2025 Novice Chasers

[Glasgow Ronnie]

He also suggested the Wayward Lad for Ballyburn.

I missed that first time round, caught it on second watch

[Odin]

Can’t see Sir Gino not running at Xmas.
If it’s decided he goes chasing he has imo to run as soon as possible and he will have been readied for Kempton, either Xmas Hurdle or Wayward Lad.

This is the key point - my statement was that taking Ballyburn to the Wayward Lad would almost certainly stop Sir Gino from going there, effectively removing him as competition in the Arkle as I don't think there's anywhere else he can really go over Xmas so he'd run in the Xmas Hurdle most likely and then not have enough time to get enough chasing experience prior to the Arkle.

It also doesn't deviate from Willie's original statement of wanting to keep Ballyburn away from Limerick and the new 2m race in Naas/Navan (I forget which it is) in January. Kind of a best of both worlds imo but maybe I'm thinking too strategically there, and it does open up the issue of Sir Gino potentially being good enough to win a Champion Hurdle (solving one "problem" could cause another)

[Carnage at Taunton]

This is the key point - my statement was that taking Ballyburn to the Wayward Lad would almost certainly stop Sir Gino from going there, effectively removing him as competition in the Arkle as I don't think there's anywhere else he can really go over Xmas so he'd run in the Xmas Hurdle most likely and then not have enough time to get enough chasing experience prior to the Arkle.

It also doesn't deviate from Willie's original statement of wanting to keep Ballyburn away from Limerick and the new 2m race in Naas/Navan (I forget which it is) in January. Kind of a best of both worlds imo but maybe I'm thinking too strategically there, and it does open up the issue of Sir Gino potentially being good enough to win a Champion Hurdle (solving one "problem" could cause another)

Why would it almost certainly stop him going there?
He needs to run and will be trained to run.
Hes only going Xmas hurdle if CH don’t make it I would think, and he’s looking on course.

[Odin]

Why would it almost certainly stop him going there?
He needs to run and will be trained to run.
Hes only going Xmas hurdle if CH don’t make it I would think, and he’s looking on course.

If Henderson runs his star novice chaser first time out over fences against the star novice hurdler from last year who has already run over fences this season, I'll eat my Christmas tree.

[Rooster Booster]

If Henderson runs his star novice chaser first time out over fences against the star novice hurdler from last year who has already run over fences this season, I'll eat my Christmas tree.

Ballyburn would get lapped in a champion hurdle. I would back Sir Gino to beat Ballyburn over 2 miles all day any day. Hendo knows 2 milers as well as anybody and how he talks about Sir Gino there is absolutely no chance he’d be scared off by ANY of last seasons very below par novice hurdlers imo.

[Carnage at Taunton]

If Henderson runs his star novice chaser first time out over fences against the star novice hurdler from last year who has already run over fences this season, I'll eat my Christmas tree.

Ah well yes I understand that, but I don’t think he has much choice.And I don’t think he should be scared anyway.
Unless he can find a suitable race elsewhere very soon.

[DenmanSacre]

Going up against Ballyburn first time up is ideal I'd say for Sir Gino. If he loses, he keeps his maiden tag over fences. If he runs well enough, just put him in grade 1 company this year or keep him over hurdles rest of season. If he wins, he's just beat the Arkle favourite. Arguably the course that could see Ballyburn at his worst would be a speed track like Kempton.

[Lobos]

I reckon both Sir G and CH will run in the Xmas Hurdle. Lossiemouth looking like she'll go as well. What a race that will be. Absolute screamer.

[Carnage at Taunton]

I reckon both Sir G and CH will run in the Xmas Hurdle. Lossiemouth looking like she'll go as well. What a race that will be. Absolute screamer.

Possible, but I’m pretty sure they would rather SG was chasing this season as planned originally, so I’m expecting him in the Wayward Lad if CH runs.

[darlojim]

Gino only be in there as a precautionary I'd say

[ComplyOrDie]

Gino only be in there as a precautionary I'd say

Yep, they must be wary of the fragility of Constitution Hill, and I suspect Gino is purely there as back up.

[Lobos]

If they both run and CH blows out then SG would have had the perfect Henderson prep for the Champion Hurdle. If CH is back to his best then SG can have two runs over fences in Jan and Feb before the Arkle.

[Lobos]

Kauto Star Novices' Chase entries
Hyland
Illico De Cotte
Masaccio
Shanagh Bob
Theformismighty
The Jukebox Man
Welcom To Cartries
White Rhino

[Carnage at Taunton]

If they both run and CH blows out then SG would have had the perfect Henderson prep for the Champion Hurdle. If CH is back to his best then SG can have two runs over fences in Jan and Feb before the Arkle.

Im thinking that the trainer will know well before the race how CH is likely to perform.
But yes, it’s possible they won’t know until he’s actually in a race, in which case I can see the scenario where both run.
Even if SG runs in the Wayward he will probably only have two chases before the Arkle.
Way he’s talked about him though, probably won’t matter!!

[FinalFurlong91]

Kauto Star Novices' Chase entries
Hyland
Illico De Cotte
Masaccio
Shanagh Bob
Theformismighty
The Jukebox Man
Welcom To Cartries
White Rhino

Looks a very modest renewal.