2025 Novice Chasers

[TigerRolllllll]

Has Nicky said anymore re the targets for Jango and Jingko?

Browns for either?

[YoungHustler]

https://x.com/ToteRacing/status/1883198149013225757?s=19

Danny Mullins' 1-2-3 novice chasers at Willie's.

Not sure what to make of this as no mention of Majborough. Maybe Danny just ordered the 3 the interviewer mentioned.

[Faugheen_Machine]

The Stewards noted the explanation.

Is there any other outcome than that. Can tell them anything and they'll just nod their head and tell you to go.

Full report

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of IROKO (IRE) ridden by Jonjo O’Neill and trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, which raced in mid-field before improving under tender handling from turning in to finish fourth beaten 5 lengths. The rider was interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer examined the gelding post-race during routine testing and had nothing to report. O’Neill stated that his instructions were to sit mid-field and to try to get the gelding jumping, having felt that IROKO (FR) had lost his confidence after falling in his previous run at Ascot, adding that he had formed this opinion having schooled the gelding at home. The rider reported that the IROKO (IRE) had made a mistake at the third last fence, causing him to lose his left iron, and having regained the stirrup O’Neill found himself stuck to the inside of HAPPYGOLUCKY (IRE), leaving him unable to improve his position until after the second last fence. O’Neill continued that IROKO (FR) had felt in top gear throughout the race and that the geldings jumping had suffered late on as a result, leading to him jumping the last fence slowly. He finished by stating that when taking all of the above into account, he felt that he felt his hands and heels riding up the straight led to him obtaining the best possible placing. O’Neill’s explanation was noted.

Anyone else and they'd be in trouble.

JP gets away with it all the time but imagine if they upset him and he found a different hobby!

[Fouroverthrutwo]

Has Nicky said anymore re the targets for Jango and Jingko?

Browns for either?

Both entered for The Brown Advisory.

https://www.racingpost.com/racecards/11/cheltenham/2025-03-12/883107/

I did read somewhere that he thought Jingko Blue was the stronger stayer out of the two. Personally, I'd prefer to see Jango Baie take his chance as I think he looks the better novice prospect.

[Odin]

Has Nicky said anymore re the targets for Jango and Jingko?

Browns for either?

My understanding from Henderson/owner interview when Jingko won at Windsor:

Reynoldstown and Browns for Jingko
Scilly isles then "won't get into handicap" and "not fast enough for Arkle" for jango

Betting doesn't reflect this though and jango would get into the handicap, question is probably whether they want him to be off a high weight or not.

[Quevega]

My understanding from Henderson/owner interview when Jingko won at Windsor:

Reynoldstown and Browns for Jingko
Scilly isles then "won't get into handicap" and "not fast enough for Arkle" for jango

Betting doesn't reflect this though and jango would get into the handicap, question is probably whether they want him to be off a high weight or not.

Why would Jango get in the handicap ?
If his next run is the scilly isles. That'll be just 2 runs.

[Odin]

Why would Jango get in the handicap ?
If his next run is the scilly isles. That'll be just 2 runs.

Honestly, I lazily presumed it was Nicky not understanding the weight as that's where presenter responded. Obviously not enough runs is a solid reason why he wouldn't get in and properly muddies the picture.

I'd guess it's dependent on performances who goes where then. It would be a surprise if both went to RSA when there's a 2.5 mile grade one at aintree that one (jango?) could target.

[Quevega]

Honestly, I lazily presumed it was Nicky not understanding the weight as that's where presenter responded. Obviously not enough runs is a solid reason why he wouldn't get in and properly muddies the picture.

I'd guess it's dependent on performances who goes where then. It would be a surprise if both went to RSA when there's a 2.5 mile grade one at aintree that one (jango?) could target.

Yeah - he may not know the conditions although he ought too, they've been communicated very clearly
But I'd imagine it's the lack of runs, as entries on 18th, weights week after so unlikely to be turned out quick enough to qualify.
Looks very much like he's not an intended runner at the festival.
Especially if Sir Gino stays sound.

I think he'd be interesting in the BANC, especially if he improves from the last run and wins the scilly well.
But it sounds like they don't want to go further with him for now.

[AaronLad]

Anyone else and they'd be in trouble.

JP gets away with it all the time but imagine if they upset him and he found a different hobby!

This is true, unfortunately.
from the outside this would be perceived as cheating.
It's just accepted.
Which is probably why the sport is failing.

[Rooster Booster]

I wonder if Bioluminescence would be supplemented if she won well today? Takes away the trip and novice issues both in one go.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Re Jango
I think the only way we may see him at Cheltenham is in the Arkle on soft ground

[Lobos]

Re Jango
I think the only way we may see him at Cheltenham is in the Arkle on soft ground

Me too but fully expect him to skip Cheltenham.

[IstabraqBarRegular]

Hi gang, did anybody read any chat from Alan King re Masaccio yesterday ?
Thought he ran a smart race over 2 and a half and looks as though he wants 3m.
Have him on my Ultima list as Kingy has won it at least twice with a novice chaser (Bensslem and Fork Lightning) and owner actually owns Ultima company so might be a target.
Thanks

[Lobos]

Hi gang, did anybody read any chat from Alan King re Masaccio yesterday ?
Thought he ran a smart race over 2 and a half and looks as though he wants 3m.
Have him on my Ultima list as Kingy has won it at least twice with a novice chaser (Bensslem and Fork Lightning) and owner actually owns Ultima company so might be a target.
Thanks

Ran a super race off top weight. The front 3 were well clear of everything else and all look smart to me. Yesterday's race could well keep up it's record of producing festival winners. May even produce 3!

[Lobos]

Masaccio was hammered by The Jukebox Man so his BANC chances were given a further boost.