Yes Bob the Triumph. Nicky's got 3 highly regarded potential stars in it. Peace & Co looks classy as heck and his jumping reminds me of a young Hurricane Fly. Beltor won a regarded trial the other week looking like he had just joined in 2 out. The Irish challenge probably look a bit behind but the mare of Mullins won an excellent Triumph trial very nicely on just her second start. That's just 5 off the top of my head who look very decent and I'd be surprised if we aren't looking at a Champion Hurdle candidate or two next year from this. It certainly appears an above average Triumph to me, 'on paper' anyway.
did I dream this or did willie Mullins say in the interview on ch 4 on Saturday that Faugheen had a stress fracture in December?
Sorry, bloody busy old day at work today, not much time for the old forum. There are clearly a number of proven Grade 1 horses in the field, and some really progressive younger types, I don't think you can ask for much more than that. They may not all have fanciful 175+ ratings but in terms of a competitive and compelling race, it's looking alot better than the last couple of renewals.
He did. Said they gave him a rest before running him again, and now he seems ok. Fair be it for me to query a legendary trainer, but it sounded a bit amateurish to me
Champion Chase looks far from "vintage" imo, Mr Mole at 8/1 tells the story. Dodging Bullets is just a decent horse, he has a chance this year due to circumstances but hes no Champion Chaser. Sprinter Sacre is a true Champion Chaser but he is not the same horse, he obviously wont need to be to win this but is unbackable imo. Sire De Grugy had one legit rival last year in Captain Conan who was pulled up lame, he is a solid Grade 1 horse but there has been a severe overreaction to his last race and any physical issues he has will be exposed at Cheltenham, not in a 4 horse race against handicappers. The door looks wide open for Champagne Fever, he has the class to expose the top two if at his best and he usually is at Cheltenham. Somehow he got beat in the Arkle last year but its just one of those things, this race is his to lose. Special Tiara should not be ruled out at a price but maybe its not his track.
If that's the case I woudnt go anywhere near him for the champion hurdle. That's a serious injury in my eyes. For the record I reckon ruby will ride the fly
With a dead 8 declared for the Champion Hurdle at the 6 day stage, i would suggest anyone who fancies placing an each way bet to do so sooner rather than later. All it takes now is a NR from a stone bruise, not enjoyed the journey over, not eaten up, lame etc and we're down to 7 and the 2 places each way on the day.
Stick you're the bumper king. My postman was round earlier. And he knows someone who knows someone who is Nicky Hendersons postman, and he's been given the nod on Mrs magniers horse in the bumper any thoughts. Btw the Colin tizzard horse in the bumper at ascot the other week was running on like a train for fourth which impressed me.
For me its the best of Hendersons and he hates running them in this so he must fancy his chance. Not on my very short list though! WEST APPROACH is the Tizzard horse I think you mean. Had won a race already but still really green. Its in the Festival bumper too but not for me!
Whats the view on the cross country, I know its not everyones cup of tea but I enjoy it.i really like any currency but the trainer has a woeful record at the festivel
Whats the view on the cross country, I know its not everyones cup of tea but I enjoy it.i really like any currency but the trainer has a woeful record at the festivel
It's actually one of my favourite races at the festival and I quite like Chicago Grey @ 7s for it this year. It's a real shame Balthazar isnt running but at least it makes the race more open. You'd have to give Any Currency a real chance though it usually runs well in these events
