What does everyone reckon they'll do next season with this horse? I can't see them going down the Champion Hurdle route as they already have Faugheen. So I'd assume he'll go novice chasing, with the Arkle as his main goal for next season. It certainly would be interesting if they did go down the CH route, as competition is looking thin on the ground against Faugheen for next years CH, as the old guard where easily dispatched of on Tuesday whilst nothing other than Douvan has looked good enough to be a contender next season from the novice races so far. The triumph hurdle is still to come, but that rarely delivers a genuine Champion Hurdle contender, so I'm not holding out much hope.
Its a tough one to call Shergs. I am rather hoping that we see a stunning winner of the Triumph, preferably not trained in Ireland as we need something to look forward to in the division next season. Of course I rather hope that the horse is called BELTOR.
Even if we do get a decent winner of the Triumph Stick, I think it's still unlikely they'll be a realistic CH contender. 5 year olds have such a poor record in the race. Beltor looked good in his prep, but without wanting to be boring I think Peace And Co will be tough for him to beat. We'll find out on Friday though.
Douvan will go wherever he avoids any of his decent stablemates. On the one hand you could say it's Mullins making the best of his resource, on the other it is a shame that really top class animals are not allowed to race against each other.
After Douvan won Mullins stated that he is a future Gold Cup horse so I expect him to be chasing next year. Arkle banker material
Many had Vautour as Arkle banker material this time last year Nass - would you seriously back Douvan now for next year's Arkle?
4/1 I've already backed him. I had Vautour as Arkle bound but UDS changed that. Mullins doesn't have two novice hurdlers like Douvan. There should't be an issue here.
Fair enough I think. Lots of water to pass under the bridge but nothing of his class will join him chasing next year.
Douvan top price 10/1 for the Champion Hurdle but can't see him going anywhere but over fences with Faugheen the machine about.
Mullins also rates Douvan a lot higher than Vautor, so I can't see him playing second fiddle to any horse. I still think your mad betting 4/1 now though, the horse hasn't even jumped a fence yet
Douvan was over 3 secs faster than Faugheen so who's to say he won't have another year as a hurdler in order to take the Champion Hurdle next year before going chasing? What is Faugheen's future. Is he seen as a future chaser? The improving Arctic Fire, finishing best of all in the Champion, will be a force next year (if not this year) and God's Own will be a tough nut to crack also. I reckon a lot will depend on how much improvement there is left in each of these, and their respective conquerors so I wouldn't be backing Faugheen or Un de Sceaux for next year at this stage. Douvan won't get beaten wherever he goes.
I can't see them sending Faugheen chasing Ron, you don't send Champion Hurdlers chasing until they are over the hill. Why would they want to go novice chasing anyways when they have a horse that can mop up all the top hurdle races for the foreseeable future. Gods Own whilst running a very good race is no threat whatsoever to UDS, the 2 horses are leagues apart in terms of ability. UDS didn't even jump that well in the Arkle, he got in tight at a few near the end, and that's why Gods Own for a short while looked like a challenge, but the engine of UDS was there for all to see when he stormed clear up the hill. I'm sure they will keep working on his jumping, and next season I can see him being even more dominant over the horses he beat Tuesday. And as for the old guard, the horses that fought out the finish to the Champion Chase, they are at best early 160 rated horses. They aren't even worth considering for next year. IMO that was the worst CC I can ever remember
It was a totally different pace angle in the Champion as well. No fro to runners. Ruby had the run of the race, is a better stayer and has more kick than everything. He rode it to kill off Jezki and TNO's chances. The Supreme was totally different. Breakneck throughout.
