2022 Arkle

[darlojim]

No doubt Ferny will head to the g1 novice over christmas IF he comes out the race well, that's the main worry as he's had a fair time off. If he goes there and wins well, they won't just shift him up to 2 and half to suit Appreciate It, it just won't happen.

[Madmoose]

Paul Townend will do a Ruby and want them split, could go to the week of the Festival before we know who goes what race between the pair of them.

[robith]

What did people make of Ferny Hollows debut today?

He’s had a long time off the track, was jumping obstacles under rules for only the second time, so those 2 things you maybe have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I thought he looked a little awkward at 2/3 fences and was also very low at the second last going through the top of it. I know he’s a novice so a couple of errors is common but I wouldn’t be overly excited by that. The jump at the last won him the race, annoyed 3 fences were omitted as I’d like to have seen how he did the whole way round. So he’s jumped another 8 obstacles which hasn’t told us too much, he still has an engine which was good to see.

I thought it was fine. Jumping was a mixed bag though pulled out a big one at the business end. Have to bear in mind though the lack of experience over obstacles. Class told in the run in.

hes alive, he can jump, engine is still there. Tick. Let's see where he goes next

[Lobos]

No doubt Ferny will head to the g1 novice over christmas IF he comes out the race well, that's the main worry as he's had a fair time off. If he goes there and wins well, they won't just shift him up to 2 and half to suit Appreciate It, it just won't happen.

Agree. They'll keep the better horse over 2 miles for the Arkle and shift the other one. Simples

[Faugheen_Machine]

What did people make of Ferny Hollows debut today?

He’s had a long time off the track, was jumping obstacles under rules for only the second time, so those 2 things you maybe have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I thought he looked a little awkward at 2/3 fences and was also very low at the second last going through the top of it. I know he’s a novice so a couple of errors is common but I wouldn’t be overly excited by that. The jump at the last won him the race, annoyed 3 fences were omitted as I’d like to have seen how he did the whole way round. So he’s jumped another 8 obstacles which hasn’t told us too much, he still has an engine which was good to see.

A race of two halves for me. He was poor over the first 4 but thought he was good over the last 4. It was a shame they missed those fences due to the low sun but overall I'd be positive. He's got plenty of speed and should be targeting the Arkle, until he proves otherwise, imo.

I thought he had more pace than AI after the bumper and I'd love to see them meet again at Cheltenham.

[DenmanSacre]

Richard Thompson of CP said Arkle on Racing TV. Not sure how much of a say they have with Willie but if he wins over 2m at Xmas, hard to see them wanting him to move up in trip.

[Lobos]

Richard Thompson of CP said Arkle on Racing TV. Not sure how much of a say they have with Willie but if he wins over 2m at Xmas, hard to see them wanting him to move up in trip.

It'll be down to the horses and where Willie sees them having the best chance of winning. If he thinks AI is better than FH over 2 miles then they'll not hesitate stepping him up and vice versa. RT will trust what Willie thinks.

[Rooster Booster]

It'll be down to the horses and where Willie sees them having the best chance of winning. If he thinks AI is better than FH over 2 miles then they'll not hesitate stepping him up and vice versa. RT will trust what Willie thinks.

Yeh but these folks aren’t investment bankers they are some of the most influential people in racing in the world. I am sure they would listen to their trainer especially Willie but they wouldn’t lack for an opinion and be afraid to assert themselves either imo.

[Lobos]

Yeh but these folks aren’t investment bankers they are some of the most influential people in racing in the world. I am sure they would listen to their trainer especially Willie but they wouldn’t lack for an opinion and be afraid to assert themselves either imo.

Im sure they wouldn't but if Willie tells them one is better than the other then clearly they aren't going to argue. I personally don't think they'll want both in the same race so I do see them being split. Which way, I currently have no idea.

[DeeBee]

Yeh but these folks aren’t investment bankers they are some of the most influential people in racing in the world. I am sure they would listen to their trainer especially Willie but they wouldn’t lack for an opinion and be afraid to assert themselves either imo.

I am hopeful Ferny goes to the Arkle but not too sure how much say RT will have in the matter.

im sure someone here will have the quote, or correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m sure that Cheveley said about Envoi sticking to 2m unless beaten - or something along those lines when it came to talking about the supreme or Ballymore - would have been around December 19.

[Atlantic Viking]

What did people make of Ferny Hollows debut today?

He’s had a long time off the track, was jumping obstacles under rules for only the second time, so those 2 things you maybe have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I thought he looked a little awkward at 2/3 fences and was also very low at the second last going through the top of it. I know he’s a novice so a couple of errors is common but I wouldn’t be overly excited by that. The jump at the last won him the race, annoyed 3 fences were omitted as I’d like to have seen how he did the whole way round. So he’s jumped another 8 obstacles which hasn’t told us too much, he still has an engine which was good to see.

I thought he was given a very cautious ride and did what he had to professionally, I was impressed with the reaction when challenged. I don't think he could have done an awful lot more. He's fit, he can jump a fence, he's still got the attitude and engine, job done and on to the next stage of learning.

AI spent a season beating up Ballyadam who can barely jump his own shadow, he's arguably got more to answer at this point.

[Ray]

I thought he was given a very cautious ride and did what he had to professionally, I was impressed with the reaction when challenged. I don't think he could have done an awful lot more. He's fit, he can jump a fence, he's still got the attitude and engine, job done and on to the next stage of learning.

AI spent a season beating up Ballyadam who can barely jump his own shadow, he's arguably got more to answer at this point.

Dont be a wolly it wernt just ballyadam. Ferny has way more quesrions to answer, IF ai comes out and wins a 2 mile chase on the snaff then its done …that nag is a power house over 2 lets have it right

[Atlantic Viking]

Dont be a wolly it wernt just ballyadam. Ferny has way more quesrions to answer,

How many fences has AI jumped in public? How much news have we had on him since he was pulled from his Punchestown run? Ferny beat Bob Olinger over hurdles, does AI have any form to match that? As things stand, AI has more to answer for me. It's 'wally' by the way.

[Saxon Warrior]

Ferny Hollow is now one win away (he is odds on for a Christmas Grade 1 over 2M) from going to the Irish Arkle and Arkle in Feb/March.

AI could join him if his debut Beginners goes to plan.

It could well be the year that Willie has two pops at the Arkle (at least).

I don’t see a problem in that happening, he has multiple entries in most Grade 1 his horses run in throughout the whole season.

Hendo doesn’t have anything for it this season, so it’s probably a good time for Willie to fill the Arkle field with more than one runner from his stable.

[Ray]

How many fences has AI jumped in public? How much news have we had on him since he was pulled from his Punchestown run? Ferny beat Bob Olinger over hurdles, does AI have any form to match that? As things stand, AI has more to answer for me. It's 'wally' by the way.

im not tryin to dig u out i jjst think AI is the better animal, probs pocket talk aswell! But i do think AI will be the main boy in this and if im wrong well then so
be it!