2025 Novice Hurdlers

[Eggs]

I was very impressed with Potters charm yesterday, and I'm be pleased to hear the trainer comments after yesterday's race. It would appear the correct race to target with this horse to me.
I think he could be right about him being better with it softer too. But the fact he has won twice at Cheltenham on good ground, on the old course at around the turners novice hurdle distance is very positive.

The novice hurdle which he won at the October meeting, was previously won in 2012 by the new one, he then went on to win the Neptune at the festival, which of course is the race in which the same trainer is looking to aim Potters charm.

It was after that race i really took notice of him, although held fire until instantly after yesterdays performance, after his october win i watched his previous runs, and it was his ffos Las bumper win which was really impressive, on heavy going he effortlessly pulled 10 lengths clear, really is worth watching if you haven't already.
Yesterday from 3 out until the final bend STD was motionless as soon as he asked him he quickly put the race to bed.
I'm not sure he's beaten much yet tbh but there appears plenty more there.

Yeah I'll be banging this drum from now until March

….Hills 20-1 (Turners) looks a bit of a stand-out.

[Exar Essay]

The Monksfield looks a decent enough renewal for the time of year - although probably not as good as last years which produced 3 of the 5 novice hurdlers to win at the festival!

I had both Patter Merchant and Bleu de Vassy in the notebook for the Bartlett, but given the jockey bookings and the market, it does look like Patter Merchant might be running with a mark in mind.

Mywayofthinking for Gavin Cromwell and JP is a really interesting runner too.

[DenmanSacre]

The Monksfield looks a decent enough renewal for the time of year - although probably not as good as last years which produced 3 of the 5 novice hurdlers to win at the festival!

I had both Patter Merchant and Bleu de Vassy in the notebook for the Bartlett, but given the jockey bookings and the market, it does look like Patter Merchant might be running with a mark in mind.

Mywayofthinking for Gavin Cromwell and JP is a really interesting runner too.

Patter Merchant entered tomorrow so may get pulled today. Looks a Pipe trial to me (I had BDV and MWOT marked as Pipe horses), albeit PM was my one Elliott horse pre season for the AB.

[jrjr]

Got to be a good chance that wasn’t Sounds Victorious’s true running yesterday. If I remember, Dancing City did similar last year, over a similar trip, in mid-November - the race Stellar Story won. 50/1 seems an over reaction.

[darlojim]

Charly Milpied saying Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm planning on bringing plenty of horses over this season.

I asked him if Kloth of Utopia is being considered and he says he is

He's had 3 runs now, with his latest run earning him a 132 rating (66 FR). He could be one for a hcap but I've snaffled some big prices on BFX for the Ballymore, that last run was ultra impressive to my eye.

One worth keeping an eye on for sure though either way

Set to make his UK debut at Newbury over 2 and half on 30th November according to Mark Howard

All eyes on the initial entries for that day

If all goes well, could then return for the Challow

[Exar Essay]

Set to make his UK debut at Newbury over 2 and half on 30th November according to Mark Howard

All eyes on the initial entries for that day

If all goes well, could then return for the Challow

Kloth of Utopia, The New Lion, Mister Meggit, Potters Charm, Quebecois, Regents Stroll … could be the best Challow for a while.

[darlojim]

Kloth of Utopia, The New Lion, Mister Meggit, Potters Charm, Quebecois, Regents Stroll … could be the best Challow for a while.

It really could be

It does seem this season, that the UK novices so far have looked to have a nice bit of potential at least.

About time we had really competitive races in the UK again, just hope they all go for it and dont dodge one another.

[archie]

I always associate the Challow as the kiss of death for the Festival novice hurdles with Champ being the exception that proves the rule. Chases further down the line however..........

[darlojim]

I always associate the Challow as the kiss of death for the Festival novice hurdles with Champ being the exception that proves the rule. Chases further down the line however..........

Yeah not a great record, especially of late, but to counter that I'd argue that no winner the past 5 year were good enough to win their respective festival race anways, as the IRE been much better overall.

Placed horses The Jukebox man and Thyme Hill went close in the Bartlett afterwards, and YWIW won the MNH after the Challow.

I'd like to think this seasons Challow should be the best renewal for a long long time.

[darlojim]

He's an engine alright Wingmen, but that jumping to the right has a lot to be desired.

Not one I'm wanting to add to the book for the festival.

[Kevloaf]

He's an engine alright Wingmen, but that jumping to the right has a lot to be desired.

Not one I'm wanting to add to the book for the festival.

My heart sank at the first flight

Massive improvement needed to be a player.

Can happen, but you'd struggle to make a huge case to go in based off the back of that

Too late for me

[Eggs]

….Wingmen into 20-1 with 365 for AB, 25-1 still available. 40-1 Turners with Hills.

[Exar Essay]

I think the second is decent. But you’re right. A lot of improvement needed in the jumping department. But he’s entitled to improve given that’s his maiden hurdle.

From a selfish perspective, it’s ruled out the Ballymore at least as he didn’t seem to have many gears.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Like most novices he needs to be seen again to tell us more.
What we did see was that his jumping needs to improve, and to be fair I thought that did as the race progressed.
thought we saw a fair engine too, and considering a bit of ground given away early on with the jumping, he won quiet well in the end.
Look forward to his next run.

[Eggs]

….Bleu de Vassy a best 33-1 (Turners) after that win, as low as 14-1 Hills.