2025 Champion Chase

[DenmanSacre]

Ok, weren’t aware of that, not much knowledge of French racing to be honest.
Hrs been over here a couple of times though, both over 3m.
Maybe he will go shorter in his next race over here.

The Kauto Star was a stepping stone as a first try over 3m to see if he stayed that far for the French Gold Cup the next season, and then to go to the KG and Gold Cup the season after. Obviously he missed the French Gold Cup and the Cheltenham Gold Cup doesn't appear likely, albeit I think he'd actually stay. He's very quick, but the ATR article Q has shared shows that Reveley was able to take him back mid race and slow him down. If he's going to front run at Cheltenham, that's what he'd need to be able to do. One of very few horses who could conceivably win a grade 1 over 2m or 3m.

[Mighty]

One man used to cut out though.
IEF was not slowing in the King George, which means Banbridge ran a proper gold cup trial. 33-1 + boost is a proper price with B365.

We’re in the wrong thread but what the heck. Someone (think it was Yosser) said Kev Blake had said he was targeting the Gold Cup. I can’t find that online - can someone point it out?

[Quevega]

We’re in the wrong thread but what the heck. Someone (think it was Yosser) said Kev Blake had said he was targeting the Gold Cup. I can’t find that online - can someone point it out?

On the Bet fair podcast 30th dec
he just discussed the option and that it was a career best over the longest trip he’s attempted.
Not seen anything categorically stating it’s his target but they’ve all mentioned it as a consideration - just usual expected stuff
maybe their is a specific quote someone else can provide

If you think about it - you’d only fear the one horse at the minute.
He’s had a bash at everything else so makes sense to have a stab. Joseph might not get another for a few years

[Mighty]

Thanks Q, appreciate that. I've taken a stab at the 33s thanks to you flagging. Absolutely makes sense, and given the paucity of the performances of those above in the betting bar GDC/FTF, 33/1 with the winnings boost is a no brainer.

[Black Dog]

One man used to cut out though.
IEF was not slowing in the King George, which means Banbridge ran a proper gold cup trial. 33-1 + boost is a proper price with B365.

I like this,with decent ground he'd have a decent chance of at least a place.

[Lobos]

Money for Gaelic today. Has he been tipped up??

[Mighty]

Yes, Paul Kealy tipped him in the RP:


“Gaelic Warrior has to be backed for the Champion Chase at 5-1, doesn't he?

It's not a left-handed thing, he just doesn't like Leopardstown.

He made a meal of winning there off a gimme of a handicap hurdle mark in February 2023 and hasn't looked happy there in two chase defeats, the latest when going down to Solness last week.

Plenty of Willie Mullins' horses failed to run to form over the week, which isn't that unusual for him, and Gaelic Warrior was one.

I'd be happy to trust Mullins to have him back to his best when it matters at Cheltenham in March, and I can't believe last year's runaway Arkle winner will be 5-1 on the day.

I'd love to see him run in the Clarence House at Ascot rather than go back to Leopardstown for the Dublin Racing Festival.”

[fatherjohn]

he was also nick lucks bet of the festival in his appearance on road to cheltenham yesterday

[Lobos]

That'll be it then.

Imagine he will go DRF though with Energumene taking on Jonbon in the Clarence. Gaelic may well get beat again there as he clearly despises the place and will likely be pushed out yet again. Odds on he still goes to the Champion chase though and for me he's still the winner in March.

[Yosser]

That'll be it then.

Imagine he will go DRF though with Energumene taking on Jonbon in the Clarence. Gaelic may well get beat again there as he clearly despises the place and will likely be pushed out yet again. Odds on he still goes to the Champion chase though and for me he's still the winner in March.

Lots of water still to go under the bridge here and lots of different angles. It could all come down to McManus again and what he does with Fact To File but there are other external factors at play. Mullins will want Townend to have a ride in the Champion Chase and Ryanair. It is looking increasingly unlikely that El Fabiolo or Il Etait Temps will make it which would leave Enurgemene and Gaelic Warrior. The Clarence House could make or break the whole decision. Lot's of if's and but's but that is the situation at the moment. Paul Kealy has as bad a record as David Jennings at tipping up so not bothered what he thinks.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Not sure about him at the very top level and I certainly would not back him because some pundits tipped him!!
However if I could get 5/1 as a cover that has to be considered.
He’s unreliable imo but they all have their price.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Lots of water still to go under the bridge here and lots of different angles. It could all come down to McManus again and what he does with Fact To File but there are other external factors at play. Mullins will want Townend to have a ride in the Champion Chase and Ryanair. It is looking increasingly unlikely that El Fabiolo or Il Etait Temps will make it which would leave Enurgemene and Gaelic Warrior. The Clarence House could make or break the whole decision. Lot's of if's and but's but that is the situation at the moment. Paul Kealy has as bad a record as David Jennings at tipping up so not bothered what he thinks.

Not sure about the Clarence House re Energ .
Owners racing manager quoted on SL website saying as long as conditions are right and it’s soft and not too quick then that’s where we are aiming for.
So what if it ain’t soft? Or is too quick?

[Lobos]

Not sure about the Clarence House re Energ .
Owners racing manager quoted on SL website saying as long as conditions are right and it’s soft and not too quick then that’s where we are aiming for.
So what if it ain’t soft? Or is too quick?

I'd prefer Gaelic going there as he bloody hates Leopardstown.

[EnvoiAlien]

I'd prefer Gaelic going there as he bloody hates Leopardstown.

1 win from 3 at Leopardstown, strangely the same as his Cheltenham record.

[Carnage at Taunton]

I'd prefer Gaelic going there as he bloody hates Leopardstown.

Yeah probably would enjoy Ascot
Weird how he don’t seem to like Leopardstown