Those who took the advice at the top of this thread now have very pleasant options, as he drifts ever out. Personally, I think I'll hang on to my substantial lays at 10/1; as long as his first race is over hurdles, its unlikely he'd come back into the mareket at less than that price, should they need to abort his chasing career.

I am quite sure his first race will be over hurdles.........doesnt mean he wont jump a fence or go for the Arkle but reckon first time out will be over hurdles.

Apologies. I didnt mean to infer any inside knowledge. Not the case. The 7Barrows Team have made it clear they are not yet happy with his fencing and they will want to get a run in to him and thus with such a high profile horse they will take him hurdling in public and keep schooling at home until they are clear he is ready. That may be 2012. It may be 2013. Just my view. No inside knowledge.

16's he wont go hurdling first this season ? Is that what you are saying. I'll take it.

i would be interested in the answer to that as well

If he's very novicey in his first one or too runs over fences they may switch back too hurdles pretty quickly ,especially if
Henderson's 2m hurdlers aren't showing much.

Suspect there are a combination of factors at play here.

Yard has Darlan and Grandouet for the CH.

Simonsig was purchased to be a steeplechaser, not a hurdler.

Apart from the politics in the yard, you need to look at the owner. I don't believe Ronnie Bartlett has ever bought a horse with the specific aim for it to be a top hurdler. Don't assume that in his eyes, the Champion Hurdle is a bigger prize than the Arkle Trophy.

That's that then. NJH confirms it's chasing in today's RP

yep,and werent really in doubt imo.
Horse was bought for chasing,and trainer has said all along hes a chaser,and would be going chasing this season.

Any word on where/when he'll run?

You're rght about Cheltenham Judo.

Can't see Simonsig at a tight gaff like Stratford. Ascot, Newbury or kempton the most likely to me though he may follow the monster route, which would mean Doncaster. All 4 capable of producing decent winter ground. Don't think he'll run in a bog, that's for sure.

id expect him to run at newbury winter fest

This year's Arkle not really doing anything for me at the moment.

Along with the Supreme and the Champion Hurdle, its my fav race of the festival; but so far its not really getting me excited.  This time last year we had the unknowns of Sprinter, Peddlers, Al Ferof, Menorah and Cue Card - all top notch hurdlers.

This years list so far is nothing like that level of quality.  A lot can change from now until March though, so not quite writing the race off yet though

There doesn't appear to be a suitable race for him at the Henessey meeting unless he's going to debut in the 2 1/2 m Grade 2. The only shorter novice chase is a handicap for which he (presumably) won't be eligible.

lets not forget how good arvike legionnaire looks.