2024 Novice Chasers

[HesTheOne]

Quote from Paul Fergusons jumpers to follow

“I spoke with Noel George over the summer and the young trainer confirmed that his exciting five-year- old is to be aimed at novice chases in England this season and could start off at Newbury’s Winter Carni- val. Presumably, should all go well there, the Kauto Star will again come under consideration and his pres- ence will be an fascinating addition to the division”

He definitely looks a live contender for novice chasing on his hurdles rating. I watched his chase debut and he did look impressive but he only got a rpr of 118?

Wonder if that French gold cup target is this year or next.. it reads like it’s a further thought? That race has a good record with 5 and 6 year olds but not many done it in debut chase season. Sounds like the plan to start in November at Newbury for the Grade 2 (2m4) with maybe a tilt at the Kauto Star going off PF comments?

If the French GC was the target this year then you’d be less interested in Cheltenham but the quote “we’re dreaming of winning a French Gold Cup with him one day” doesn’t sound like an imminent plan.

He’s definitely on my radar

[Istabraq]

Given the timing of the big French races he may be given a break around feb/March

Depends what their main aim is I guess

Very valid point this.
As Cheltenham addicts we are programmed to believe every horse in training has a March target, raiding the French festivals in May/June after a long UK season is tough so you may well find horses miss the UK festivals and attempt a Punchestown/Auteuil late season double instead, which is a very real possibility for the likes of Lossiemouth...

[billymag]

Doesn't mention the Festival though?

Fair enough, if they are coming for the Kauto Star would suggest to me if he wins there hed head to the festival, point taken that there are other meetings and prize money. Think the price of 33s make him worth ago though.

[BookieBasher]

Michael O’Sullivan gushing about Good Land.

”I’ve sat on him over a fence and he’s electric. He’s dynamite over them. He’s very clever too, so you’d be looking forward to him”

Racing Post Quote. Hence price cut

[Lobos]

Michael O’Sullivan gushing about Good Land.

”I’ve sat on him over a fence and he’s electric. He’s dynamite over them. He’s very clever too, so you’d be looking forward to him”

Racing Post Quote. Hence price cut

He'd be right up there as the AP value at this time especially knowing he's going chasing and over the mid trip plus doubts around pretty much everything else in front of him in the betting. 20/1 is a superb price imo.

[HesTheOne]

He'd be right up there as the AP value at this time especially knowing he's going chasing and over the mid trip plus doubts around pretty much everything else in front of him in the betting. 20/1 is a superb price imo.

Best 16s now

[Lobos]

Given the timing of the big French races he may be given a break around feb/March

Depends what their main aim is I guess

There's the Prix Troytown Chase at Autueil in mid March for 5yo+

The winner of that race this year, 5yo Sel Gem ,got 67000 quid !!

Sel Gem went on to win this years French GC

Autueil also offered a bonus of 150,000 pounds for any horse winning two lead up races at the course and then the big one. The prize money in France is insane.

[Lobos]

Best 16s now

Still very, very fair. Should be nearer fav in my book.

[Frankely My Dear]

Dropped to 12's on 365 just as was about to press the button

[Outlaw]

Still very, very fair. Should be nearer fav in my book.

Still think he should of gone the AB, said after Dublin he beat stayers well & I think he’d have no issue bossing a few of them up at 3M personally this year wether off the front end or Sat behind horses he’s quicker than.

[Nevertoolate]

Still think he should of gone the AB, said after Dublin he beat stayers well & I think he’d have no issue bossing a few of them up at 3M personally this year wether off the front end or Sat behind horses he’s quicker than.

trainer has already confirmed he’ll be targeting the turners

[Outlaw]

trainer has already confirmed he’ll be targeting the turners

And good luck to him, not many on paper look like heading that way thus far out but I personally don’t think he’s as quick as a few who could deflect ala ITP/FV & wouldn’t be surprised if he ran over further before the season was out.

[charlie]

Not sure about Good Land. That Grade 1 at the DRF was ordinary and he got thumped at Cheltenham by 3 of Willies. He might be better for a fence but I'd want to see it first. Suppose the price would collapse, thats the trade off

[opatcho]

yeah, I really like this horse during the middle part of the season, was a little suprised to see him step up to 3 miles at the DRF, but was able to control the race and win

will watch how he goes but no rush to back him

[SeanRock]

Not sure about Good Land. That Grade 1 at the DRF was ordinary and he got thumped at Cheltenham by 3 of Willies. He might be better for a fence but I'd want to see it first. Suppose the price would collapse, thats the trade off

He wasn’t himself on the day according to BC

https://www.planetsport.com/horse-racing/news/good-land-try-luck-fences-next-season

Whether that’s entirely accurate or not I think the Ballymore was easily the strongest novice hurdle of the 3 graded races. He’s built for fences & showed loads of scope over hurdles last year, plus he has that essential turn of foot you’ve historically needed in the race. He was unbelievable value at 20/1 & I still think there’s juice at current prices.