2022 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

[Morley Street]

Probably not a popular opinion, but im really doubting the Irish form being that good.
Theres no standout, all look much of a muchness to me.
Maybe one or two will step up in march,but right now i dont fancy any of them for this or the Ballymore.

Should add that i was not including Sir G or DD, as imo either of those would be a huge runner in the Bally.

In the likely absence of JWM (still clutching) Ginto would now be a standout for me in this.

[Carnage at Taunton]

In the likely absence of JWM (still clutching) Ginto would now be a standout for me in this.

He might turn out to be, but right now,strictly on form,hes not far off being the same horse as M Cocooner.
im not convinced thats good enough.

The more i think about it the more im inclined to look elsewhere for the AB winner or the Bally winner.

[Exar Essay]

Probably not a popular opinion, but im really doubting the Irish form being that good.
Theres no standout, all look much of a muchness to me.
Maybe one or two will step up in march,but right now i dont fancy any of them for this or the Ballymore.

Should add that i was not including Sir G or DD, as imo either of those would be a huge runner in the Bally.

Couldn’t we have said this last year too? A lot at a similar level (maybe Stattler being a nose in front) and the market wide open.

I think I’ve seen enough to say there’s a couple of decent ones. If Crooner sorts his jumping out, he looks a good one. JWM if declared here. Gerri Colombe could be something too.

Also, after Hollow Games’ average performances I’d be surprised if Ginto didn’t end up here now as well.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Couldn’t we have said this last year too? A lot at a similar level (maybe Stattler being a nose in front) and the market wide open.

I think I’ve seen enough to say there’s a couple of decent ones. If Crooner sorts his jumping out, he looks a good one. JWM if declared here. Gerri Colombe could be something too.

Also, after Hollow Games’ average performances I’d be surprised if Ginto didn’t end up here now as well.

Yes i take your points, and probably could have said the same last year.
And it may be the best form around come the day.
But Im going to have a good look away from the Ginto, Hollow Games etc etc races, and see what i come up with.
Whether it proves fruitful i dont know, but thats the direction im going.

[Splinterboy82]

Probably not a popular opinion, but im really doubting the Irish form being that good.
Theres no standout, all look much of a muchness to me.
Maybe one or two will step up in march,but right now i dont fancy any of them for this or the Ballymore.

Should add that i was not including Sir G or DD, as imo either of those would be a huge runner in the Bally.

It’s a game of opinions & that’s what makes the build up & event itself so much fun!

I personally reckon the Irish hold all the cards from the staying novice side of things. That Irish horse who won the ‘trial’ at Donny wouldn’t have been sighted in the 2m6 race at the DRF yesterday. I do feel Hendo has a very strong speedier novice hand to go to war with this year though - at least that’s what the British are hoping!

[ToniC]

Race yesterday didn’t blow me away either must admit. Not sure how good form that will be going forward. But who knows. Is there anything better in GB though? I mean it’s not exactly bad. Hollow games will stay longer than the mother in law and the extra 2 furlongs and uphill finish would see him closer IMO. But it’s really open isn’t it? Crying out for JWM or Ginto to come here

[Saxon Warrior]

Race yesterday didn’t blow me away either must admit. Not sure how good form that will be going forward. But who knows. Is there anything better in GB though? I mean it’s not exactly bad. Hollow games will stay longer than the mother in law and the extra 2 furlongs and uphill finish would see him closer IMO. But it’s really open isn’t it? Crying out for JWM or Ginto to come here

It would madness for both of them to skip this race.

[Bunkoffearly]

Again the problem of too many good horses under one ownership - national hunt now a rich mans game

[ToniC]

It would madness for both of them to skip this race.

They need to run JWM in clonmel not naas, at least then they at least know how he shapes over both trips when they’re making their decision in March, and they’d be no ground excuses not to with typical clonmel ground. Surely an outfit like robcour not in the game to be pinching a few euros in the EBF auction series. Got to be in it for the glory.

[Kevloaf]

Again the problem of too many good horses under one ownership - national hunt now a rich mans game

In fairness, the Moran's have already let their horses clash.... so very unfair to label them the same way IMO.

Same with Ricci, Donnolly, Gigginstown and JP.

If anything, smaller owners are the ones who split their horses based on that?

[Bunkoffearly]

Fair point

[Stormez]

Any word from Henry after Grand Jury’s run yesterday?

[Spectre]

Any word from Henry after Grand Jury’s run yesterday?

"I'm a complete muppet, and I got that horribly wrong. Clearly Grand Jury would be better over two and half on better ground, and I should listen to what literally the rest of the world thinks and run Journey With Me in the Bartlett"

Well at least that what I think he should say!

[Stormez]

"I'm a complete muppet, and I got that horribly wrong. Clearly Grand Jury would be better over two and half on better ground, and I should listen to what literally the rest of the world thinks and run Journey With Me in the Bartlett"

Well at least that what I think he should say!

Great thanks, glad he’s come to his senses!

[Spectre]

As far as I can see, he's said nothing at all Stormez. If I had to guess Grand Jury will end up in a handicap.