2025 Novice Chasers

[Exar Essay]

Right you are - sorry.

Racing Post article from last year confirming it as well as your pattern book link: https://www.racingpost.com/news/irel...-as53t8e835XV/

Not the best from me given I've been working on the assumption that the Xmas (Grade 2 as it would be now) was still an option for horses like Tullyhill or Inthepocket. Feels like a really lobsided programme now - particularly as there's not much in the UK I don't think, with the Henry VIII also being right handed...

You've got a few more options over here at Grade 2 level. The Arkle Trial at the November meeting (probably a little early for most), the Noel chase at Ascot in late Dec over 2m3, the Wayward Lad too. But as you say, all bar the Arkle Trial are RH.

[FredFlintstone]

Many concerned Ballyburn holds a Hattons Grace entry?

[Lobos]

Many concerned Ballyburn holds a Hattons Grace entry?

None of the Champion Hurdle backers....

Most interesting entry is Langer Dan!

[Yosser]

Many concerned Ballyburn holds a Hattons Grace entry?

Not me. I hope he stays hurdling. I have some outstanding prices in the Arkle and BANC which no longer exist and will only shorten even more if Ballyburn stays hurdling. If Constitution Hill is back to his best then Ballyburn is only playing for place money anyway. H can't improve to that level. Walloping inferior competition in the Novice ranks is a different kettle of fish to going into a Champion Hurdle. I have got some good e/w roll ups in the Champion Hurdle so i would be more than happy to see that one play out.

[DeeBee]

Bookies benefit - he’ll be going chasing - it just means a few more CH dockets in the bin at Paddy’s HQ the longer they wait

[Carnage at Taunton]

I see both Hendo and Skelton expressing concerns re lack of rain and ground being too good.
Seems we may not see a few nov chasers until ground is more suitable.
Wonder what sort of impact that may have?

[JackieMoon33]

I see both Hendo and Skelton expressing concerns re lack of rain and ground being too good.
Seems we may not see a few nov chasers until ground is more suitable.
Wonder what sort of impact that may have?

It will cause a problem for any that they might have wanted to target at handicaps. Less of an impact for Henderson as he's happy to wrap his in cotton wool and only give them a couple of runs before the Festival anyway.

[Odin]

It potentially provides an opportunity to know which horses will be going for handicaps as they have to get out now and have a low enough mark to target certain races

[Carnage at Taunton]

It will cause a problem for any that they might have wanted to target at handicaps. Less of an impact for Henderson as he's happy to wrap his in cotton wool and only give them a couple of runs before the Festival anyway.

Depends on how long this concern lasts for I guess
If they have horses they think good enough for the festival they will want them to get experience

[Carnage at Taunton]

Might make the powers that be give a bit more thought to the amount of nov and beg chases?
Average less than 4 runners per race thus far this season!!

[Muswell]

JDR declared to make his debut https://x.com/racingpost/status/1854..._Hk5QPgLPgxL6Q

[ComplyOrDie]

Farren Glory set to test the Inthepocket form at Naas, albeit he's pretty well in based on his rivals hurdle ratings, not to mention most of Gordons have needed their first run so should come on plenty for that.

[Carnage at Taunton]

JDR declared to make his debut https://x.com/racingpost/status/1854..._Hk5QPgLPgxL6Q

Good news. Fingers crossed he lines up

[Lobos]

JDR declared to make his debut https://x.com/racingpost/status/1854..._Hk5QPgLPgxL6Q

Love it that he's in a Handicap. I wish more would do that. Really looking forward to seeing how he jumps. Hoping he'll be the best of the Brits in the Arkle.

[AaronLad]

Love it that he's in a Handicap. I wish more would do that. Really looking forward to seeing how he jumps. Hoping he'll be the best of the Brits in the Arkle.

A novice handicap.
His hurdle rating of 135 allows him the opportunity to run in a handicap.
most arkle contenders would be rated high 140s and in to 150s over hurdles as a minimum. Thats why it isnt seen very often.