Fox Norton out rest of season.

Supporters of Waiting Patiently are feeling pretty pleased with themselves, I think - he is in demand here. A decision to participate at Cheltenham made perhaps. Let's hope so, he's more than good enough, and the ground is looking favourable too at the present moment.

It does Chief, but he's not getting any younger and I wasn't hugely impressed with him the last day.
It's rare that a festival Championship race (and I think we can probably call the Ryanair that now) is won by a 10yo and plenty of great horses have tried - although obviously I'll be backing Cue card regardless
UDS has been a fantastic servant, but I suspect he might find something a little too sharp for him on the day. WP would fit the bill if getting his ground.

Agree on that Des - Balko Des Flos the one for me in this, think he might improve past UDS & as a 6 yr old has every chance of doing so, run behind Road To Respect last time good enough for me too (he's my idea of the GC winner) & think could outrun his odds for a surprise at 8/1 currently.

You may be right Des, but I still have faith in the old boy and I think he should be fav for the Ryanair.

I think 2m is plenty sharp enough for him these days, and I think he was likely not fully wound up last time (although it was a shocker of a Grade 1).  2.5m on soft ground at Cheltenham is right up his street imo; he settles so much better these days too and comes in relatively fresh after a light campaign.  If it comes up good, we know he acts on that too - there aren't many question marks over him.

I agree on Balko des Flos TIA.  I backed him at 3 figure odds when he got beat by RTR last time, and I was quite vocal on my support for him in last years RSA, but he fell in the JLT.  I think he's a 3 miler though, as proved by running the race of his life over 3m last time.

Still not completely sold on Waiting Patiently if I'm honest - if he wins I'll hold my hands up, but I'd rather side with the one who's been there and done it - Albertas Run?

Wasn’t Alberta’s 11yo, too, second time around?
Early days for the race though and I don’t think it attracted the quality of field it does nowadays.
Anyway, I don’t have a bet in the race yet, so can wish you luck and mean it!

That’s right, a grand old warrior and proof of the old adage that you can’t beat festival form.
And yes, a decent field that, although you’d do well to find two worse Arkle winners than those two.
I think the race is getting better every year, principally because more trainers are seeing the sense of the Imperial Commander route to the Gold Cup - I’m sure that’s what was on WPM mind for Vautour and, I suspect, the potential route for Balco Des Flos

Mullins is responsible for 7 out of the 14 left - really punter friendly!

I like the 33/1 NRNB angle on L'Ami Serge each way in this race.
He has an excellent record of placing in his races, including quality graded races.

Yep, he's a 12/1 shot if he runs here imo.

I don’t
I’m on dream for this
L’Ami for stayers
Both have major place chances

I think if one is certain UDS will run here it is never a better time to back him even if Douvan does show which is 1 trillion to one, in my opinion, as the latter has never run in this trip when he was sound and almost a zero chance now in his present physical state.

Haven't connections all but said Douvan is running?  Appreciate they have also said Douvan was out for the season  / 50/50 to run this season / definitely going for Champion Chase, but when the owner is a bookie...

aye and Chapman will be all but licking his bellend

Djakadam matched at 15 for this now