Matt Chapman has been banging on for months that Vautour should run against Un De Sceaux in the Champion Chase. I've laughed it off until recently I'm starting to change my mind ...
Obviously it's all down to what he does on Boxing Day. If he wins or goes close he's Gold Cup bound and that's the end of that.
However, I've just assumed if he does a Champagne Fever and doesn't stay, he will automatically be aimed at the Ryanair Chase which is run over the same distance he was breathtaking in last years JLT.
That was my assumption until recently anyway, now I'm starting to believe he will have a crack at the Champion Chase. It's looking likely that Ricci/Mullins will have Vroum Vroum Mag for the Ryanair so why aim Vautour at the race as well when there's a Champion Chase there for the taking? Surely Ricci would rather have a crack at a Chanpion Chase than aim 2 at the Ryanair?
Agree with Matt Chapman, what's happening to me ...
As great as it was to see Sprinter Sacre looking somewhat back to his best, there's a long way to Cheltenham and aside from him, Un De Sceaux and I'll reluctantly include Dodging Bullets and Sire De Grugy ... it's weak opposition! Surely he won't turn down the opportunity to win a Champion Chase instead of a Ryanair Chase?
As great as it was to see Sprinter Sacre looking somewhat back to his best, there's a long way to Cheltenham and aside from him, Un De Sceaux and I'll reluctantly include Dodging Bullets and Sire De Grugy ... it's weak opposition! Surely he won't tur
has Dodging Bullets been out this season yet? anyway it could go either way but RR won't have a saying in it like per usual so Mullins will then decide to keep his horses separated and try to win as many as he can, so Vautour will go Ryanair if he won't stay the KG trip.
has Dodging Bullets been out this season yet? anyway it could go either way but RR won't have a saying in it like per usual so Mullins will then decide to keep his horses separated and try to win as many as he can, so Vautour will go Ryanair if he wo
If they werent prepared to take on UDS in the Arkle, I cant see them doing it in the Champion myself. I honestly dont think RR is concerned about which race has most prestige, he just wants festival winners. On all known form, the Ryanair is the race that most suits Vautour and with Djakadam firmly entering the GC picture now,. Id say Vautour to the Ryanair looks fav.
Id say it was more likely Vroum Vroum Mag joins Djakadam in the GC myself and they will leave the Ryanair to Vautour.
If they werent prepared to take on UDS in the Arkle, I cant see them doing it in the Champion myself. I honestly dont think RR is concerned about which race has most prestige, he just wants festival winners. On all known form, the Ryanair is the race