Champion Hurdle 2021

[FinalFurlong91]

Agree. If Epatante runs up to what she did last year I don't see her getting beat. They say she's improved which will make her even harder to get past.

The bare form of beating sharjah on soft ground and darver star isn't great but she did it easily and there is very little depth in the division as it stands

[opatcho]

The bare form of beating sharjah on soft ground and darver star isn't great but she did it easily and there is very little depth in the division as it stands

The bare form of that is, as it stand, significant better than what any of last years novices has achieved to date

I dont know why folks say the Champion Hurdle was so bad last year. Winner won with ease, second was a 160 horse

I mean.... Saint Roi is the value bet for most on this forum in this race (some at 25/1's 20/1's) but needs to improve from this handicap win in March.
Aba looks to have peaked, struggling to see how he improves
The juves last year have alot to do to prove themselves
Honeysuckle is better over further, dropping her down into this doesnt matter to me as Epatante would beat her

[Quevega]

The bare form of beating sharjah on soft ground and darver star isn't great but she did it easily and there is very little depth in the division as it stands

It was Sharjah's best ever run.

[FinalFurlong91]

She doesn't set a standard that is unbeatable

But the others still have plenty to do to show that they can improve enough to have a chance of giving her the weight

[Saxon Warrior]

She doesn't set a standard that is unbeatable

But the others still have plenty to do to show that they can improve enough to have a chance of giving her the weight

Correct, I think it’s obvious that if we are having a “best form” debate then, in November, it’s a one-sided one, in favour of Epatante.

One false step by her in her race performances, or a big performance by another contender, then we can start the debate properly.

[Diamond Geezer]

Marie's Rock takes on stable mate Epatante in the Fighting Fifth

[Kevloaf]

Marie's Rock takes on stable mate Epatante in the Fighting Fifth

Whoosh!


Imagine a similar scenario like when Buveur D'air was nutted by that horse Nico was at pains to win on.... Verdana Blue wasn't it?

[Lobos]

Marie's Rock takes on stable mate Epatante in the Fighting Fifth

Wowsers. They are aiming for the Churdle then ! Unless the place prize money has enticed them ??

[Outlaw]

Whoosh!


Imagine a similar scenario like when Buveur D'air was nutted by that horse Nico was at pains to win on.... Verdana Blue wasn't it?

It was indeed, after you, no please after you, ok ladies first

[Hurdles or chasing]

Will she run though...

[charlie]

GOSHEN

Let's start with Goshen. If I hadn't already had a number of bets in the CH I would be backing Goshen now at 5-1 with Cash Out. This is on the following basis:
# Visually a very impressive performance in the Triumph Hurdle. In my opinion the best we have seen since Our Conor.
# Although Goshen didn't win the Truimph he was miles clear and unlucky that after the last fence stumble his legs / hooves got caught together (watch the slow motion replays on Youtube) as without that I'm certain he would still have won.
# Connections will go for the CH, so his target is almost certain.
# Goshen is being lined up for some lofty targets / prizes on the flat. Should he perform well in these then his price for the CH could shorten further (conversely it could go the other way but personally I think positive performances on the flat will have more of an impact on his CH price than poor ones).
# Epatante has to get to the CH and maintain that level of form. According to the Archie factor it's only Even money that she will make the festival.
# So if Epatante doesn't make the grade or the race but Goshen does then what price would Goshen be on the day?

Much of the above is conjecture of course but that's the beauty and risk of AP betting, especially this far out. I do though think the performances of Goshen on the Flat is a factor which punters wouldn't usually have to take into account. So should we back Godshen* before or after his Flat campaign.

Personally Goshen does look to me like one of those horses which only comes around every once in a long time. Gary and Jamie Moore are massively impressed and enthused by him and Gary's description of him being a 'freak' is probably close to the mark.

Before anyone makes up their minds on Goshen , I strongly urge you to watch all of his race replays and actually listen to the race commentaries.

I was quoting this from ages ago, wrong post

[Topofthegame2021]

Goshen was my first ante post bet on the Cheltenham festival of my life last year for the triumph, got quite a decent price on him @ 20’s I thought. I was there on the Friday last year and wanted to cry after the last hurdle. I have a soft spot for him.

BUT... I can’t help but think that if he was with a bigger trainer I would take him a lot more seriously. In the CH this year I have been more than happy to brush him aside.

IF He was with let’s say Henderson I would have much more faith that he would get Goshen there on the day in peak shape.

anyone agree or am I bonkers?

[Topofthegame2021]

Sorry, not sure why that posted twice

[Kevloaf]

Goshen was my first ante post bet on the Cheltenham festival of my life last year for the triumph, got quite a decent price on him @ 20’s I thought. I was there on the Friday last year and wanted to cry after the last hurdle. I have a soft spot for him.

BUT... I can’t help but think that if he was with a bigger trainer I would take him a lot more seriously. In the CH this year I have been more than happy to brush him aside.

IF He was with let’s say Henderson I would have much more faith that he would get Goshen there on the day in peak shape.

anyone agree or am I bonkers?

It's not bonkers to consider the elite trainers, as elite trainers. They get results more often than the notch below them.

It doesn't rule out any horse really, and Gary Moore has trained a QMCC winner for example but he's not a positive in my opinion.

[Pendil]

Marie's Rock takes on stable mate Epatante in the Fighting Fifth

I thought Maries Rock was being aimed at the Gerry Feilden at Newbury on Saturday