Didn't know where else to put this... I'm convinced CH will go chasing next season and I've just had my first dabble on Cheltenham 2024. CH for the Turners 5/2. I think the Arkle will be too sharp for him, now.
Really? I would love to hear views of others on this, before I whinge on about Nicky Henderson looking petrified.
Chase debut at Newbury. Nailed on. Then the Henry VIII at Sandown and possibly into open company for the Clarence House or Newbury‘s February meeting if (as expected) he looks a monster over fences too. Go for the Queen Mother 2024 and then all roads lead to the 2024 King George and 2025 Gold Cup. Easy.
As good as CH is... and he undoubtedly is, I just wonder how much hype is built around the fact that there isn't a feasible opposition candidate in his division, this year at least. Its a bit like a supreme boxer having to take on puppets just to please the industry. Interestingly I was looking back at the first day of Cheltenham and in particular Marine Nationale. Now it has to be said, this horse was visually just as impressive and when you get to times and weights this is where it really stacks up. MN time for the Supreme was 3.59.69 carrying 11.7....CH an hour later clocked 3.59.38 carrying 3lb more. But MN was having only its 5th races and 3rd start over hurdles whereas CH was having its 6th start all over hurdles. It would be an interesting match up and may still well be if both chasing as has been muted, or they take the Champion Hurdle route.
I'm not going to have yet another 5,000 word Altior rant (c. 2017) but if the decision to commence chasing is made re Constitution Hill, in 2023/24, for me the solution is simple. Run him in 2 or the 3 novices, prior to the Festival, one after the Festival (Aintree or Punchestown) but at the Festival itself run Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle. Why, on earth, would you run him in a comparatively 'nothing' race like the Arkle or Turners when you could win a true, true, true Championship race with relative ease?!? That was the case re Altior in 2017 and would certainly, if he remains in good health, be the case re Constitution Hill in 2024. Look I know this approach will have the racing purists (remember them?!?) tearing their hair out but to me it, if novice chasing is the desired option, it is the only sensible way to go.
