As in every season, there are a number of horses attempting to complete a Cheltenham - Aintree double so let's be hearing the forum's views on their likely chances of success: Footpad (Arkle & Maghull Novices Chase) - a resounding YES from me, looked imperious once again in the Arkle and I don't see anything to touch him at the moment, especially with plenty of juice in the going (Note: he is also entered in the Manifesto Novices Chase over 2m4f on Thursday but Mullins has already said he will most llikely stay at 2 miles) Buveur D'Air (Champion Hurdle & Aintree Hurdle) - another resounding YES due to the dearth of serious opposition Le Prezien (Grand Annual & Red Rum Handicap Chase) - NO, up 7lbs for his Cheltenham success and I just cannot see him winning this off 157. Coo Star Sivola (Ultima Handicap Chase & Mildmay Novices Chase) - YES, Lizzie Kelly to mark a further milestone in the advancement of women in racing by completing this memorable double with Presenting Percy, like many Irish winners at Cheltenham, waiting for Punchestown. Altior (Queen Mother Champion Chase and Melling Chase) - a resounding YES to repeat what the great Sprinter Sacre did a few years ago. Tiger Roll (Cross Country Chase & Grand National) - NO, surely too much to ask of this little warrior with the heart of a lion? Seems to keep his best for the festival and pulled up at Fairyhouse last April after winning the 4 miler at the festival. (I haven't included Rathvinden as I have read he is very unlikely to run in the Grand National). Feel free to give your views and add any horses I might have missed with double ambitions. Saturday's runners not yet out but I assume Samcro, Delta Work and Penhill will be going to Punchestown rather than Aintree to try and help decide the Irish trainers championship.
Haven't looked at the Aintree runners yet but I'll be surprised if there is anything to get Footpad and Altior turned over.
In a slightly similar vein when talking about a cheltenham and Aintree double what does anyone think the chances are of Colin Tizzard pulling off an historic cheltenham gold cup and grand national double? Can he achieve this with his runner in the big one on Saturday 'The Dutchman'. Trainer seems quite bullish about his chances. I think he has place chances at best..
Footpad - Yes I can see the rest being beat although if soft is in the going description then Buveur D'Air wins but if it's quick ground I think he will be beat.
Which of those entered would you think could beat Buveur D'Air Captain? On any ground, come to think of it
Potentially Yorkhill if he runs as he is a talented horse and if it's quicker ground. Also My Tent or Yours I would give a squeak too again if it's quick ground as i think he is in better form this year. I think Buveur D'Air had quite a hard race in the Champion Hurdle and I just get a feeling he won't run up to his best so we may see a surprise result.
Nice thread. Don’t forget though, troops, that this term there is longer than usual between Cheltenham and Aintree (and in some instances horses, doubling up, will have had 4 and a half weeks off being next running). I would say Buveur D’Air and Footpad yep. Le Prezien, Coo Star Sivola and Tiger Roll nay. Buvenur D’Air had to work harder than most people envisaged to be crowned ‘Champion’, once again, but rest assured that the Lieutenant, ably assisted by his Privates, will have him wonderfully prepared and in the very best of spirits once again. Footpad was majestic at Cheltenham and should follow up. The slight negative is that I’ve never heard of the trainer and these ‘smaller’ yards can’t always be relied upon. Meanwhile, I think Le Priezien and Coo Star Sivola will find it much harder, respectively, off a higher perch and in a higher class of contest. Whilst, Tiger Roll although most admirable wouldn’t be my first choice in the old big ‘un.
The old „perch“ won’t be relevant for Coo Star Sivola Sir Barney, looks to be running in the 3 mike novice chase, a „level weights“ event
Yep, I meant that he wouldn’t be for me as he’s now competing in a higher class of contest. Big jump that from handicap company (even a extremely decent one) to Grade 1 class. Un Temps Pour Tout tried the same double a couple of seasons back and was well beaten at Aintree at odds of just 6/4.
Ah sorry I mis-read your words. Yes this is potentially higher class with some „lurkers“ in there. I still expect a bold showing, possibly even with a capital B
