2024 Novice Chasers

[Eggs]

….looking like FV best 7/2 Arkle; 6-1 (Sky) Turners. Blue for InthePocket Turners, into 7-1 (9-1 Lads).

[darlojim]

It was ok, odd race, nothing to get carried away about. Which hasn't stopped some on twitter

He's just beaten the Supreme 4th and Aintree g1 winner on the bridle practically, fair enough his jumping was very iffy first 3 or 4, but he improved as the race went on which is most important.

I loved it!

(totally non-biased, honest.)

[Carnage at Taunton]

It was ok, odd race, nothing to get carried away about. Which hasn't stopped some on twitter

Think that’s probably fair
FV did not look the most natural jumper to me but he did win well.
Personally definitely need to see his next run

[Zachx02]

Given he jumped about half of them like a wardrobe, I was fairly impressed with it as he'll probably improve in the jumping department next run, was it just me who saw him having a weird leg action?

[darlojim]

Given he jumped about half of them like a wardrobe, I was fairly impressed with it as he'll probably improve in the jumping department next run, was it just me who saw him having a weird leg action?

He's always had that leg action, proper ground grabber

[DenmanSacre]

Satisfactory start. Looks like they slowed a bit then went quick again at the end.

From the same fence as the first in the CG race, the time is much slower.

From his novice season, Faciles best performance was Punchestown where they put in a very good time performance off a strong pace so a stronger pace next time should show improvement.

Jumping was fair enough first time out. Not brilliant but not bad. Hopefully see him quicker over them next time.

Inthepocket didn't really get put in it and hopefully they'll step him up where his finishing speed will be handy.

[Atlantic Viking]

He's just beaten the Supreme 4th and Aintree g1 winner on the bridle practically, fair enough his jumping was very iffy first 3 or 4, but he improved as the race went on which is most important.

I loved it!

(totally non-biased, honest.)

This discussion is a without darlojim market Townend just called it a messy old race and 'they were just bobbing around' and not competitive for most of the race, which says it all. It was ok. I'll be kinder and say at least he's now seen a fence and isn't getting hurdles entries...

[Mighty]

Strange old race watching it back. Obviously it’s a novice beginners chase, so happy to forgive a few errors, but Vega wasn’t without a few issues. Ponderous at the 4th last, and he screwed his hind legs over the final three, but he’s got some engine to get himself out of trouble.

Inthepocket was interesting- most of the race kept a few lengths back from Vega, Rachael drew her whip after the second last but never seemed to use it on the run in. Was a tender ride perhaps? Watching on my phone from the stands at Cheltenham, so worth a re-watch at home on a bigger screen.

All roads lead to the DRF. Perfectly satisfactory from Vega, but Inthepocket definitely one to keep the right side of.

[DenmanSacre]

This discussion is a without darlojim market Townend just called it a messy old race and 'they were just bobbing around' and not competitive for most of the race, which says it all. It was ok. I'll be kinder and say at least he's now seen a fence and isn't getting hurdles entries...

Townend is right. Some slow sections in it, which wouldn't suit FV. The front 4 went away, came back and the front 2 have put some distance between themselves and the others after the last.

I'm sure the Marine Nationale camp aren't any more worried about FV than they were pre race but FV has won it easy enough.

They need something to give him a lead. I imagine they won't want him to lead after the DRF and the Arkle will be guaranteed to have a strong pace.

[Leman14]

To be fair, El Fabiolo didn’t look a natural jumper first time out.
still plenty of time to sharpen up

[darlojim]

To be fair, El Fabiolo didn’t look a natural jumper first time out.
still plenty of time to sharpen up

Well pointed out Leman

There'll be loads who dismissed him after his chasing debut too no doubt.

But the most important thing is probably:

- Those who have backed him are very happy

- Those who have backed Marine Nationale OR Inthepiglet won't be worried or too impressed.

[Eggs]

Strange old race watching it back. Obviously it’s a novice beginners chase, so happy to forgive a few errors, but Vega wasn’t without a few issues. Ponderous at the 4th last, and he screwed his hind legs over the final three, but he’s got some engine to get himself out of trouble.

Inthepocket was interesting- most of the race kept a few lengths back from Vega, Rachael drew her whip after the second last but never seemed to use it on the run in. Was a tender ride perhaps? Watching on my phone from the stands at Cheltenham, so worth a re-watch at home on a bigger screen.

All roads lead to the DRF. Perfectly satisfactory from Vega, but Inthepocket definitely one to keep the right side of.

…I thought Inthepocket jumped a little slowly at times, agree he’s very interesting as he was still involved at the business end without truly threatening. Encouraging but didn’t go unnoticed given his Turners haircut.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Apart from a small bet on Mr Policeman with a double odds offer, Ive nothing as yet for the Arkle.
And I only did that for FOMO.
Ive not seen anything thus far that has tempted me to have another bet.
I wonder if this will be an open race this time?
Still, early days and plenty to see yet.
MN and MP might make things clearer in my mind.

[Eggs]

…Townend re FV;

”He popped away grand and when we started racing down the straight I loved what he did at the 2nd last, he stood of it and landed a big distance on the other side. Ours are coming on for their first run, to win doing that was good.”

[Lobos]

Vega decent enough debut over fences. Very Novicey early but warmed up. Won it easily enough. Inthepocket just schooled round and didn't really look like he wanted to threaten winning at any stage. Their next runs will be more informative.