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I watched the Exeter race and was suitably impressed with his effort. Jumping was good and engine looked totally intact. I went in and backed him for the Arkle, so will declare my interest now.
What I don't understand is this compulsion to want to stay at the trip or go up in distance. The horse has great Cheltenham form and form in general at 17f and I simply do not understand why going for the Jewson is a blinding idea. Who cares about that race and don't go to the RSA and bottom him, we all know the best horses long term go for the Arkle.
Medermit was up in trip, down in trip last season, don't start messing about like that. Go to Newbury next for the race Ghizao won last year from Captain Chris and weigh up some options then. You have a good horse judged on today's effort, don't go for the boring race at the festival, aim towards the Arkle as they aren't likely to go slow in it, which will suit your horse.
What I don't understand is this compulsion to want to stay at the trip or go up in distance. The horse has great Cheltenham form and form in general at 17f and I simply do not understand why going for the Jewson is a blinding idea. Who cares about that race and don't go to the RSA and bottom him, we all know the best horses long term go for the Arkle.
Medermit was up in trip, down in trip last season, don't start messing about like that. Go to Newbury next for the race Ghizao won last year from Captain Chris and weigh up some options then. You have a good horse judged on today's effort, don't go for the boring race at the festival, aim towards the Arkle as they aren't likely to go slow in it, which will suit your horse.
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Jewson perfect race for him. Better to win that than finish 5th or 6th in the arkle
What you need to remember is his 16 & 17f form is from when he was a 4yo. It stands to reason that he needs further than that now and if you look at the horses he beat, Zaynar & Notus, they aren't exactly speed balls are they?
I was very impressed with Walkon, and he is one to keep on the right side of, but 20f looks about right to me.
I was very impressed with Walkon, and he is one to keep on the right side of, but 20f looks about right to me.
agreed ^
Zaynar's third run of the season I think, and he's looked slow and lazy enough. Disappointed with Notus though. The race definitely did not scream out Arkle, I'd be very surprised if he ever drops back to two miles, he's never looked to have that tactical pace.
Zaynar's third run of the season I think, and he's looked slow and lazy enough. Disappointed with Notus though. The race definitely did not scream out Arkle, I'd be very surprised if he ever drops back to two miles, he's never looked to have that tactical pace.
nice to see the patience of owner and all staff being rewarded by walkons return to full fitness.
Reading back through racing post its reported that walkon was injured at aintree,slicing through his tendon and he was only 2/3ml away from ending his career.
With the very sad death of millechief i guess all connections needed a boost and whilst that pain will be very real,at least they still have a nice horse in the grey.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
Reading back through racing post its reported that walkon was injured at aintree,slicing through his tendon and he was only 2/3ml away from ending his career.
With the very sad death of millechief i guess all connections needed a boost and whilst that pain will be very real,at least they still have a nice horse in the grey.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
I agree it's very nice to see this horse on the way back. He looked like he'd stay 3 m - he certainly wasn't stopping yesterday. It's all very well saying go for the Jewson, but I believe the Jewson is a Grade 2 and they may want to play for a Grade 1.
Ignoring Howdi, who is a proven t wat, at least one other on here can see the light. Who cares if you win the Jewson, no one? There is only one decent race for novices per season, the Arkle.
Horses that win that can go on next season and prove their worth over further, as Captain Chris might prove. In any case, fancy taking on Sire Des Champs if he goes for the Jewson, I wouldn't !
What would you lose by running at Newbury next, nothing. Walkon is class try him in Grade 1 company not a poxy Grade 2 at Cheltenham in March.
Horses that win that can go on next season and prove their worth over further, as Captain Chris might prove. In any case, fancy taking on Sire Des Champs if he goes for the Jewson, I wouldn't !
What would you lose by running at Newbury next, nothing. Walkon is class try him in Grade 1 company not a poxy Grade 2 at Cheltenham in March.
Celtic son, I hate the Jewson and wish it was never added
That is only in your opnion though Celtic. It may be a Grade 2, but it is at the Cheltenham Festival. Some trainers dont like to put the gun to the head of their horses in a novice season so there are plenty who will like the idea of a ''softer'' Grade 2.
I suspect it wont be too long before it is upgrade anyway.
And regardless of what Grade the race is, I am surprised you see him as a two miler. I suspect the horse is a completley different specimen to what he was at 4yo.
I suspect it wont be too long before it is upgrade anyway.
And regardless of what Grade the race is, I am surprised you see him as a two miler. I suspect the horse is a completley different specimen to what he was at 4yo.
Dont see the point in going for the Arkle when they now have a more suitable race for him in the Jewson.
He aint going to beat these 2 milers,but he might win against the likes of Cue Card,certainly better chance anyway.
He aint going to beat these 2 milers,but he might win against the likes of Cue Card,certainly better chance anyway.
For those of you who don't know Celtic Son has single handly ruined upteen of my threads over the years. Boot on the other foot and he don't like it.
This was the urchin who said I was Mark Howard and rying to sell my book.
I won't ruin the threas as I have since found out he is a pikey from Ireland and won't no any better.
This was the urchin who said I was Mark Howard and rying to sell my book.
I won't ruin the threas as I have since found out he is a pikey from Ireland and won't no any better.
ill ban him (great invention betfair) as its unfair on those who enjoy the forum. Post away Celtic and im happy in the knowledge I 'll never have to read your rubbish again 
CHELTENHAM OPTION FOR WALKON
Alan King will consider the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day for his exciting prospect Walkon.
The former top-class juvenile hurdler appears to have retained all of his ability since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He beat two useful yardsticks in Zaynar and Notus De La Tour at Exeter on Friday and may be stepped up in class next time out.
"He's absolutely fine, I was delighted with him, obviously," said King.
"I haven't really planned where he'll go next, but it will be something over the Festive period.
"I think we'll stick to two and a half miles, I don't see any reason to want to change it yet.
"There's the Dipper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day which I won with My Way De Solzen which could be an option, but it is only an option, or we might just take a penalty and go somewhere.
"His work has been as good as it's ever been. He's probably been working better than when he was a top juvenile hurdler.
"It was a relief to get it out of the way and to see him do it so well."
Alan King will consider the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day for his exciting prospect Walkon.
The former top-class juvenile hurdler appears to have retained all of his ability since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He beat two useful yardsticks in Zaynar and Notus De La Tour at Exeter on Friday and may be stepped up in class next time out.
"He's absolutely fine, I was delighted with him, obviously," said King.
"I haven't really planned where he'll go next, but it will be something over the Festive period.
"I think we'll stick to two and a half miles, I don't see any reason to want to change it yet.
"There's the Dipper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day which I won with My Way De Solzen which could be an option, but it is only an option, or we might just take a penalty and go somewhere.
"His work has been as good as it's ever been. He's probably been working better than when he was a top juvenile hurdler.
"It was a relief to get it out of the way and to see him do it so well."
Would that be the My Way de Solzen who won the Arkle, or a different My Way de Solzen? 
Nice racist slur Howdi. You ruin your own threads by being yourself. But you can't see this, so who cares.
I love the idea of people here saying 'he can't beat two milers' without any sound reasoning. Where is your logic? Second in a Triumph and runaway winner of the Grade 1 2m race at Aintree, a flat sharp course, as a 4yo. Somehow now he is supposed too slow to mix it with other two mile horses.
Sizing Europe won over 2m4f as a novice before winning the Arkle, it isn't an issue.
I love the idea of people here saying 'he can't beat two milers' without any sound reasoning. Where is your logic? Second in a Triumph and runaway winner of the Grade 1 2m race at Aintree, a flat sharp course, as a 4yo. Somehow now he is supposed too slow to mix it with other two mile horses.
Sizing Europe won over 2m4f as a novice before winning the Arkle, it isn't an issue.
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Howdi
I have done the same
This Celtic Son is close to the biggest twaat on here and offers NOTHING other than pure bile.
I will cut him some slack however as I hear it is very unlikely he ever met his Dad so I guess that explains his state of mind.
He is sure WHICH rugby team it was but can't narrow it down to a single player IYKWIM
Utterk Hunt
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Howdi
I have done the same
This Celtic Son is close to the biggest twaat on here and offers NOTHING other than pure bile.
I will cut him some slack however as I hear it is very unlikely he ever met his Dad so I guess that explains his state of mind.
He is sure WHICH rugby team it was but can't narrow it down to a single player IYKWIM
Utterk Hunt
I actually liked the Jewson last year - I though Noble Prince vs Wishful Thinking was a great battle.
It is clear Noble Prince is no 2 miler, and I doubt he would have stayed the RSA distance. Without the Jewson, we probably wouldn't have seen him at Cheltenham at all and he wouldn't be fav for the Ryanair now.
It is clear Noble Prince is no 2 miler, and I doubt he would have stayed the RSA distance. Without the Jewson, we probably wouldn't have seen him at Cheltenham at all and he wouldn't be fav for the Ryanair now.
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PARDON
BANNED YOU
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PARDON
BANNED YOU
Cheers zippie ive banned him agree adds nothing and not the brightest
Celtic,
Cannot speak for others,but personally i never said he was too slow to mix it at 2m. What i did say was that he aint going to beat THESE 2 milers,and i think his best chance of winning a race at the festival is the Jewson.Thats based on my visual impression of all the horses involved and also on what the connections are saying.
Cannot speak for others,but personally i never said he was too slow to mix it at 2m. What i did say was that he aint going to beat THESE 2 milers,and i think his best chance of winning a race at the festival is the Jewson.Thats based on my visual impression of all the horses involved and also on what the connections are saying.
surely winning anyrace at the festival is a dream come true for owners?
My Way De Solzen was won of the most fortunate winners of the Arkle in years, when both Dont Push It & Twist Magic fell at the same fence when travelling like thunder.
Sint - but that's not really the point. The point is the trainer prepped MWDS over 2 1/2 m but ran him in the 2 miler at the Festival. And trainers are frequently creatures of habit.
Tweedledumb - I'm not sure I agree with that. I know I would rather try (and fail) to win one of the real prestige races then one of the fillers - which the Jewson is at the moment. But I'm equally sure many people would share your view. [I think we can exclude the big owners here (Stewart, Johnson, JP, Hales etc) who can afford to target particular races because they have an excellent chance of winning something].
Tweedledumb - I'm not sure I agree with that. I know I would rather try (and fail) to win one of the real prestige races then one of the fillers - which the Jewson is at the moment. But I'm equally sure many people would share your view. [I think we can exclude the big owners here (Stewart, Johnson, JP, Hales etc) who can afford to target particular races because they have an excellent chance of winning something].
It depends what point of angle you are looking at, Strontium. Yes, Alan King has stepped one back in trip before with success, but you have to ask yourself was it with an element of fortune ? Yes.
Im thinking from a betting point of view here Strontium. In terms of trainer trends then sure Walkon may be put in the Arkle come March. But do you want to bet on it at this moment in time ? Not for me, although 25/1 will appease if you did.
Sure Sint, the Jewson makes things hard from an ante post pov. And I don't think I'm going to touch the novice hurdles this year before the final declarations.
Howdi is obsessed with me. He'll never leave me alone.
People here have short memories. Medermit was all along going to run in the Jewson but a late change of mind saw him run in the Arkle. That was wrong for that horse but he never looked that quick, so it'll be a shame if Walkon suffers because of that.
People here have short memories. Medermit was all along going to run in the Jewson but a late change of mind saw him run in the Arkle. That was wrong for that horse but he never looked that quick, so it'll be a shame if Walkon suffers because of that.
except that walkon ran in the triumph 2yrs ago,the winner [zaynar]has since needed further than 2m.
someone will probably disprove my theory but im certain most horses who can be competative in a triumph wil then require a trip 2yrs on in its career.
walkon imo will be very competative over 2.4 and 3m but will not be quick enough over 2m.
medermit falls between the 2 trips and so 2.4m is perfect.medermit is still a very good horse[haldon cup,2nd at lpool etc]but not top class at 2m.
medermit will put it up to noble prince and co over 2.4m,imo
someone will probably disprove my theory but im certain most horses who can be competative in a triumph wil then require a trip 2yrs on in its career.
walkon imo will be very competative over 2.4 and 3m but will not be quick enough over 2m.
medermit falls between the 2 trips and so 2.4m is perfect.medermit is still a very good horse[haldon cup,2nd at lpool etc]but not top class at 2m.
medermit will put it up to noble prince and co over 2.4m,imo
Recent winners of the Arkle that wanted or could stay further.
Moscow Flyer
Voy Por Ustedes
My Way De Solzen
Tidal Bay
Forpadydeplasterer
Sizing Europe
Captain Chris
All of the above were seen as quick 2milers bar Sizing Europe, so this ent quick enough rubbish is exactly that, rubbish. You need a highly rated hurdler, not a quick one.
Moscow Flyer
Voy Por Ustedes
My Way De Solzen
Tidal Bay
Forpadydeplasterer
Sizing Europe
Captain Chris
All of the above were seen as quick 2milers bar Sizing Europe, so this ent quick enough rubbish is exactly that, rubbish. You need a highly rated hurdler, not a quick one.
Its not rubbish.
An Arkle winner needs to be able to jump fences quick enough on the day to win that years Arkle.
Over the years we have had horses that stay further that have won the race,you can get away with it if you get a bit of luck or the opposition aint strong etc like MWDS OR Tidal Bay,or like Moscow you have both speed and stay.
My opinion on watching Walkon and the races he has run in suggest to me that he wont be good enough over 2m to beat this seasons lot,and it appears connections agree.
An Arkle winner needs to be able to jump fences quick enough on the day to win that years Arkle.
Over the years we have had horses that stay further that have won the race,you can get away with it if you get a bit of luck or the opposition aint strong etc like MWDS OR Tidal Bay,or like Moscow you have both speed and stay.
My opinion on watching Walkon and the races he has run in suggest to me that he wont be good enough over 2m to beat this seasons lot,and it appears connections agree.
In an ordinary year you'd fancy him for the Arkle, but this year looks very hot, that said there are some serious Gigginstown horses that might make the 2.5mile race tough as well, I'm thinking Sir des Champs and Bog Warrior.
in an ordinary year hed still want further
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bliss
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I know we could call last year a bad Arkle, but I'd say he would have at least split the short runner Finians Rainbow and the Stayer Captain Chris but I get what you're saying.
Please stop calling Walkon an Arkle winner, hes not.
Peddlars Cross and Al Ferof are the standard, Peddlars has won in neat style but is a point winner, yet no-one here wants him to go for the 2m4f race. Al Ferof scrapped home from For Non Stop over a stiff 2m, but no-one here is suggesting he should go for the 2m4f race. Both would have bolted up in the Exeter race, would everyone say they now should go for the 2m4f race?
Obviously no.
Pass those two horses, what seriously has a chance in the Arkle at this stage, not a lot. As some is rightly pointing out, the 2m4f race in March might be even stronger than the Arkle.
Obviously no.
Pass those two horses, what seriously has a chance in the Arkle at this stage, not a lot. As some is rightly pointing out, the 2m4f race in March might be even stronger than the Arkle.
MWDS was an extremely lucky Arkle winner.
Twist Magic fell at he second last (or maybe third) and was absolutely running away. Subsequent events showed that he was top class. Indeed he gagged up by 5 lengths in the Top Novices Chase at Aintree a few weeks later and went on to win a hatful of good 2 mile races whereas MWDS won naff all.
I remember coz I had a biggish bet at 14 on the horse and was just about to start trading out when he hit the deck.
No doubt this is a very hot Arkle and Walkon might be better suited to a less frenetic paced race. Nice horse though, good to see him back
Twist Magic fell at he second last (or maybe third) and was absolutely running away. Subsequent events showed that he was top class. Indeed he gagged up by 5 lengths in the Top Novices Chase at Aintree a few weeks later and went on to win a hatful of good 2 mile races whereas MWDS won naff all.
I remember coz I had a biggish bet at 14 on the horse and was just about to start trading out when he hit the deck.
No doubt this is a very hot Arkle and Walkon might be better suited to a less frenetic paced race. Nice horse though, good to see him back
PC and AF could probably win both of those races,but the Arkle is the one they want.
Walkon would not beat either of those 2 in The Arkle imo,and it appears in the opinion of connections too.
Keep banging on though Celtic,if you must.
Walkon would not beat either of those 2 in The Arkle imo,and it appears in the opinion of connections too.
Keep banging on though Celtic,if you must.
I will beat on about it while everyone make up such silly reasons why it shouldn't run. It won a race the two favs for the Arkle would have won in the same style, yet everyone seems to think he wants 3m !!!
If he goes for the Dipper, I personally hope he gets absolutely stuffed. He was a Grade 1 Aintree race over about 2m, a flat and sharp enough course, yet now he wants 3 miles. Do me a favour.
If he goes for the Dipper, I personally hope he gets absolutely stuffed. He was a Grade 1 Aintree race over about 2m, a flat and sharp enough course, yet now he wants 3 miles. Do me a favour.
They've said his next start could well be the Dipper.
http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/11/12/07/manual_124740.html&BID=465
http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/11/12/07/manual_124740.html&BID=465
Nowt silly about knowing you horse aint good enough to contest this years Arkle.
Sensible stuff from connections,giving the horse more chance of success.
Sensible stuff from connections,giving the horse more chance of success.
Nice to see Notus give the form a boost again today and also that Walkon is entered at Newbury as well as Cheltenham this week.
The race at Newbury looks promising, though it will probably cut up like Kempton tomorrow.
Not beaten when made bad mistake in ground he doesn't like. Would have been interesting without the blunder, and definitely shows the horse has a lot of pace as was far from beaten at time. Better ground and he'll be back on track.
He has never had any problem with that ground before in fact i'd say softer the better for him...maybe they will just give Cheltenham a miss...it would be a shame to ruin him there, after all he has gone through to get back to a decent level...maybe he is just a horse that goes well fresh now and doesn't take his racing, his jumping went to pieces at the end of that race...Aintree might be more for him...
Worrying that his jumping fell apart when put under pressure.
Also his bouncing after a good first run like last season.
Also his bouncing after a good first run like last season.
I wouldn't say he completely bounced stront as he was still going ok 3 out but like tweed says maybe he just needs further...his next run will tell us more but the jury is now out and although impressive at Exeter, Notus de le tour looked to my eyes to run no race that day and zaynar is very unpredictable so the form has to be treated with a degree of caution....If he were mine he would have one more race in lesser company and go to Aintree a fresh horse...
Doesn't want a lot further, he showing a lot of foot again but the mistakes were too much.
It's also crazy to say the softer the better for him, his best RPRs have been on going that isn't really soft and he won his Grade 1 hurdle at Aintree on goodish ground.
He has won in heavy but I don't think that is what he wants.
It's also crazy to say the softer the better for him, his best RPRs have been on going that isn't really soft and he won his Grade 1 hurdle at Aintree on goodish ground.
He has won in heavy but I don't think that is what he wants.
I'd be very surprised if Walkon was good enough to win an Arkle, his form over fences and hurdles is well short of the standard.
Admirable horse, and maybe without his injury a couple of years ago, but sorry, I think he's got quite a bit to find with the principles in the market.
Admirable horse, and maybe without his injury a couple of years ago, but sorry, I think he's got quite a bit to find with the principles in the market.
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