Champion Hurdle 2021

[Spectre]

She was far too free and fresh (and very on edge before the race I believe). Nicky's were also just starting to feel the effect of the bug that was going around the yard, but that was never used as an excuse - or at least that I heard. Last weeks update from Nicky was... 'I've never had her looking so good'. Either way she has to earn her right now to run at HQ in March

I was told by a contact they did her soft palate after the race qzy?

[qzy]

I was told by a contact they did her soft palate after the race qzy?

That was done in October

[Spectre]

Ah thanks qzy. Time flies.

[nortonscoin200]

Best of luck qzy- it’d be wonderful if she makes it.

[Silverbirch]

First proper post here, go easy.
I don't think Aspire Tower has gone under the radar or whatsoever but, I do think he's incredible value at 14/1.
Hes already beaten some much fancied horses in Saint Roi and Abacadabras twice.
I was actually taken back when he came second to Sharjah in December, I can see no reason why he couldn't reverse that result on another day. When hitting the line he was still giving it everything he had and didn't look tiring to me.
It also took me by surprise he's still only 5! I didn't realise just how young he still was.
I've just re-watched the triumph again, he was a lil left jumpy last year and very novice-y, again can be forgiven, I've no concerns with his jumping now.
In my opinion he is a speedy stayer. If he can get to the front and dictate the pace, hes in with a chance I believe.
Obviously epatante is the one to beat - but Silver Streak may have uncovered the formula to beat her. I believe Aspire tower could achieve this. I don't believe he's inexperienced anymore, just on an upward curve, and if that continues, there's only a couple of horses ahead of him.

[charlie]

First proper post here, go easy.
I don't think Aspire Tower has gone under the radar or whatsoever but, I do think he's incredible value at 14/1.
Hes already beaten some much fancied horses in Saint Roi and Abacadabras twice.
I was actually taken back when he came second to Sharjah in December, I can see no reason why he couldn't reverse that result on another day. When hitting the line he was still giving it everything he had and didn't look tiring to me.
It also took me by surprise he's still only 5! I didn't realise just how young he still was.
I've just re-watched the triumph again, he was a lil left jumpy last year and very novice-y, again can be forgiven, I've no concerns with his jumping now.
In my opinion he is a speedy stayer. If he can get to the front and dictate the pace, hes in with a chance I believe.
Obviously epatante is the one to beat - but Silver Streak may have uncovered the formula to beat her. I believe Aspire tower could achieve this. I don't believe he's inexperienced anymore, just on an upward curve, and if that continues, there's only a couple of horses ahead of him.

I think that's a fair assessment Silver. You might get a little push back on 'incredible value' in such a wide open race, but I don't think anyone would be shocked if Aspire Tower reversed the form with Sharjah. Sharjah was kept very quiet by PM, conserved energy and pounced late, whereas Aspire Tower tried to make all and Rachel clearly try's to pinch it from the front turning in, but I'd say mid race exploits caught up with him. Very credible run though.

I think Aspire Tower falls into tactical no mans lands IMO. If he goes off from the front and tries to make all as he did in the Matheson then he'll be setting the race up perfectly for horses like Epatante or Sharjah. The flip side is if Rachel drops him in and he doesn't settle, the cost of racing keenly under restraint will likely be his undoing. I don't think they have a choice, they just have to go for it from the front. Might as well, young, clearly improving, pings his hurdles, so I think those tactics makes sense.

[Istabraq]

Silverbirch
I went back and looked at this race earlier in the week, following some discussion in here, and came to the same conclusion but I chose to take the 10/1 NRNB.
There was some question over his participation at DRF but he was entered anyway, god forbid there’s an injury or poor performance I just wanted some insurance...

[Silverbirch]

I think that's a fair assessment Silver. You might get a little push back on 'incredible value' in such a wide open race, but I don't think anyone would be shocked if Aspire Tower reversed the form with Sharjah. Sharjah was kept very quiet by PM, conserved energy and pounced late, whereas Aspire Tower tried to make all and Rachel clearly try's to pinch it from the front turning in, but I'd say mid race exploits caught up with him. Very credible run though.

I think Aspire Tower falls into tactical no mans lands IMO. If he goes off from the front and tries to make all as he did in the Matheson then he'll be setting the race up perfectly for horses like Epatante or Sharjah. The flip side is if Rachel drops him in and he doesn't settle, the cost of racing keenly under restraint will likely be his undoing. I don't think they have a choice, they just have to go for it from the front. Might as well, young, clearly improving, pings his hurdles, so I think those tactics makes sense.

Could not agree more with this, Charlie. I think the chance of this for sure outweighs the negatives.
I dont really have a pick in this race, I think it will be pretty hectic to be honest.

Do we think it will be a Rachel on board? Or will it be Power? As per the Bob Olinger posts.

[charlie]

Could not agree more with this, Charlie. I think the chance of this for sure outweighs the positives.
I dont really have a pick in this race, I think it will be pretty hectic to be honest.

Do we think it will be a Rachel on board? Or will it be Power? As per the Bob Olinger posts.

That will depend on whether or not Honeysuckle runs here

[jack1092]

Could not agree more with this, Charlie. I think the chance of this for sure outweighs the negatives.
I dont really have a pick in this race, I think it will be pretty hectic to be honest.

Do we think it will be a Rachel on board? Or will it be Power? As per the Bob Olinger posts.

If you are wanting a front running winner- you'd be praying for Blackmore.

[Lobos]

That will depend on whether or not Honeysuckle runs here

Charlie the convert !

[charlie]

Charlie the convert !

Haha far from it pal! I've done the 20/1 double now so I'l entertain the idea with a view from my pocket, but its not one I'll ever get behind!!

[Topofthegame2021]

Really really fancy Navajo Pass to beat Buveur D’air on Saturday. 10/1 currently. Getting this down somewhere so that nobody claims I’m after timing when he wins.

BD literally had his hoof reconstructed & he’s also ageing and not race fit. Ballyandy is ancient. NP is the up and coming horse. Decent form from the Triumph last year. Great run last time & we know he stays further so the ground should be no issue really.

Going to get him in a double with Royal Pagaille for the NH chase

[Eggs]

Really really fancy Navajo Pass to beat Buveur D’air on Saturday. 10/1 currently. Getting this down somewhere so that nobody claims I’m after timing when he wins.

BD literally had his hoof reconstructed & he’s also ageing and not race fit. Ballyandy is ancient. NP is the up and coming horse. Decent form from the Triumph last year. Great run last time & we know he stays further so the ground should be no issue really.

Going to get him in a double with Royal Pagaille for the NH chase

....McCain loves NP, from comments made I think a future Stayers Hurdle is the aim.

[Topofthegame2021]

....McCain loves NP, from comments made I think a future Stayers Hurdle is the aim.

Staying should help on that Haydock ground this weekend - one to put in the tracker for sure