Still hope they run Ned Buntline in the Supreme. Can't see him winning it but with Carberry on board and better ground he would be a right good back to lay.

Winner looks a good sort with a cracking attitude - wouldn't totally rule him out if it comes up soft, though presumably Walsh will be on Dodging Bullets?

Don Cossack had everything in his favour today but just isn't as good as some of us hoped he might be.

The Don looked more like a chaser than a hurdler today; jumped very well, apart from the second, but just a little slow to get away from one or two hurdles. No excuses; the winner could be good. Never saw Don as a specialist 2 miler,as outlined at the top of this post, and would expect improvement with a trip. While I would respect any decision to bypass Cheltenham - Elliott has always said he'll peak as a 3 mile chaser -if he were mine I wouldnt rule it out.

I've backed dc anti post with vc on non runner free bet for neptunes. Time to put it away for season and give me a free bet!
Here's hoping

He's rubbish - send him to Birds Eye.

Interesting thought. Cant see that happening myself but if it did then his campaign might make more sense. As someome whose views are sound, CV, what are your thoughts on him thus far?

Take your point, but not sure that's the way they'll go. All his hurdles runs(including when he fell) have been rated in the 140's on RP ratings, so I can't see him sneaking in at a hugely favourable weight in a handicap. Interesting that Elliott mentioned "Fairyhouse and Punchestown" after yesterday. What races, only he knows, but surely a longer distance will be the next port of call. Struck yesterday by just how well he travelled into the straight, but scooting round 2 miles in 3 mins 55 just isnt him, certainly looking back at his 2m3f bumper win which put him into the limelight. A work in progress but, yes, a puzzling choice of race yesterday.

Well it's not a plot per say. Not like they'll land a touch or anything. I just think he may go for a handicap next over his proper distance to land a pot against inferior rivals then head on to the 2m4f grade 1 at Punchestown to end the season.

He is a chaser, so we will only see the best of him next season. Last Instalment is an example of a horse who was far better when jumping a fence than he was over hurdles. I'm sure Don will be the same

Back in action and looks a good opportunity to get his career back on course. Apparently he had a hairline fracture and Elliot wasn't happy with him last season. If that's the case, I hope a new and highly successful journey gets under way today.

Disagree, harry. Thought he jumped fluently and well throughout, other than propping at one mid-race. Hard to know the value of the form, but if the third's rating reflects how he ran (130) then this was a fine performance. Love the way he glides over the heavy ground. Bigger challenges ahead but a lovely start.

yep,i would agree,thought that was quiet impressive for his 1st chase.

Don't think his comparative decline last season is relevant - he held his form throughout his bumper season - but, of course, he needs to build on what he achieved on Monday. Having never raced on anything but deep ground, no-one knows how he would handle a faster surface and that must put a question mark over RSA prospects. I've taken 50/1 but wouldn't want to play at current prices unless we hear that it is a clear aim. Having watched the race again, I think it was a really solid effort and well done to Elliot for sending him there, rather than for example, going to Punchestown today for what will be a fearsome initiation for several promising novices for less prize money than Monday's race.

Agree, but wouldn't want a bet on this one. Clues for the future should abound, though.

think this horses fan base must be dwindling by the day...

he has become a snaffle horse for me and a rat when he has to come off it

And despite what gary o'brien said, MA didn't jump great, certainly not as well as his debut performance, he was always just fiddling, the other gigginstown horse was ravelling and jumping better through out much of the race.

A bit harsh, lads, I think. I was delighted by his performance. Thought he jumped superbly, floating over his fences and not forced into mistakes when the tempo was raised. Just beaten by a very good opponent with an inspired Ruby on board. Ridden by a new jockey, he gave up the outside to no-one and I think on another occasion he might be ridden differently. He was reined back quite often yesterday, as his jumping took him closer to the lead than the jockey wanted, and I think he might do better being allowed to stride on. His finish may not be his most potent weapon, but his jumping and cruising speed are, so let's hope they are used to best effect in future. Certainly had MA in trouble turning in and, while you could say he should have won from there, to dismiss him as a bridle horse looks wrong to me. Another plus from his performance was that this was the least soft ground he's ever raced on and he handled it perfectly well. Take nothing away from the winner, but two good yardsticks were well beaten, and I think there's plenty to look forward to from the Don. His jumping was a delight.

Indeed, big boost to Morning Assembly, who is still available at 16/1 for the RSA.

He is still a young horse. RSA wouldn't be the right race for him imo. He looked to get outstayed, or simply beaten by the better horse over 22f last time out. Trainer is kind of suggesting the Jewson if anything.

Well done cyclops. After a quick read of the thread you were steadfast in your belief. The extra distance, the hill and usual Cheltenham ground should hold no fears for the Sun Alliance. Bit of humble pie required from some I think.

Strange, looked like he only won that race by outstaying the others.