Make Your Mark Albert Bartlett??

would believe he's too young to go down the Albert Bartlett route, could destroy a young horse with a bright future. As far as getting into Mullin's head try the opposite route. anything he says take with a pinch of salt because it usually ends up being the opposite.

Banjackst...

I don't really know what you mean? surely you don't think he would have the pace for the Neptune??

I agree he is only 5 but he has only beat very average opposition and can only improve with the step up in trip surely...He wouldn't have the pace for a Neptune can he...but I could be wrong...

Harry

Just my opinion that Make your mark will run in the neptune or not at all, he was favorite to win the bumper before a decision was made to run him over hurdles. Somebody obviously believes he has pace.

Looks like Sea of thunder is a deffo for albert bartlett even though owner will have a few runners in each of novice races.

I'd say Neptune myself. With Boston Bob in the AB.

Interesting banjack...well I am surprised...

He doesn't look to be to quick to my eye although he didn't beat much I suppose...well interesting you think he might not run? if he didn't go for the Neptune you sound very sure pal...

I would be very shocked myself as looks a real stayer to me and the Albert Bartlett would seem the most logical race for him...we will see Banjackst I suppose his next run will tell us more...but Mullins tends to run his Neptune horse in the Deloitte...although Mikael d'haguenet didn't...

How has either race demonstrated that he has a lack of pace? He has looked to be a strong traveller in both races and the Albert Bartlett looks the last of the options that they would consider at this stage.

Distant View the last of the options??

I have to disagree, you have to look at the opposition he beat and the conditions of the race a 4 year old novice...all he showed me was he was a strong galloper...the opposition were very mediocre and if you think by him winning on the snaff against these showed him to be a horse with speed you are mistaken imho...I am not talking through my pocket, so am non biased but in my opinion it would be a mistake to go the Neptune route as it will all happen way to quick for the horse...he looks a stayer in the making...others I can see disagree but is that because they are already on in the Neptune??

Time will tell us more and when he encounters decent horses my belief is they will have no choice but to step him up in trip...12-1 for the Neptune is very short on what he has achieved so far but i think potentially he is very useful recruit to the staying division...others obviously disagree however.

I have not backed him for anything at this stage and do not intend to. He has not proven anything in terms of his class yet and is priced as though he has. The 12/1 is short given the range of options that the stable has. I would prefer to see him take the Cooldine novice hurdle route from here and avoid Cheltenham altogether.

He looks a young horse with a future and the 3m race would be a very tough race for him so early in his career. Boston Bob looks much more of an Albert Bartlett type, but Mullins has run a number of them in the race in the past. I guess they will wait to see how Toostrong and Samain develop over the coming weeks, before deciding targets for them all.

Distant what you have just said there I totally concur with...

I must say he definitely looks a long term project but Cheltenham always seems to tempt them... agree with banjack the owner has sea of thunder if he is ok after his fall, so will be interesting to see how Make your mark fits into the pecking order...but although the 3 miles I know is going to be hard on the 5 year old I think it will be his best chance of winning at the meeting...

Harry

I sure Mr. O Leary will be all out to win the Neptune again this year, to achieve this he will be sending what he believes to be his best staying novice. Most top trainers look at the Albert Bartlett as a race to avoid for good horses.

Banjack...

Well I don't agree a host of good stayers have won this Grade 1 and because they are running over there correct distance...Black Jack Ketchum, Wichita Lineman, Bobs Worth, and of course Mr O'Learys Weapons Amnesty have won this...I consider it, a race for what it is for, stayers...The race is extremely well supported by all the top trainers so don't understand your point??

Mr O'Leary is no mug and will run his horses in the races most suitable for them, as he did last year with First Lieutenant who had won over 2 miles at christmas but showed the right blend of speed and stamina for the 2 mile 5 having already won over 2 mile 4 at punchestowns on a previous run...

If you have backed Make your mark for the Neptune just say pal its no bother to me...just give your reason why you think it is the right race for him?? Apart from his age that is...

Harry

you have made up your mind harry or even backed the horse for the albert bartlett and are looking for convincing. I only can wish you best of luck.

You could be completely right, but to judge a horse that was never extended as lacking pace.

As for me I have Fingal Bay backed for neptune so hope Make your Mark goes your a.b route. As for a.b I sadly backed texas jack prior to his desperate run in Navan.

Banjack fair play...

But I certainly haven't backed the horse yet as need to see more just like a good row I suppose...

Shame to hear about your bets as looks like hobbs is going to take Fingal to the Albert Bartlett...

Trying to second guess these trainers is what I was on about...

I just thought this horse just looks a galloper. I hear what you are saying but if I can't trust my eye what chance have I got of trying to place ante post bets that i feel are valid...That isn't to say Make your Mark won't go well in the Neptune but it won't be with my money on, that isn't a bad thing for his followers however.

Where do you think they will run next??

I'm a brutal analysis so don't be offended pal...

analyst that is

i think he will run make your mark in the neptune it won the same race as so young did and i think gigginstown will run sea of thunder in the bartlett

I think MYM will run in the Neptune also where he will be opposed by F-Bay. Both have plenty of toe for the 2m 5f race. Don't be taken in by trainers comments so far in advance of novices races especially Mullins. Willie Mullins isn't interested in ante-post markets so you really have to second guess him. Make Your Mark is an outstanding bet at 12-1 if he ends up in the race as the WP Mullins representative.

Declan why do you consider him an outstanding bet at 12's on what he has achieved so far over hurdles?? He has shown potential and no more...he beat extremely moderate opposition at Leopardstown...the time was very slow too...I would say Sous le Cieux might end up in this (neptune) race so I wouldn't be piling in yet when he also has Bostons Bob as well...very risky stuff...I still believe he is going to be a real good stayer and the Albert Bartlett will be the race for him...

Exciting youngster Make Your Mark is likely to have another run at a lower level before connections decide whether he is a possible candidate for the big festivals in the spring.

The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old bolted up on his debut under Rules in a Punchestown bumper in November, and was equally impressive over hurdles at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, the Beneficial gelding is prominent in ante-post lists for the staying novice hurdles at Cheltenham in March.

Gigginstown racing manager Eddie O'Leary said: "I think he'll probably go for a winners' race somewhere next and that will tell us more about him.

"He looked smart at Christmas all right, but we'd rather take a small step than a big one at this stage."

Well don't know what to make of that...

Maybe they will just give Cheltenham a miss??

Leading jockey Davy Russell partnered his 80th winner of the season, 22 clear of nearest rival Ruby Walsh, when steering Ipsos Du Berlais to a hard fought win in the Noel Farrelly Memorial Hurdle at Punchestown today.
Russell had to work hard on the novice who needed plenty of encouragement throughout to eventually get his head before the final flight, staying on well to defeat Western Leader by six and a half lengths.

Afterwards winning trainer Noel Meade stated “I was a little disappointed with the way he travelled through the race but he is dog lazy. Davy said they went very fast, he’s only a novice so I thought it was a very good performance.

“He wants three miles and maybe a bit faster ground and should learn a lot from today.

“I blame myself for his Thurles defeat as he was running back a bit too quick. He ran a good race at Navan and came home well but won’t run for a while now as he has had a hard race there on heavy ground. He’ll get an entry for the 3m novice hurdle at Cheltenham.”

hmmm...

Aikideau (FR) (The Stewart Family) Richard Rowe....................................... 5 11 7
Alderwood (IRE) (Mr John P. McManus) Thomas Mullins, Ireland ........................ 8 11 7
Ambion Wood (IRE) (Mr O. C. R. Wynne & Mrs S. J. Wynne) Victor Dartnall............ 6 11 7
American Spin (Mr G. Collacott) Luke Dace................................... 8 11 7
Ardkilly Gunner (IRE) (Mr R. S. Brookhouse) Ian Williams .................................... 7 11 7
Aupcharlie (IRE) (Ann & Alan Potts Partnership) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ............. 6 11 7
Baldadash (IRE) (Mr R. Cooper) George Baker.......................................... 7 11 7
Ballyboker Boy (IRE) (The Ballyboker Boy Partnership) Jamie Snowden ......... 8 11 7
Ballycasey (IRE) (Mrs S. Ricci) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ............................... 5 11 7
Ballyrock (IRE) (Pearn’s Pharmacies Ltd) Tim Vaughan........................ 6 11 7
Barenger (IRE) (Mr R. A. Bartlett) Nicky Henderson................................................ 5 11 7
Benefficient (IRE) (A Shiels/Niall Reilly) A. J. Martin, Ireland.................................. 6 11 7
Benheir (IRE) (Mr G. Costelloe) Rebecca Curtis................................. 6 11 7
Best Served Cold (Gigginstown House Stud) M. Hourigan, Ireland..................... 6 11 7
Big Occasion (IRE) (The Old Betfairians) David Pipe .................................. 5 11 7
Boston Bob (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) W. P. Mullins, Ireland..................... 7 11 7
Brass Tax (IRE) (Mrs Carolyn Kendrick) Ben Case............................ 6 11 7
Brindisi Breeze (IRE) (Mr Sandy Seymour) Lucinda Russell ................................... 6 11 7
Brough Academy (IRE) (Mr W. F. Caudwell) Lawney Hill....................................... 6 11 7
Buddy Bolero (IRE) (Mr Malcolm C. Denmark) David Pipe................................... 6 11 7
Cape Dutch (IRE) (Bloomfields) John Ferguson................................ 5 11 7
Captain Moonman (IRE) (Diamond Racing Ltd) Tim Vaughan.............................. 7 11 7
Castle Conflict (IRE) (Strachan,Clarke,Gabb,Corbett & Salwey) Henry Daly . 7 11 7
Chac du Cadran (FR) (Bingley, Williams & Pepperdine) Chris Bealby................ 6 11 7
Corbally Ghost (IRE) (Mrs M. Cahill) Noel Meade, Ireland.................................... 5 11 7
Cotton Mill (Bloomfields) John Ferguson....................................... 5 11 7
Dawn Commander (GER) (Mr Alan Halsall) Charlie Longsdon............................ 5 11 7
Dedigout (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) A. J. Martin, Ireland ............................ 6 11 7
Deireadh Re (IRE) (Mr Ian J. Fogg) Paul Nicholls........................................... 6 11 7
Destroyer Deployed (The Craftsmen) Tim Vaughan ....................................... 6 11 7
Dont Back Down (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Gordon Elliott, Ireland..... 5 11 7
Felix Yonger (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ................... 6 11 7
Fighting Flynn (IRE) (Mrs Karola Vann) Philip Hobbs................................................ 7 11 7
Fill The Power (IRE) (The McGoldrick Partnership) Sue Smith............................. 6 11 7
Fingal Bay (IRE) (Mrs R. J. Skan) Philip Hobbs .................................... 6 11 7
Folsom Blue (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Conor O’Dwyer, Ireland ........... 5 11 7
Fox Appeal (IRE) (Fox Inn Syndicate 3) Emma Lavelle .............................. 5 11 7
Go All The Way (IRE) (Ann & Alan Potts Partnership) J. T. R. Dreaper, Ireland .......... 7 11 7
Goulanes (IRE) (Mr R. S. Brookhouse) David Pipe................................ 6 11 7
Grand Vision (IRE) (Mr Terry Warner) Colin Tizzard ............................................... 6 11 7
Gullinbursti (IRE) (Mr N. Mustoe) Emma Lavelle .......................................... 6 11 7
Hard To Swallow (IRE) (Mrs Louise Jones) Martin Keighley .................................. 6 11 7
Harry Topper (Mr D. J. Keyte) Kim Bailey ......................................................... 5 11 7
Hasty Times (IRE) (Mr Colm White) John Joseph Murphy, Ireland ..................... 7 11 7
Ipsos du Berlais (FR) (Gigginstown House Stud) Noel Meade, Ireland ............. 6 11 7
Italian Master (IRE) (Mr J. Hales) Paul Nicholls............................................ 6 11 7
Jetson (IRE) (G. M. Mcgrath) Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland ........................................... 7 11 7
Jigsaw Puzzle (IRE) (Mr Malcolm C. Denmark) Warren Greatrex ...................... 6 11 7
Keenes Day (FR) (J. O’Brien & C. J. Leech) Sophie Leech...................................... 7 11 7
Knight Pass (IRE) (Mr Malcolm C. Denmark) Warren Greatrex .......................... 6 11 7
Knock A Hand (IRE) (Mr Alan Halsall) Richard Lee................................................... 7 11 7
Lord Gale (IRE) (Mrs Robin Birley) W. P. Mullins, Ireland......................................... 6 11 7
Lovcen (GER) (The Barbury Apes) Alan King............................................... 7 11 7
Make Your Mark (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ......... 5 11 7
Marasonnien (FR) (Mrs S. Ricci) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ................................... 6 11 7
Master of The Game (IRE) (Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin Hughes) Nicky Henderson 6 11 7
Meister Eckhart (IRE) (Mr G. Costelloe) Rebecca Curtis ....................................... 6 11 7
Milarrow (IRE) (Mr P. M. Warren) Colin Tizzard .............................................. 5 11 7
Mount Benbulben (IRE) (Mr Barry Connell) Gordon Elliott, Ireland ................. 7 11 7
Nagpur (FR) (Miss S. Douglas-Pennant) Venetia Williams ............................. 6 11 7
Nuts N Bolts (The County Set) Lucinda Russell ........................................... 6 11 7
Open Hearted (The Queen) Nicky Henderson................................... 5 11 7
Owega Star (IRE) (Anthony Callan/Mrs Siobhan Callan) Peter Fahey, Ireland 5 11 7
Perpetually (IRE) (Bloomfields) John Ferguson ............................................. 6 11 7
Pickapocketortwo (IRE) (YITBA Racing Club) W. P. Mullins, Ireland.................. 8 11 7
Poole Master (Mr G. Thompson) David Pipe ............................................... 7 11 7
Private Eyes (IRE) (Mr Malcolm C. Denmark) Warren Greatrex......................... 6 11 7
Real Milan (IRE) (Mrs Diana L. Whateley) Donald McCain..................................... 7 11 7
Rev It Up (IRE) (The Bill & Ben Partnership) Tim Vaughan .................................... 6 11 7
Rocky Creek (IRE) (The Johnson & Stewart Families) Paul Nicholls ................... 6 11 7
Saint Roque (FR) (Mr Chris Giles & Potensis Limited) Paul Nicholls.................. 6 11 7
Same Difference (IRE) (Mrs R. Vaughan) Nigel Twiston-Davies ........................... 6 11 7
Sea of Thunder (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Charles Byrnes, Ireland....... 7 11 7
Sheer Genius (IRE) (O. Finetto) John Joseph Murphy, Ireland............................... 7 11 7
Simply Ben (IRE) (Guy and Sophie Henderson) Nick Mitchell .............................. 6 11 7
Sivola de Sivola (FR) (D O’Donohoe, S & P Nelson & D Silvester) Tom George........ 6 11 7
Sizing Symphony (IRE) (Alan & Ann Potts Partnership) Henry de Bromhead, Ireland. 6 11 7
Super Villan (Mr Mark Tamburro) Lawney Hill........................................ 7 11 7
Sword of Destiny (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Noel Meade, Ireland ........ 6 11 7
Talkonthestreet (IRE) (Mrs Diana L. Whateley) Philip Hobbs............................... 5 11 7
Terminal (FR) (Favourites Racing) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ..................................... 5 11 7
Theatrical Star (Brocade Racing) Colin Tizzard ........................................ 6 11 7
The Bosses Cousin (IRE) (Mrs J. M. Mullins) W. P. Mullins, Ireland..................... 7 11 7
The Druids Nephew (IRE) (The Stonehenge Druids) Andy Turnell.................... 5 11 7
Thehillofuisneach (IRE) (Walters Plant Hire Ltd) Jonjo O’Neill ............................ 8 11 7
The Tracey Shuffle (Mrs Jo Tracey) David Pipe................................................. 6 11 7
Toostrong (FR) (Gigginstown House Stud) W. P. Mullins, Ireland .......................... 5 11 7
Tour des Champs (FR) (Mr H. R. Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies .......................... 5 11 7
Turban (FR) (E. O’Connell) W. P. Mullins, Ireland................................................ 5 11 7
Vesper Bell (IRE) (Mrs S. Ricci) W. P. Mullins, Ireland........................................ 6 11 7
Well Hello There (IRE) (Mr John P. McManus) Jonjo O’Neill ................................. 6 11 7
Whispering Hills (IRE) (Mr P. Aspell) D. T. Hughes, Ireland ................................... 7 11 7
Queens Bay (Mr R M Fear & Mrs R R Dickinson) Colin Tizzard........................... 6 11 0
Swincombe Flame (Yeo Racing Partnership) Nick Williams..................................... 6 11 0
Theleze (FR) (Ann & Alan Potts Partnership) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ..................... 5 11 0

Was hopin Fingal Bay would nt be entered just to deter any last minute change of mind!

Anyone know why Ongenstown Lad has no entries?

No Ongenstown Lad ffs -

quite.

Wondering if we see the Albert Bartlett winner in about 45 minutes time.

That was the one for the Albert Bartlett for me. Folsom Blue, looked very impressive there.

I think this race is made for Rocky Creek - Andy Stewart was raving about this horse in the Autumn, said he was the best 5yo he's ever owned and that includes the likes of Celestial Halo.
I know they were disappointed when he got turned over at Exeter but he bounced back at Donny last weekend, 14/1 is great value...

Horse9....agree but at the prices I would like to be backing Gullinbursti...second to him at donny but was giving him weight (4lb for a 3 length beating I think).....at levels they would be a lot closer.  Not saying he would definately win but has just as good chance as Rocky Creek.

Sheriff - remember that Rocky is all about stamina he just stays and stays, the 4lb may not have made as much of a difference as you would have thought and he looked to have something in the tank on the line for me, first outing for a while he should come on for the race too.
Always a trappy race though.....

not arguing that point horse....but my thought was around value at the price.  Rocky Creek at 12s and Gullinbusti at 33s.

Has the 14s all gone with Hills ? I saw it yesterday, maybe all went today.
To be honest there's no guarantee RC will make the race and at 33s I agree Gullinbursti is value, but I did feel that RC had something in hand at Donny...