2024 Novice Chasers

[Quevega]

Yes this is the period that I would gladly fast forward. They say you shouldn’t wish your life away but between 4 weeks out and one week out is a period that I don’t personally enjoy. Too many agendas, too much self serving and pocket talk goes through the roof.

It can be frustrating filtering through the opinions for the balanced views and the pocket led - but at this stage of the season at least it's more relevant.
The absolute worse time is in October/November when people spend pages theorising on festival targets, for dozens of horses that most never even get this far

[Quevega]

Yep, agreed. Whoever Paul rides is more likely (imo) to be under consideration for the BANC either alongside F2F or as the stable's number one hope if F2F goes to the Turners. The other could theoretically slot into either. Still think Patrick on Embassy is plan A for the NHC.

I think the same.
I think only Paul Townend could take the Embassy Gardens ride off Patrick if he voices a strong opinion that he'd be the best chance in the RSA.
I'm not sure how they get on but I also think he'd not be too strongly minded either way.
They still have the handicapper that Patrick looks after though, so we'll see.

[TigerRolllllll]

Trainer v positive re Iroko on ATR ….sounds like he’s def Chelt bound ….with strong Turner pref

[jrjr]

I think the same.
I think only Paul Townend could take the Embassy Gardens ride off Patrick if he voices a strong opinion that he'd be the best chance in the RSA.
I'm not sure how they get on but I also think he'd not be too strongly minded either way.
They still have the handicapper that Patrick looks after though, so we'll see.

I think both Rockett and Cocooner would have to run poorly on Sunday for the Embassy switch to be a realistic consideration. The way they've talked about EG and how they've campaigned him this season just screams NHC imo.

Fact to File could also easily run in the BANC which would again mean it's less likely EG switching, The F2F BANC option would give JP Iroko (Turners) F2F (BANC) and Corbetts (NHC). Might not be Willie's ideal destination but would give the green and gold good chances in three separate races and tie in with Corbetts having been trained for the NHC. Just my musings of course..

[HesTheOne]

I think both Rockett and Cocooner would have to run poorly on Sunday for the Embassy switch to be a realistic consideration. The way they've talked about EG and how they've campaigned him this season just screams NHC imo.

Fact to File could also easily run in the BANC which would again mean it's less likely EG switching, The F2F BANC option would give JP Iroko (Turners) F2F (BANC) and Corbetts (NHC). Might not be Willie's ideal destination but would give the green and gold good chances in three separate races and tie in with Corbetts having been trained for the NHC. Just my musings of course..

Yea sitting with the same opinion myself, for now.

[TigerRolllllll]

I think the same.
I think only Paul Townend could take the Embassy Gardens ride off Patrick if he voices a strong opinion that he'd be the best chance in the RSA.
I'm not sure how they get on but I also think he'd not be too strongly minded either way.
They still have the handicapper that Patrick looks after though, so we'll see.

Paul will want a decent ride & that can’t be F2F….so surely he will push for whatever he thinks best of the 3 poss NHC ones

[Muswell]

Would assume that’s why Nick Rockett and Cocconer in the Ten Up

[TigerRolllllll]

My money be on Paul riding Rockett as likely better one for Browns & PM on Cocooner….fair statement if other way

[HesTheOne]

Yeah but the Ricci operation is totally different though they leave it to Willie like most others. Obvious example he didn't even tell them GW had been schooled and changed plan to go fencing, the media knew first.

Frank/JP have a huge say how Willie splits his , they get consulted on all the big races and even race plan. Capodanno going across water recently for example, I know Frank planned that race not Willies team. Even look at the jockey situation only team where PT doesn't get first choice.
I've heard Willie openly say numerous times that before he pitches JP horses in at Chelt he talks to Frank to see where they want to go with their other horses as JP may want to split his.

Yea I've noticed the difference over time with some owner set ups, often Willie would say he needs to consult with Cheverly Park or JP on where their runners go where as with other owners it seams cut and dry its willies decision end of.

I do agree JP is in an obvious special standing (surely dog on the streets understands why) but isn't he also building a satellite yard down that way by Mullins? Feel like that was mentioned here awhile ago

[Exar Essay]

My money be on Paul riding Rockett as likely better one for Browns & PM on Cocooner….fair statement if other way

Paul on Rockett, Danny on Cocooner. If Rockett wins, I'd say that's him RSA bound as Paul's ride.

[Lobos]

Willie hasn't won the BANC in the last 6 years. He chucked 5 of his lesser lights at it last year. Not looked to what he sent there the previous 5 years. Perhaps he's not as worried about winning that race ?? Will he do the same again this year ?

[DenmanSacre]

Willie hasn't won the BANC in the last 6 years. He chucked 5 of his lesser lights at it last year. Not looked to what he sent there the previous 5 years. Perhaps he's not as worried about winning that race ?? Will he do the same again this year ?

Monkfish won it within the last 6 years

[Exar Essay]

He also ran a dual Ryanair winner and a dual Gold Cup winner in the race. I'd say he's as worried about this race as any.

[Lobos]

Monkfish won it within the last 6 years

Was looking at a different race

Won it only once in the last 8 seasons!!

[DenmanSacre]

Was looking at a different race

Won it only once in the last 8 seasons!!

1 win, 1 2nd and 4 3rds in that time though I think as well as a double gold cup winner falling. Not a bad record. Hendo the only one with 2 wins in that time.