2023 Novice Hurdlers

[Can't Catch Me]

If Nicky brings her out this season over hurdles I'd say this is a clue in itself. He has Luccia and Ahorsewithnoname for the race already (both at the top end of the market), plus some other nice fillies/mares he noted. She is only 4, so will be 5 for the festival, she could easily have had a year in bumpers. He brought out Constitution Hill aged 4 last season despite having the likes of Firestep, Russian Ruler, Surrey Quest and not to mention, Jonbon, as decent to really good novice hurdling options, again he could have gone down the bumper route but decided against this.

Is there any suggestion she won't be hurdling COD? I thought Nicky said he expected her to take high rank in mares novice hurdles in his stable tour and sure he said she jumps very well? I hadn't even considered this possibility tbh!

[ComplyOrDie]

Is there any suggestion she won't be hurdling COD? I thought Nicky said he expected her to take high rank in mares novice hurdles in his stable tour and sure he said she jumps very well? I hadn't even considered this possibility tbh!

No, as far as I'm aware it's all systems go for hurdling, as per what Nicky said, my point was more that if he's not holding her back for bumpers at her age then he must think she's very good. He usually sends them to bumpers before hurdling, I believe. He'd have no reason to go down the Mares Novice Hurdle route with her as he already has two of the market leaders for the race anyway, so she must be doing plenty right at home, IMO.

[Can't Catch Me]

No, as far as I'm aware it's all systems go for hurdling, as per what Nicky said, my point was more that if he's not holding her back for bumpers at her age then he must think she's very good. He usually sends them to bumpers before hurdling, I believe. He'd have no reason to go down the Mares Novice Hurdle route with her as he already has two of the market leaders for the race anyway, so she must be doing plenty right at home, IMO.

Yes makes sense Fingers crossed!

[Can't Catch Me]

HdB mentions An Tobar looks more of a staying type. Have added him at 25/1 for the Bartlett to cover the 20/1 for the Ballymore already done.

[Zachx02]

HdB mentions An Tobar looks more of a staying type. Have added him at 25/1 for the Bartlett to cover the 20/1 for the Ballymore already done.

Done the same, still think he wins the ballymore in 5 months time though

[Can't Catch Me]

Done the same, still think he wins the ballymore in 5 months time though

Not sure tbh. The more I look at his breeding, the more laden with stamina it seems! Shame his any race price is so low.

[ComplyOrDie]

Not sure tbh. The more I look at his breeding, the more laden with stamina it seems! Shame his any race price is so low.

I think he's likely going to be a serious 3m chaser, however I think he'll be Ballymore bound over hurdles. His p2p made him look a serious prospect though.

[Zachx02]

Not sure tbh. The more I look at his breeding, the more laden with stamina it seems! Shame his any race price is so low.

He did say Hiddenvalley Lake is starting over 2 and a half so unless he's sending both there

[DenmanSacre]

I'd be surprised if he went the Bartlett as others look less pacey than him based on their point to points.

He may be like Constitution Hill who doesn't show much at home unless really asked and I'm sure they'll make their decision after they see what he's like on the racecourse.

[Craigy14]

I wonder if that’s why he’s decided to hold back Barry The Butcher so he can aim them both at the Ballymore in different seasons. Not like HDB to hold one back in bumpers that I can recall.

That and also the fact he is only 4 going 5 although constitution hill showed it didn’t matter this year.

[ComplyOrDie]

I wonder if that’s why he’s decided to hold back Barry The Butcher so he can aim them both at the Ballymore in different seasons. Not like HDB to hold one back in bumpers that I can recall.

That and also the fact he is only 4 going 5 although constitution hill showed it didn’t matter this year.

The owners also have James's Gate for the Ballymore this season, not that I like him for that race in particular, but could well be another reason.

[JackieMoon33]

The owners also have James's Gate for the Ballymore this season, not that I like him for that race in particular, but could well be another reason.

And the aptly named Built By Ballymore. Neither interest me though.

[Sprinter Sacre]

Similar debates going on around Journey With Me this time last season, who’d already run over 3m I believe and look where he ended up. If An Tobar is as good as suggested I think it’s very likely he’ll be staying over middle distance hurdles.

[Stormez]

Was told a few weeks ago by someone who works for one of the big bookies that the owner of An Tobar has had a fair few quid on him for the Ballymore.

Could all just be gossip, so who knows. But hopefully it’s true & he knows more about the plans for him than us!

[RoadToCheltenham]

James' Gate has had a setback

https://twitter.com/emmanagle/status/1585262721058078721