2022 Arkle

[Kevloaf]

Those tactics by Skelton backfired heavily, basically gave him at 4-5L advantage going into the home straight

I don't think it's the tactics to blame for being behind Edwardstone.
It's the horses ability.

[Lobos]

I don't think it's the tactics to blame for being behind Edwardstone.
It's the horses ability.

Yep. Close enough if good enough. Only hope TTL fans have now is that his Cheltenham form bridges the gap that's required. Possible but clutching. EW claims at best now I'd say. Looks a poor Arkle .

[Istabraq]

Those tactics by Skelton backfired heavily, basically gave him at 4-5L advantage going into the home straight

People were gushing over the hold up tactics at Doncaster and how it helped the horse improve, he’s been turned over comprehensively by Edwardstone front the front and from behind, I just hope everyone can can acknowledge the limited ability the horse has now.
Haut en Coleurs is the play now I think…

[Quevega]

People were gushing over the hold up tactics at Doncaster and how it helped the horse improve, he’s been turned over comprehensively by Edwardstone front the front and from behind, I just hope everyone can can acknowledge the limited ability the horse has now.
Haut en Coleurs is the play now I think…

Jockey was excellent on Edwardstone, went for home early enough to get Lucky off the bridle sooner than he'd like.
Some would have waited longer and put the race at risk.

[ToniC]

I think similarities between MD & PTKO start & stop with her gender and her trainer tbh, and i say that as a backer. Though she’d not set the world alight, PTKO had bags of experience, she’d won 4 races including a grade 2 chase at Cheltenham, then had been put away to come to the festival at her best having already got the experience in. Magic Daze has won 1 beginners chase from 3 races.

The year DDG won was a bit strange, as hes basically been shite since, and was probably helped a lot by the extreme ground that day, but I think Blue Lord would be a fair bit better than him. He’s already a 3 times winner and has won a grade 1 chase. Edwardstone is deffo better than glen forsa though, too. It will be a good match up between them. But realistically, who do you want to side with in an Arkle, Mullins or Alan King, no disrespect to him

[MadeinJapan]

I don’t see this race being over complicated… Blue Lord wins from the front; he gets into a good fast stride then he’ll jump the rest of them out of the race IMO.

Yes, Riviere D’etel probably would have won had she jumped the last better at the DRF but she didn’t & jumping’s the name of this game, esp at 2miles and HQ. She’ll have less of a weight allowance at the Festival too so I don’t seen why she’ll turn the form around.

I’d be disappointed if he can’t turn over Edwardstone and think the Irish will have this, Mullins 1-2 with Haut En Colouers following Blue Lord home.

[Quevega]

I don’t see this race being over complicated… Blue Lord wins from the front; he gets into a good fast stride then he’ll jump the rest of them out of the race IMO.

Yes, Riviere D’etel probably would have won had she jumped the last better at the DRF but she didn’t & jumping’s the name of this game, esp at 2miles and HQ. She’ll have less of a weight allowance at the Festival too so I don’t seen why she’ll turn the form around.

I’d be disappointed if he can’t turn over Edwardstone and think the Irish will have this, Mullins 1-2 with Haut En Colouers following Blue Lord home.

I've watched the Dublin race a couple of times this morning before the Brits clashed, To gauge Edwardstone's chances.
I thought Blue Lord looked slow over some of his fences and landed a little bit heavy footed.

Not half as heavy footed as the Mare did at the last mind you.
But whilst not a strong opinion I like the mare for now.
I hope Willie runs more though as not given up on HEC.

[Saxon Warrior]

I've watched the Dublin race a couple of times this morning before the Brits clashed, To gauge Edwardstone's chances.
I thought Blue Lord looked slow over some of his fences and landed a little bit heavy footed.

Not half as heavy footed as the Mare did at the last mind you.
But whilst not a strong opinion I like the mare for now.
I hope Willie runs more though as not given up on HEC.

I think I’m coming down on the side of Riviere D’Etel.

She is better than PTKO was, on ratings, when she lined up and won the Arkle, and they’re probably comparable races, this year, with Edwardstone being just ahead on ratings to where Notebook was as Arkle Fav vs PTKO.

[Lobos]

People were gushing over the hold up tactics at Doncaster and how it helped the horse improve, he’s been turned over comprehensively by Edwardstone front the front and from behind, I just hope everyone can can acknowledge the limited ability the horse has now.
Haut en Coleurs is the play now I think…

Still not given up on him...... getting close though. Cheltenham form might just get him closer.

[ComplyOrDie]

People were gushing over the hold up tactics at Doncaster and how it helped the horse improve, he’s been turned over comprehensively by Edwardstone front the front and from behind, I just hope everyone can can acknowledge the limited ability the horse has now.
Haut en Coleurs is the play now I think…

He did improve for the tactic change as he was only 4 1/2 lengths behind as opposed to the 16 length defeat at Doncaster where he blew his load way too early. That said, he's clearly not going to turn the tables with Edwardstone regardless of tactics now.

None of the British now appeal to me. I imagine the top Irish novices would beat TTL more than 4 lengths. It's now just a case of which one, for me, anyway.

[DenmanSacre]

TTL showing once again that he isn't good enough at the top grade. Has he actually ever won a race when he's come off the bridle? Weak finisher like I said a few pages ago.

[Benjy23]

Surprised people think Riviere will overturn that form to be honest. Had everything in her favour last time and still couldn't get the job done. You'd expect Blue Lord to have a lot more improvement from that race than the mare. Only his third start over fences and first in graded company. Not to mention the couple of lb. Expect him to beat her fairly comfortably next time.

Edwarstone looked quite good today in fairness. He's clearly better than the other English contenders. Still expecting it to be short of what's required though.

[Lobos]

Agree Benjy. Don't see her turning the tables with Blue Lord

[Istabraq]

Skelton suggesting he might swerve Cheltenham with TTL and wait for Aintree



"Third Time Lucki didn’t underperform, and if he did it was by pennies not pounds. We’ll keep him in the Arkle but I expect the rain will come sooner rather than later, so the reality is he’ll probably go for Aintree.”

[Lobos]

Skelton suggesting he might swerve Cheltenham with TTL and wait for Aintree



"Third Time Lucki didn’t underperform, and if he did it was by pennies not pounds. We’ll keep him in the Arkle but I expect the rain will come sooner rather than later, so the reality is he’ll probably go for Aintree.”

Think it'll happen. He needs Good ground to bounce off to show his best and he won't get that at Cheltenham on the first day.
Looks like being the poorest Arkle for many a year.