2024 Novice Hurdlers

[Carnage at Taunton]

All true. Market today is sea of blue for Ballyburn Supreme and sea of blue for Mystical Power Ballymore (both going in the other direction in opposite markets). Im sure a decision will be made late but the market (just the market) is telling us those two will be split.

You are absolutely right imo Charlie…..decision will be made late.
No doubt some sweating to be done yet!!

[Faugheen_Machine]

His options seem to be thinning out though, a bit like Willie's novice chasers.

If you were JP and you were told Ballyburn was intending on running in the supreme, what would you do with your 2 hopes ?
Especially as Nicky's is only entered in the supreme ?

I'd run one in the Ballymore and save the other for Aintree. Seriously though, I'd probably take him on in the Supreme.

Ballyburn going to be tough to beat wherever he turns up but I think Mystical Power, and to a lesser extent Firefox, are the ones that could beat him over 2 miles.

[Eggs]

….Mullins re Gaucher;

This is a nice horse by Frankel and we’ve been looking to get him out for a while now. I don’t think he’ll be suited by these conditions but he’s one to follow and could win this type of race even on ground he doesn’t like.

[Lobos]

….Mullins re Gaucher;

This is a nice horse by Frankel and we’ve been looking to get him out for a while now. I don’t think he’ll be suited by these conditions but he’s one to follow and could win this type of race even on ground he doesn’t like.

Sounds confident

[qzy]

Stoke The Fire is entered in Clonmel on thursday in the G3 - hopefully we will see if we have an AB horse then (I own a couple of teeth ) -the Irish Cesarewitch is a goal also.

[Eggs]

….Megan Nicholls confirms Caldwell Potter will miss the Festival.

[Rooster Booster]

Stoke The Fire is entered in Clonmel on thursday in the G3 - hopefully we will see if we have an AB horse then (I own a couple of teeth ) -the Irish Cesarewitch is a goal also.

Very best of luck qzy.

[TigerRolllllll]

….Megan Nicholls confirms Caldwell Potter will miss the Festival.

Understandable & slightly pathetic at same time

Would poss have been close to best horse in BB

Doubtless be at Aintree helping ensure trainers championship

[Craigy14]

Understandable & slightly pathetic at same time

Would poss have been close to best horse in BB

Doubtless be at Aintree helping ensure trainers championship

Hmm I’m of a different view Tiger.

Owners did just lose their star horse, have possibly filled the void with an excellent prospect so I can understand the patience with him.

It is only just under 5 weeks away. Pain for those that have him backed but understandable all the same as you say surely.

[charlie]

….Megan Nicholls confirms Caldwell Potter will miss the Festival.

Doesn't affect me and actually benefits me but this is just standard PN isn't it?

Completely understand the logic behind giving novices time and being patient with a view to chasing if thats what they've been bought for (especially for that sum), but its a proper pussy tail between the legs move IMO.

He's raced 4 times on the level, 3 times over hurdles and posted progressive RPR's of 137, 142 and 152 culminating in a Grade 1. If thats not Cheltenham material or at the very least a Cheltenham candidate, then I don't know what is.

Had he ended up staying in Ireland or going to any other trainer here you can bet you're left bollock they wouldn't skip cheltenham. For an inexperienced horse you might, or a sketchy jumper, but he's neither of those things, not even close.

Wimps

[Atlantic Viking]

….Megan Nicholls confirms Caldwell Potter will miss the Festival.

One of the most promising novice hurdlers around in a reasonably open looking year. "Why do the Irish trainers dominate??!".

[charlie]

One of the most promising novice hurdlers around in a reasonably open looking year. "Why do the Irish trainers dominate??!".

Wish I'd said this. Spot on. Wide open novice races, progressive Grade 1 winner and they bottled it.

[Quevega]

I'd be a little more forgiving in this instance, although it's disappointing news for the festival.
I've no financial loss involved either so easier to stomach.
But having spent the best part of 3/4 million and just lost a horse worth a similar amount.
If Nicholls was suggesting he would have to alter/speed up his usual routine when welcoming a new horse into his yard to get him ready for Cheltenham then you can see why they may have been cool on the idea.
Fuck knows what they do with them, I thought they lounged about in their stable most days until a couple of weeks before a race odd swim now and then, massage, little trot round the yard, haircut etc.

[Atlantic Viking]

Wish I'd said this. Spot on. Wide open novice races, progressive Grade 1 winner and they bottled it.

Gareth Southgate philosophy has taken over British training. Beat up shite at Wincanton and San Marino all year then get cottage pie pants when it really matters. Or something.

[That Horse]

Gareth Southgate philosophy has taken over British training. Beat up shite at Wincanton and San Marino all year then get cottage pie pants when it really matters. Or something.

Would you take Caldwell Potter to the Euros over Harry Maguire?