After watching the Victor Chandler chase at Ascot yesterday I have come to the conclusion that the run by AL FEROF was a huge one for a novice. He finished 3 lengths behind Somersby who is rated 166, if you think that Somersby ran up to that mark yesterday then AL FEROF`S run was good enough to win most Arkle`s most years. I have helped myself to some 7/1 e/w with Ladbrokes
Interesting view mate and differing views is what makes this forum. For me Somersby didn't run to 166 and Al Ferof was 5lengths behind still so I think that Sprinter Sacre has therefore run to a higher mark this season. That said, I just feel that round Cheltenham Peddlers Cross is the one to be on at the prices. At this stage this is probably the race I'm looking forward to most though once we see Zarkandar and (hopefully) Spirit Son that might change. btw, think there is already an arkle thread so Ron will probably merge this in. edit, be interested to know if people think that Al Ferof has an advantage over PC and SS now he's raced against more experienced competition at Grade One pace.
Expierience is invaluable for novice chasers heading to Cheltenham, He'll have gained alot from yesterday Al Ferof and Im sure Paul Nicholls will have left abit to work on before heading for the Arkle. I really like this horse, He jumps very well and usually travels supremely I don't think he was travelling as good yesterday maybe the step up to more seasoned chasers caught him out a touch but He's got a big future thats for sure. At this moment in time Im not sure who Im fancying for the Arkle. I like Cheltenham form aswell as previous Festival form heading to Cheltenham and Al Ferof as some very good form around Cheltenham hes battled up the hill on numerous occasions and he had some good horses behind him in the Supreme. Peddlers Cross is the same and Im sure we will see a different horse to the one we saw at Kempton, I don't believe Sprinter Sacre is that much better than Peddlers Cross although he as been very impressive on his two chase starts its weather he can replicate that at Cheltenham and thats a big 'if' for Me...
I agree with the OP - and if you'd listened to Rubys comments afetr the race you'd be oozing confidence
Paul Nicholls has wrote this for his betfair slot http://betting.betfair.com/horse-ra...-nicholls-delighted-with-al-ferof-220112.html
