this week's entries

[jack1092]

Have they anything else planned for him ?

I just listened quickly there "Hermes will wait for another day".

Nothing mentioned specifically

[Lobos]

Dysart Enos declared first race Friday.

[Lobos]

Another Henderson talking horse Bective Abbey declared Doncaster Friday.

[Istabraq]

She has yes

Thanks jack, much appreciated...

[Bonjers]

I just listened quickly there "Hermes will wait for another day".

Nothing mentioned specifically

G2 Noel at Ascot is the plan, apparently. Then the Scilly Isles.

[Lobos]

G2 Noel at Ascot is the plan, apparently. Then the Scilly Isles.

Cheers for that. Added him this week using the Hills Epic Boost. 28/1 was just too big to ignore. Ridiculous odds. Just 8/1 with Paddy Power!

[Eggs]

….Marine National;

Connell had hoped Marine Nationale would be contesting the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase, but having yet to run over the bigger obstacles, he will take in a more modest event first.

When asked if all was in place for Leopardstown, Connell said: “Absolutely. His schooling has been 100 per cent. We schooled him twice on the grass at the Curragh and he’s a natural.

“His preparation has been good. He will do his last piece of work at the weekend and then, all systems should be go for Christmas.

“The original plan was to go to Navan, win a beginners chase there, then go for the Grade One at Christmas and then the Irish Arkle but we didn’t want to run him on heavy ground, so we had to forfeit the Grade One at Christmas and go for the beginners instead. But sure, look you have to adapt as circumstances change.

“Last year he won his maiden hurdle then went straight to a Grade One, so I don’t think that’s going to be an issue going to the Irish Arkle after his beginners.”

Connell has always had full faith in Marine Nationale – which was fully vindicated at Cheltenham – and says he knew from the first day the gelding entered the yard he was different.

“He is a one-off really, he is just an incredible athlete. From the first day we had him here, everything came easy to him,” said Connell.

“He is so relaxed as well which is a massive help. If you aren’t keen in a race you aren’t burning up excess diesel and you’ll have a horse for the finish.

“We didn’t want to start the season on heavy ground (at Navan). He can go to Leopardstown for his beginners and come back for the Dublin Racing Festival and then go on to Cheltenham hopefully.

[Lobos]

Shanagh Bob declared Saturday in Albert Bartlett Trial at Cheltenham.

[Lobos]

Kabral Du Mathan declared for Triumph Hurdle trial on same day.

[Eggs]

….Cheveley Park plans;

https://www.attheraces.com/news/2023/December/17/cheveley-park-big-guns-being-readied-for-festive-action

[Benjy23]

Samcro has an entry for the Down Royal hunters chase on Boxing Day. As do Christie's big three. They won't all run like but if Samcro can beat any of them then he'll be shorter than 10/1 for the festival...

I know there's a view that this type don't usually win the hunters at Cheltenham but I'm not sure I can help myself

[Kevloaf]

Samcro has an entry for the Down Royal hunters chase on Boxing Day. As do Christie's big three. They won't all run like but if Samcro can beat any of them then he'll be shorter than 10/1 for the festival...

I know there's a view that this type don't usually win the hunters at Cheltenham but I'm not sure I can help myself

Even if he's beaten I'm not sure he'll be a lot bigger than 10/1 by the off

Gordon means you're almost certain to get a decent jockey on

I can see the appeal - he managed to complete a Grand National as well

I wanted to just be Ferns Lock and done in this race but the FOMO is pretty big - I'll check the odds of that race though - he might get beaten and be pushed out

[Lobos]

Samcro has an entry for the Down Royal hunters chase on Boxing Day. As do Christie's big three. They won't all run like but if Samcro can beat any of them then he'll be shorter than 10/1 for the festival...

I know there's a view that this type don't usually win the hunters at Cheltenham but I'm not sure I can help myself

Don't think he can run in it ??

[darlojim]

Don't think he can run in it ??

He can this year I believe

[Benjy23]

Aye, I'd like someone else to do the hard work for me But form memory I believe he couldn't run last year because he'd won / placed in a graded race within a year or so of the Hunters. I'd assume that wouldn't be a problem the following season.

Edit: Looks like it's 15 months prior to Jan (24). So he'd be fine to run it.