BLACK OP

I've backed him for the JLT dragon.

Me too but I have a sneaky feeling I am wrong and he will run in rsa. Personally I don’t see him as an rsa horse but I am sure many will

I've backed him for the RSA, so far to date he has impressed me the most from both sides of the Irish sea with regards jumping, his novice hurdling runs pushed me more toward the RSA.

Another factor that might benefit you Duffy is I have a feeling the trainer is considering stepping SB up in trip. Again personally I like him at 2 so clearly am clueless on these two

i had a look on the racing post info on it and its only enrty is for the stayers!!!!!! cant see that can you ???

No entries have been made yet for the festival.

Thursday, 12 March 2020 - 3:30
(Early closer) at Cheltenham Sun Racing Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) (POSSIBLE ENTRIES) (3m)

above is copied from racing post website foxy

Ok the dragon I wasn’t aware these races already had entries.

The only race in March I have entries for is the sales bumper at Newbury March 31st

Sorry 21st

only going by whats on racing post site stayers does seem a strange one but then it does say possible so who knows????

Al his best form is at 2 1/2m to me. Behind Santini and Samcro, beating Lostintranslation. Thats all top class.

Just dont think he got home in any of his 3m races myself and will be amazed if they think he's an RSA horse

yes i agree ccm but plenty of water to poass under the bridge before cheltenham but he is definatley on my radar

I think he stays 3 miles and think his run on trial's day suggests it, he was a bit free that day and went for home a long way out when the front two came back to him. He looked to be about to be completely swamped turning in as the exceptional PP who had been smuggled into it swept by but Black Op himself looked as though other stronger stayers were about to sweep past him, and if you look at that point turning in and then the finish it is surprising just how well he stuck on and was closing down the 2nd come the line.

I'd urge anyone to look at the point turning in and how he fought on up the run in, especially in the context of how he took up the running a long way out.

I think he will be suited by a grind over 3 miles myself.

Looks a strong season for novice chasers to me,some already mentioned on here.
I am hoping Mr Fisher can be added to the list today.
Have backed him at big odds for the JLT so hoping for a nice round of jumping.
Not sure ground is ideal today,but lets see how he gets on.

Pretty happy with that,thought he jumped well enough,and hoping a longer trip on better ground will see him at his best.

Yes bud there does look a strong set of novice chasers at this stage no doubt some more will pop up and unfortunately some will get injury’s.

runs at newbury today in what looks a cracking race . up v champ and other good horses i have taken some of the 7/2

black op has only been beaten by defi du seuil,lostintranslation and topofthegame over fences,if he jumps like he did last time in this much better race he will take some beating

lets hope so gazo and its a decent price

looks like its drifting

Not good enuff

mmmmmmmmmmmm

I wouldn't be disheartened one bit with that from Black Op, he's a stayer IMO and was outgunned by a very good horse with a turn of foot, Black Op is a grinder who will be better suited by 3 miles.

A defeat to Champ, (who must have some engine, to survive those errors and finish the way he did) is not the end of the world and in fact is probably a very good piece of form.

Let's not forget who got beat up in this very race last year, but now is favourite for the Gold Cup itself

fair point duffy i thought it ran well and was unlucky to lose given the mistakes that champ made

Champ better suited to three miles as well.
I know which one I would prefer over 3 miles.
Don't think Black Op would have any chance myself.

I agree with you budd, Champ looks a bit special, if they iron out his jumping then he could be anything, Black Op isn't in the same ball park but I do think that however good he turns out to be, we'll see the best of it over 3 miles or more. Champ looks like a very strong RSA contender.

Looks like you've got this right and me wrong duffy! Black OP going up to 3m at Kempton for the Kauto Star.

Will have to hope he doesnt get home or my bet is dead!

Well, they're trying it out at least, but are they convinced or are they just taking a punt,I hope they're convinced

He's in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase against Slate House on Boxing Day - 3m?

Slate House beat him fairly comfortably. Can't see that being reversed over 3 miles.

Jockey just interviewed intimating the RSA.
Bit surprised, but I guess it helps my bet on Mr Fisher!!