Supreme/Ballymore/Albert Bartlett - Novice Hurdles 2021

[Rooster Booster]

There seem to be a lot of theories flying about as to this horse going here and that horse going there. I think sometimes it's as difficult to actually guess a horses eventual target at the festival, as to the horses chances of actually winning. Trying to second guess Willie Mullins is nigh on impossible and that's why the TWAR bet is a really handy weapon. Nearly all my Ante Post bets are TWAR, although the TWAR price is going to be far shorter it takes out a lot of the hassle and if you are lucky enough for your selection just to make it to Cheltenham.

Everyone has views on this and that but the way I see the Supreme and Ballymore currently are as follows, Willie really holds the key with Appreciate It, whichever target is chosen I think he'll win. Personally I see AI going to the Supreme simply after his performance at Christmas why step up? Yes he could improve for the step up but to me the Ballymore has three potential stars looking likely to go there. Bob Olinger who I love and have no stamina doubts or concerns over ground or his ability to climb the hill after his victory at Navan. Gaillard Du Mesnil who I thought was mightly impressive at Leopardstown, he tanked along in the race and visually looked the business. He was beaten first time out at Punchestown but a lot of Willie's have come on a great deal for a run. I've taken the 14s TWAR with Hills and think its a cracking price as Willie has already implied that he and AI will try and avoid each other. Then Bravesmangame who no doubt will be a star when he goes chasing but has to be respected despite winning a weak renewal of the Challow. Despite that I feel he's the best British novice hurdler at the moment. Can't be having Metier at any price but especially at 7s for the Supreme, a joke price. In the Tolworth he beat Shakem Up'Arry who previously was beaten off 130 at Haydock! No fan of Ballyadam but I'm pretty sure that an under par Ballyadam would be capable of beating Arry senseless!

To me AI wins the Supreme and probably the Ballymore but I think the opposition is more difficult on the Wednesday. So my advice is pile on Metier as usually when I'm against one so strongly they hose up!

Genuine question and apologetically hypothetical. How would you have felt about Metiers performance if ‘Arry’hadn’t run with Metier beating Do Your Job by 19 lengths more than llandinabo lad, recognising DYJ beat many peoples county hurdle fancy by over 9 lengths (with the 3rd home bolting up by 28 lengths lto)and llandinabo subsequently giving My Drogo a good race giving weight away. I am not saying Metier is the next Pegasus but to say you can’t be having him at ANY price seems a little harsh to me.

[Morley Street]

Genuine question and apologetically hypothetical. How would you have felt about Metiers performance if ‘Arry’hadn’t run with Metier beating Do Your Job by 19 lengths more than llandinabo lad, recognising DYJ beat many peoples county hurdle fancy by over 9 lengths (with the 3rd home bolting up by 28 lengths lto)and llandinabo subsequently giving My Drogo a good race giving weight away. I am not saying Metier is the next Pegasus but to say you can’t be having him at ANY price seems a little harsh to me.

Spot on Rooster.

Dismissing a horse based upon the relative proximity of one that he put away comfortably is dangerous IMO... giving ‘arry a beating didn’t do Shishkin any harm last year

[Quevega]

Looks like Racing Post gave Metier an RPR of 153. Harry 140 RPR

They gave Appreciate it 151 for his last run.


Shishkin got his 154 in the Sydney Banks prior to Cheltenham.

[Skysthelimit]

For anyone who has backed Star Gate, Williams is quoted in the post that he will be ‘wrapped in cotton wool and put away for a novice chase campaign next season’.

[Ice]

Has anyone got any thoughts on where my drogo will head or indeed if he will go to the festival at all ?

[The King Pimm]

Has anyone a link for the Lawlors novice hurdle race next weekend?

[Pendil]

Per an article today aim is Sydney Banks at Huntingdon over 2ml 3 1/2f in February and given entries in both Supreme and Ballymore. Drogo that is

[PresentingPercy]

Has anyone a link for the Lawlors novice hurdle race next weekend?

Just the entries so far - http://www.irishracing.com/card?race...d=202101101430

[Pendil]

Has anyone a link for the Lawlors novice hurdle race next weekend?

Entries available in the RP website

[Saxon Warrior]

Entries available in the RP website

5 Days Decs for Ireland Sunday racing are usually updated on Wednesday mornings (Saturdays come out on Tuesday mornings).

The early entries are just block-booked by the main stables.

[Ice]

Per an article today aim is Sydney Banks at Huntingdon over 2ml 3 1/2f in February and given entries in both Supreme and Ballymore. Drogo that is

Thanks pendil.

[The King Pimm]

Cheers lads, just had a look at the Lawlors early entries.

[DeeBee]

5 Days Decs for Ireland Sunday racing are usually updated on Wednesday mornings (Saturdays come out on Tuesday mornings).

The early entries are just block-booked by the main stables.

Preying that Appreciate It maintains an entry... i guess even if he is to be stepped up this race will come too soon though?

[FinalFurlong91]

Preying that Appreciate It maintains an entry... i guess even if he is to be stepped up this race will come too soon though?

Almost no chance youd think

[fatherjohn]

Looks like Racing Post gave Metier an RPR of 153. Harry 140 RPR

They gave Appreciate it 151 for his last run.


Shishkin got his 154 in the Sydney Banks prior to Cheltenham.

timeform have metier 147p and appreciate it 148p

I know people on here have their own ratings systems but that reinforces the visual impression of a classy horse with a good turn of speed and definitely a supreme contender for me