2024 Novice Chasers

[riccirich]

QUOTE=That Horse;n443642]

When is the french version?[/QUOTE]

End of may I think. Cheltenham is close to being right in the middle of his run today and the French gold cup, so it might appeal to them as perfect timing. My own inkling is that if they do go to the festival then turners might be more likely, they've said that the French gold cup is top target for this season so they might think there would be a higher chance of him having a hard race in the BANC, as he doesn't look an out and out stayer on the eye and that sort of race might take a fair bit out of him ahead of his main target. Two and a half on a stiff track in the turners could be an ideal prep.

[Benjy23]

From today's Sporting Life Willie Mullins column...

"Facile Vega was a big disappointment in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown, I thought he was doing everything right throughout the contest. There doesn’t seem to be any problem with him, he just might need to go up in trip."


Interesting. Turners could be some race this year.

Marine National probably going odds on for the Arkle with a decent round today as well! And running out of rivals.

Might dig the Mister Policeman slips out the bin at this rate.

[Craigy14]

Been very quiet since Mr Vega was beaten I see, I’ll take that is he’ll be upped in trip now

Tongue in cheek before I’m hounded haha!

Il Est Francais was brilliant, reminded me of Galopin Des Champs. Really hope they go for the Turners as he’d waltz home imo.

[charlie]

marine nationale was awesome there. effortless and foot perfect jumping.

[Atlantic Viking]

marine nationale was awesome there. effortless and foot perfect jumping.

With the added bonus of heavy ground questions answered in case they needed to be. Brilliantly satisfying performance.

[Frankely My Dear]

If he goes up in trip I can see Facile ending up in no mans land. Can't see him beating Gaelic or Il Est Francais if he lines up in the Turners and I can't see that further would be better based on yesterday. Found A Fifty is likely heading there so why would the form be reversed, unless ground plays a part. I can't see him beating Marine either over 2, so maybe Cheltenham not for him next year unless Willie's happy to take place money.

[FinalFurlong91]

After the hill he's the banker of the week you'd think

Simply because he has little or nothing to beat

[Runragged]

marine nationale was awesome there. effortless and foot perfect jumping.

Well I had a different take on it, confirmed when talking to a mate straight after the race. I thought he was keen and his jumping was very careful, not exactly fluent. Good to see him out and get round and we already know he has an engine. Like FF said though it could come down to what he actually has to beat. A sufficiently clear round may be enough come the race. Obviously first time up as well with an interrupted prep to get here so improvement to come as well you would expect.

[Quevega]

Mullins looking light on arkle contenders if he's given up on Facile.
I wonder if he'll consider Gaelic and/or Hercule.
I think both will at least be considered for the Irish arkle.

[That Horse]

Mullins looking light on arkle contenders if he's given up on Facile.
I wonder if he'll consider Gaelic and/or Hercule.
I think both will at least be considered for the Irish arkle.

Il etait temps also

[Lobos]

Mullins looking light on arkle contenders if he's given up on Facile.
I wonder if he'll consider Gaelic and/or Hercule.
I think both will at least be considered for the Irish arkle.

Mister Policeman still well in the picture after that poor showing from Vega.

[Quevega]

Mister Policeman still well in the picture after that poor showing from Vega.

You never know, but his form took a knock today and I think Willie knows he needs something better than him to beat Marine.

[Quevega]

Il etait temps also

Possibly, but may depend on what he does tomorrow.
If Gaelic bombs around tomorrow and wins easy I can easily see him going up against Marine in Dublin.

[Lobos]

Possibly, but may depend on what he does tomorrow.
If Gaelic bombs around tomorrow and wins easy I can easily see him going up against Marine in Dublin.

Maybe. Would be a bigger possibility if the French horse came across in March to take GW on in the Turners. That could make Willie switch him as he won't be beating that beast.

[Appreciate It]

As things stand, the Turners and the BANC both look to lack potential superstars. I wasnt totally blown away by Marine Nationale today, but id make it the second best fencing debut behind GW. Can't see any reason for Willie to pit his best Novice chaser against the second best around when there are other, probably more suitable races available.