fouroverthrutwo]

Threeunderthrufive could be a dark one in the staying chase division.

I don't think I could get over a fence now at my age. Oops, wrong moniker!

[ComplyOrDie]

Ruby Walsh has said the same (go Churdle) in his blogs for Paddy Power. He still rides out for Willie but I don't really know what influence he has at Closutton any more.

I thought he was his assistant trainer?

[Stormez]

Thought David Casey was assistant trainer?

[The Fellow]

as far as i know Patrick , Ruby and David are all listed as assistant trainers to Willie

[Atlantic Viking]

Just thinking about Gaillard Du Mesnil and the RSA/Brown Advisory, are many (including myself!) backing largely because the price stands out? I've watched the Ballymore about a million times and like the idea of him going up to 3m, but a quick run through WIllies recent-ish runners in the Neptune/Ballymore suggests he either keeps them at a similar distance or drops them back to 2m.