2024 Novice Hurdlers

[Exar Essay]

FinalFurlong91 I had a look at that earlier in the year to see how his ownership might affect things. My notes suggest he's had 3 Ballymore runners, 2 AB runners, and 1 Supreme runner. All since he started sponsoring the 2m7f novice hurdle in 2008. So whilst it is an option of course, I don't think he's obsessed with getting runners to the event he sponsors.

Atlantic Viking I agree. And perhaps it's my bias rather than a "thing" but I prefer my Ballymore runners to have toe and Supreme runners to have pace.

[Lobos]

DTS is all speed so he'll definitely be aimed at the Supreme. The other JP horses will work around him. Not unlike JP to throw a couple at the Supreme though. Don't be scared to have a few of his on board for the opener.

I still think Ballyburn could end up Willie's Supreme horse . Loved the way he quickened away from them in his last race. Have backed him for both races though.

[Madmoose]

The only fly in the ballymore ointment could be that he's owned by the sponsor of the bartlett

Yeah but no doubt if perfect for the Ballymore style wise he will end up there like Simonsig did for the owner.

[HesTheOne]

Ronnie has a nice recruit with Nicky called Nativehill if he goes hurdling this year you assume he’ll be a possible AB horse for him.

Both him and Ballyburn are from McKeevers P2P yard. Along with Tullyhill and another nice recruit Jeriko with Nicky.

Not sure what the POA is with Nativehill, absolutely zero interest playing the Albert Bartlett never mind a Henderson horse but possibly a related double down the line with the two Ronnie Bartlett horses.

[JackieMoon33]

I personally think that a good few Ballymore and Supreme winners could easily have been interchangeable and be very competitive in the other race. Supreme you need to be able to go the frantic pace and jump to maintain a position. Often the Ballymore can be down to a turn of foot as opposed to any significant stamina reserve for the extra 5f.

Mirazur West displayed a high cruising speed and Willie will always target 2 miles with that type of horse in my opinion.
Down Memory Lane on the other hand was happy to sit in behind and then easily dispatch his field with a turn of foot.
With JP needing to split his impressive team and Gordon likely to take a different route to Willie, I can see Down Memory Lane being the one to step up.

Nothing scientific there, just my gut feeling.

[RoadToCheltenham]

FYI all - one of the Willmount ownership group has replied to a tweet saying "he will not be going to the Supreme" and another that says "Cheltenham isn't the be all and end all" so worth noting if you've backed him.

[HesTheOne]

FYI all - one of the Willmount ownership group has replied to a tweet saying "he will not be going to the Supreme" and another that says "Cheltenham isn't the be all and end all" so worth noting if you've backed him.

Seen that he’s very open so he is. Anyone know much about the connections?

Definitely look the crowd you wouldn’t wanna be on the wrong foot with

[Parachute Paddy]

It’s so obvious but Ballyburn to me looks a cert to run in the Ballymore even at this stage.

How on earth is it a cert!?

He could so easily be more than capable over 2m and stay at the minimum.

[Madmoose]

How on earth is it a cert!?

He could so easily be more than capable over 2m and stay at the minimum.

Because his style is reminiscent of past winners with that turn of foot in a finish. It will be like IEP this season when he smokes the field late on. Ill look forward to look back on this post after the festival

[Zachx02]

How on earth is it a cert!?

He could so easily be more than capable over 2m and stay at the minimum.

Flemensfirths don't stay at 2 miles

[Lobos]

Flemensfirths don't stay at 2 miles

And don't win at the Festival right ?

[JackieMoon33]

Because his style is reminiscent of past winners with that turn of foot in a finish. It will be like IEP this season when he smokes the field late on. Ill look forward to look back on this post after the festival

It's a tricky one as his bumper debut was very laboured in comparison though. I'll be happy to take him on in the Ballymore that's for sure.

[darlojim]

I'm on Ballyburn at 16s for the Ballymore, but dont like the horse at all Think I got a bit of FOMO before his win lto, but thought it was just an OK performance. I certainly think there will be at least 1 or 2 better than that lad come March.

[Ice]

Wish my FOMO bets were at that price! I usually dive in at short prices and then instantly regret it.

You've got the price and that's all that counts imo.

I was just thinking the same !

[Fouroverthrutwo]

Where do we reckon Firefox will go? He put up some good performances last season in bumpers (beating Ile Atlantique amongst others). He also finished 4th on debut posting a decent RPR in a maiden hurdle. I think he could be above average.