2022 Cross Country Chase

[That Horse]

Sprinter Sacre just put in the GC thread that Galvin is one of those entered in the Down Royal champion chase at end of month. However, not sure it gives a signal either way as Gordon has used this previously to run Cheltenham runners and Grand National runners, if he beats Minella Indo there, even with it being early season and race fitness in question, surely that's the signal to aim for the GC

[Lobos]

IMO it certainly isn't a plus for anyone who's backed him for the XCC.

[Spectre]

IMO it certainly isn't a plus for anyone who's backed him for the XCC.

Yes agreed. I'm fully with FM in which way I think they should go, but Monkfish being out may just have tipped them to go the Gold Cup route.

[Lobos]

Yes agreed. I'm fully with FM in which way I think they should go, but Monkfish being out may just have tipped them to go the Gold Cup route.

If he does take up the Down Royal entry I'm almost hoping he comes up a little short so the GN will then be back at the top of the agenda. C'mon Gord, just under do his training a little.

[Odin]

Worth being aware that the year after Tiger Roll won the National Hunt Chase, he ran in a 2m7f Listed race at Wexford (2nd, October) and a Grade 2 Chase at Clonmel (PU, November). He then ran in the December XC at Cheltenham before being put away until the Festival (and then Aintree). I can't pretend that the number of entries he's had recently don't worry me with regards to XC but he's by no means out of the equation yet as far as I'm concerned.

[Lobos]

Bit different to taking on the GC winner Odin ! Then again I'm in the minority in that I don't think he'll go near a XC fence. He simply doesn't need to.

[Odin]

Oh I agree it's a much better race and I'm currently figuring out how I can cover the Gold Cup option before he runs there IF he does, but I would also argue it's a perfect way to get a run into him and make sure everyone's aware he's just 'not Grade 1 class' *cough* Mr UK Handicapper *cough*. I also wonder how many of these entries a horse like Tiger had around the same time. I don't have that information and I highly doubt anyone else here does either so I don't know how worried I should be until he's declared.

[Black Dog]

I backed Galvin at 40's for the Gold Cup in the summer,but cashed him with the xc seemingly more likely with Gordy back in charge. Must admit his entries suggest loftier target and i'm getting cashers' regret. Still 40/1 though so no harm done yet

[Kevloaf]

Galvin winning the Gold Cup; is just nonsense IMO

There isn't a horse in training I love more as of right now, but, not G1 level, especially not Gold Cup G1 level.

[Irish Rugby]

Agree Kevloaf. It does seem a bit of a push. I suspect Gordon has looked at his army of horses and needs to replace presumably what was his GC horse this year, Envoi Allen. Galvin may have that potential but it's a big but. By trying it out this week though he risks ruining his potential GN weight.

What other of Gordon's at the moment could possibly be aimed at the GC?

[Cheltenham Novice Chase]

Galvin winning the Gold Cup; is just nonsense IMO

There isn't a horse in training I love more as of right now, but, not G1 level, especially not Gold Cup G1 level.

Where do you think Galvin will run Kev? I’m not convinced they’ll target the XC. For me, this is a very specialist race and you need a horse which suits its demands and Elliott already has one in Tiger Roll. Ultima?

[Saxon Warrior]

Where do you think Galvin will run Kev? I’m not convinced they’ll target the XC. For me, this is a very specialist race and you need a horse which suits its demands and Elliott already has one in Tiger Roll. Ultima?

I checked the Gordon Elliott Cheltenham Diary last night, and one of his Cross-Country runners had ran in the same races that Galvin has been entered in just this week.
It was only last season, and the horse was rated higher, at the time, than Galvin is now.
(albeit it was an 11yo!!)


Cross Country 4th last year
4th - Alpha Des Obeaux 11yo 22/1 (Race RPR 149) OR 152
5 Chases in season, Prior Festival form: 2nd Stayers, 4th RSA
14 Feb (Punch) 3M4F Grade B National Trial HcapCh: PU - OR 149
28 Jan (Gowr) 3M1F Grade B THYESTES HcapCh: PU - OR 150
12 Nov (Clon) 2M4F Grade 2 Chase: 5th btn 45L (RPR 120) OR 154
31 Oct (DRoy) 3M Grade 1 Chase: 9th btn 13L (RPR 150) OR 156
14 Oct (Punch) 3M Grade 3 Chase: 5th btn 40L (RPR 125) OR 158

[Odin]

I checked the Gordon Elliott Cheltenham Diary last night, and one of his Cross-Country runners had ran in the same races that Galvin has been entered in just this week.
It was only last season, and the horse was rated higher, at the time, than Galvin is now.
(albeit it was an 11yo!!)


Cross Country 4th last year
4th - Alpha Des Obeaux 11yo 22/1 (Race RPR 149) OR 152
5 Chases in season, Prior Festival form: 2nd Stayers, 4th RSA
14 Feb (Punch) 3M4F Grade B National Trial HcapCh: PU - OR 149
28 Jan (Gowr) 3M1F Grade B THYESTES HcapCh: PU - OR 150
12 Nov (Clon) 2M4F Grade 2 Chase: 5th btn 45L (RPR 120) OR 154
31 Oct (DRoy) 3M Grade 1 Chase: 9th btn 13L (RPR 150) OR 156
14 Oct (Punch) 3M Grade 3 Chase: 5th btn 40L (RPR 125) OR 158

I also distinctly remember Gordon saying that Alpha was running in those races to get used to the pace that a Grand National was run at in the pre-race comments for the Down Royal race now you mention it... Great catch Sax

[Attaglance]

Also noticed that Balko Des Flos ran in both races mentioned above last year for Henry, before unseating in the xcountry and then a brilliant 2nd in the National, so it certainly is not an unheard of path. I don’t see it as a negative for the National that Galvin is entered in both.

[Kevloaf]

Galvin winning the Gold Cup; is just nonsense IMO

There isn't a horse in training I love more as of right now, but, not G1 level, especially not Gold Cup G1 level.

Less than 24 hours later I've backed him.

Up the plodders!