If he jumps like Wayward Lad or Silver Buck he'll be fav for the Blue Riband. His supporters could get their 1st opportunity in public to examine his jumping in the Savills Chase on 28th Dec; 3/1 against Minella Indo (2/1 fav) is out standing value, if he shows.
Presenting Percy (9/2), Delta Work (5/1) and Kemboy (7/1) - the latter 2 (CD) - are very much in the running if Champ bombs, I believe.
If he does have to run him it does make sense. The criticism was running over 3 miles on soft so close to Cheltenham....well this is 2 miles, held up off the pace...win or lose he gets a serious piece of work into him. He also can be lethargic so will spice him up and give his jumping a good test.
More I think of it it’s the better option of the two.
If he does have to run him it does make sense. The criticism was running over 3 miles on soft so close to Cheltenham....well this is 2 miles, held up off the pace...win or lose he gets a serious piece of work into him. He also can be lethargic so wil
Another special placement of Hendo ie placing a horse not to win, but for a workout - this is even more bizarre than Santini in the King George. I hope no one backs him in the Game Spirit. Maybe a betting without Champ.
What a ludicrous game plan? Why not just give Champ another private or racecourse gallop rather than taking the mickey out of punters? There's so much a punter can take from Hendo's increasingly bizarre running plan with 2 of his key charges.
What's next? A run in the Stayers if he shows inadequate jumping given the quicker pace? I thought the game plan with Presenting Percy was far fetched, Champ's triumphs it multiple times!
Another special placement of Hendo ie placing a horse not to win, but for a workout - this is even more bizarre than Santini in the King George. I hope no one backs him in the Game Spirit. Maybe a betting without Champ. What a ludicrous game plan? Wh
Well well denial exists solely in hibore burrows,always laughs off his misfortune,changes the subject ie: their both useless wake up ffs. Nicky sitting up in 7 says to corky 'why don't we run chump in the game spirit' why not Gov 'why didn't you think of that corky' no point in us both looking scared shitl€ss by the irish
Well well denial exists solely in hibore burrows,always laughs off his misfortune,changes the subject ie: their both useless wake up ffs.Nicky sitting up in 7 says to corky 'why don't we run chump in the game spirit' why not Gov 'why didn't you think
He's missed a trick by not putting Champ in the Ascot Chase has n't he?
Champ ran perfectly well behind Vinndication in a novice hurdle there so the track can't be an issue.
Henderson has 5 of the 18 entries but no Champ.
Clan Des Obeaux and Lost In Translation both have entries presumably as contingency in case the Denman Chase was off.
He's missed a trick by not putting Champ in the Ascot Chase has n't he?Champ ran perfectly well behind Vinndication in a novice hurdle there so the track can't be an issue.Henderson has 5 of the 18 entries but no Champ.Clan Des Obeaux and Lost In Tra
Well we all know how easy it is to get a racehorse To a racetrack, on a certain day,for a certain race There are those about that can predict it 18 months In advance you. know
Well we all know how easy it is to get a racehorseTo a racetrack, on a certain day,for a certain raceThere are those about that can predict it 18 monthsIn advance you. know
Interesting piece in RP tomorrow. Hen thinks Champ is more talented than her 3 time Gold Cup winner. Also agrees with Hendo going 2 miles rather than Denman.
Interesting piece in RP tomorrow. Hen thinks Champ is more talented than her 3 time Gold Cup winner. Also agrees with Hendo going 2 miles rather than Denman.
Will he or won't he jump like a Gold Cup contender tomorrow? Very unlikely he'll win given his long holiday. A good round of jumping is most important.
Will he or won't he jump like a Gold Cup contender tomorrow? Very unlikely he'll win given his long holiday. A good round of jumping is most important.
The reason he won't win has nothing to do with his holiday. They are more than capable of getting them ready at home if they want to. The reason he won't win is that he won't have anything like the pace needed to beat them.
The reason he won't win has nothing to do with his holiday. They are more than capable of getting them ready at home if they want to. The reason he won't win is that he won't have anything like the pace needed to beat them.
I would be a little concerned with the jump at the last, he was bustled up into that and put a short stride in , instead of perhaps going for the big one. He was under pressure there to go for it and he didn't deliver.
He was on the bridle as hendo said most of the way, ballooned a few (fresh horse) , jumped left at the 3rd or 4th last. All in all pretty good round.
Unless its a slog I agree with Impossible previously , he has to improve on his jumping.
I would be a little concerned with the jump at the last, he was bustled up into that and put a short stride in , instead of perhaps going for the big one. He was under pressure there to go for it and he didn't deliver.He was on the bridle as hendo sa
I wonder if asking him to bowl along in a 2 mile race was wise? It was an impressive run but how do you get him back to a 3.2 mile pace next time out without him pulling?
I wonder if asking him to bowl along in a 2 mile race was wise? It was an impressive run but how do you get him back to a 3.2 mile pace next time out without him pulling?
He was expected to be fresh for his first race. Didn’t pull in RSA so no reason to think he will in Gold Cup. Hendo has confirmed he will be dropped in rather than try to lead.
Who are you backing now Sage ? You were waiting to see his run before committing.
He was expected to be fresh for his first race. Didn’t pull in RSA so no reason to think he will in Gold Cup. Hendo has confirmed he will be dropped in rather than try to lead.Who are you backing now Sage ? You were waiting to see his run before co
Although I can't understand why the other jockeys never out champ under any pressure, you'd still have to be happy with seeing him there over 2 miles ?
Although I can't understand why the other jockeys never out champ under any pressure, you'd still have to be happy with seeing him there over 2 miles ?
I don’t think his jumping will be good enough in the blue riband. He is a lovely horse though. Maybe next year. I am green anyway on him, but I counted at least four novicesy mistakes. That equates to about five or six lengths lost. I also do not think he likes the new course.
I don’t think his jumping will be good enough in the blue riband. He is a lovely horse though. Maybe next year. I am green anyway on him, but I counted at least four novicesy mistakes. That equates to about five or six lengths lost. I also do not t
It’s just a feeling I have. I think he is a smashing horse. Just think he idled in the dipper when he fell, he was not up against much that day. I am green on him anyway so happy with position. But I think he is quirky. I am not a great fan of Nico de Boinville, would prefer a pilot like Mark Walsh, Darragh O’Keeffe or Jack Kennedy on him.
It’s just a feeling I have. I think he is a smashing horse. Just think he idled in the dipper when he fell, he was not up against much that day. I am green on him anyway so happy with position. But I think he is quirky. I am not a great fan of Nico
He put in a short one at the last but on the whole I thought he jumped well, the key to him I think is making his mind up and not allowing him to fiddle them, positivity on him is half the battle.
He put in a short one at the last but on the whole I thought he jumped well, the key to him I think is making his mind up and not allowing him to fiddle them, positivity on him is half the battle.
If he'd make the pace or up with the pace over 2m and jumped the way he did yesterday I'd have thought over 3m 2f+ would be less taxing. And, even if he was a couple of lengths behind ABP after jumping the last I'd take that now because he'd be the strongest finisher of all except Santini.
Champ and Santini - a rfc.
If he'd make the pace or up with the pace over 2m and jumped the way he did yesterday I'd have thought over 3m 2f+ would be less taxing. And, even if he was a couple of lengths behind ABP after jumping the last I'd take that now because he'd be the s
Hibore, I have Champ and ABP in my 10 to follow and will probably stick with those 2 but I can't see either of them shortening in price before the overnights so I am not tempted at the moment. There is no rain forecast for 2 weeks after tomorrow so it might be on the fast side after all.
Hibore, I have Champ and ABP in my 10 to follow and will probably stick with those 2 but I can't see either of them shortening in price before the overnights so I am not tempted at the moment. There is no rain forecast for 2 weeks after tomorrow so i
I hope I am wrong but I think the three fences that willl cause Champ problems will be the last, the last open ditch and the dreaded fourth last. Especially if the site of the fourth last is closer to the bend. If NdB starts to go for it down the hill, he will not get back up it. I think he could be in a spot of bother on yesterday’s evidence. He was not clean at his fences. He didn’t get a ten out of ten for me for his jumping. If I was on Champ, I would just let him get him a rhythm and then let him freewheel down the hill. Then even if at the home turn I would not worry being ten lengths down. but NdB I do not think will out do Kennedy, Townend, Walsh, or a good few others in a finish as he seems to get his hands in a mess at key moments. I still have him six pounds below on my handicap to Al Boum Photo. But in saying that, I am green, so if he wins it’s a few quid.
I hope I am wrong but I think the three fences that willl cause Champ problems will be the last, the last open ditch and the dreaded fourth last. Especially if the site of the fourth last is closer to the bend. If NdB starts to go for it down the hi
I'm much less worried after yesterday. I was very concerned about his jumping last season, and his long holiday since. The longer Gold Cup trip will mean a slower pace than yesterday as I do not believe Native River or Frodon will dare tear off infront like a pair of whippets.
All sweet with me, if he stays sound. I'm not even perturbed by ABP on a line with Santini; Hendo 1st and 2nd (hopefully), but either will do if 1st to the finishing line.
I'm much less worried after yesterday. I was very concerned about his jumping last season, and his long holiday since. The longer Gold Cup trip will mean a slower pace than yesterday as I do not believe Native River or Frodon will dare tear off infro
Duffy is right though. Champ has less form to go on than any GC runner for a very long time. One chase run over 3 miles which he won from an impossible position 2 out. Otherwise he is a 2-2.7 mile chaser-or is he? The defeat of Dashel Drasher over 2m 6f looks OK now.
Duffy is right though. Champ has less form to go on than any GC runner for a very long time. One chase run over 3 miles which he won from an impossible position 2 out. Otherwise he is a 2-2.7 mile chaser-or is he? The defeat of Dashel Drasher over 2m
Obviously, as Champ's outing this season has been curtailed by a wind op and going. But, one cannot say every one was not surprised to see him win the RSA from where he was, and on that jumping; the two horses that ABP beat for the title were mediocre or below average.
ABP is the reigning champ, but I think Champ is the one to beat on sunday's showing. I do not think an extra 2f will hinder him on his RSA run.
Obviously, as Champ's outing this season has been curtailed by a wind op and going. But, one cannot say every one was not surprised to see him win the RSA from where he was, and on that jumping; the two horses that ABP beat for the title were mediocr
True. Nevertheless the position he came from in the RSA astounded every one bar none. What was his in-running price then? 200 or more? ABP was held (and fell) 3 out in the 2018 RSA when behind Presenting Percy and Monalee. Was that good form? Of course not.
How good ABP is will be revealed next March.
True. Nevertheless the position he came from in the RSA astounded every one bar none. What was his in-running price then? 200 or more? ABP was held (and fell) 3 out in the 2018 RSA when behind Presenting Percy and Monalee. Was that good form? Of cour
If he is going off anything like that price, I will have a lumpy place lay.
What I don't get, impossible123, is that ABP's 2 Gold cups are a fluke; the (arguably) best staying chase performance this season - by A Plus Tard - is a fluke; the King George winner fluked that race; and yet the winner of a very ordinary looking RSA, who has only managed to make the racecourse once since, is the second coming?
To put it another way: the 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Ryanair have since won Grade 1 chases, and the 3rd came 4th in the King George. How many Grade 1 winners have come from the RSA?
It is not that Champ will turn out to be better than he has shown, but there is no way he is a good value bet at current prices, and his price compared with that of ABP and APT is a joke.
If he is going off anything like that price, I will have a lumpy place lay.What I don't get, impossible123, is that ABP's 2 Gold cups are a fluke; the (arguably) best staying chase performance this season - by A Plus Tard - is a fluke; the King Georg
The 2 wins of ABP is no fluke, but nothing better than mediocre against Santini (disrupted prep) and Anibale Fly who were 2nd; King George's winner Frodon was definitely gifted the race; APT probably improved up in trip.
Has ABP improved massively since running in The RSA? I think not given the 2 horses he beat in the Gold Cup. Champ may only have run once (no fault of his) this season but it was a jolly fine run against seasoned 2m chasers. He's also a RSA winner something ABP could not achieved.
I think 6/1 is a decent price.
The 2 wins of ABP is no fluke, but nothing better than mediocre against Santini (disrupted prep) and Anibale Fly who were 2nd; King George's winner Frodon was definitely gifted the race; APT probably improved up in trip. Has ABP improved massively si
Champ gave the field 10 lengths start and still won easily in the RSA. I seem to remember that at the time, Minella Indo and Allaho were considered to be top class, and we know how good Aye right is.
Champ gave the field 10 lengths start and still won easily in the RSA. I seem to remember that at the time, Minella Indo and Allaho were considered to be top class, and we know how good Aye right is.
I think Minella Indo and Allaho are perfectly good horses. They’re just not Gold Cup horses in quality or stamina. I’d love to see them in a King George or Ryan Air (In the case of Minella Indo)
Champs RSA was just fine form wise to me. He has all the talent in the world, he’s just prone to an error be it mental or jumping.
RE Al Boum Photo, I think he is a victim of the way he is campaigned, abit like Quevega. Because he is generally seen so little, he doesn’t get near enough the credit he’s deserves, 3 Gold Cup’s in a row would be a quite ludicrous achievement.
I think Minella Indo and Allaho are perfectly good horses. They’re just not Gold Cup horses in quality or stamina. I’d love to see them in a King George or Ryan Air (In the case of Minella Indo)Champs RSA was just fine form wise to me. He has all
The only ludicrous thing about it is the fact that the rules or conditions of the race, as per the BHA allow Willie to do that.
Every race run throughout the world has conditions of entry and every trainer throughout the world use those conditions to construct his training programme for his horses. The system appears to work.
What do you want ? A gold cup preliminary round, qualifying ties like the F A cup ?
Fact is people were shouting Mullins hasnt ever won the Gold Cup a couple of years ago on this forum and what is ludicrous now is the amount of sour grapes being spouted !
Ludicrous ?The only ludicrous thing about it is the fact that the rules or conditions of the race, as per the BHA allow Willie to do that.Every race run throughout the world has conditions of entry and every trainer throughout the world use those con
Because he is generally seen so little, he doesn’t get near enough the credit he’s deserves, 3 Gold Cup’s in a row would be a quite ludicrous achievement.
I assumed that part was just ignored?
Because he is generally seen so little, he doesn’t get near enough the credit he’s deserves, 3 Gold Cup’s in a row would be a quite ludicrous achievement.I assumed that part was just ignored?
Champ beat Allaho 2L in the RSA,he was 20L behind A Plus Tard in the Savilles Chase. Minella Indo, he beat 1L, he was beat over 6L by Kemboy. Easy Game was hammered as well behind A Plus Tard. Battleoverdoyen,another well beat in a GD1 chse. Of course he could be much better than the bare form and win the Gold Cup.Should be bigger than 6/1 on form,to me anyway.GL to those on at decent prices,though.
Champ beat Allaho 2L in the RSA,he was 20L behindA Plus Tard in the Savilles Chase.Minella Indo, he beat 1L, he was beat over 6L by Kemboy.Easy Game was hammered as well behind A Plus Tard.Battleoverdoyen,another well beat in a GD1 chse.Of course he
Personally, the two telling indicators of how good ABP is his running in the RSA where he was held, and eventually fell in the race won by Presenting Percy with Monalee 2nd. ABP (after winning the Gold Cup) was 2nd to Kemboy (had his ground) at Punchestown; Kemboy is a good horse away from Cheltenham esp with ground to suit.
On 2 occasions ABP in a competitive field - I disregarded Santini (disrupted prep/probably mediocre) - and Anibale Fly (more mediocre than Santini) had every chance; fell in one (RSA) and finished 2nd (to Kemboy) in the other.
Nevertheless, ABP managed to win 2 Gold Cup. Fortuitous or merit? Let's hope ABP can retain his crown come March against Champ, APT and Royal Pagaille - the new adversaries with yet unquantified potentials.
Personally, the two telling indicators of how good ABP is his running in the RSA where he was held, and eventually fell in the race won by Presenting Percy with Monalee 2nd. ABP (after winning the Gold Cup) was 2nd to Kemboy (had his ground) at Punch
Kemboy does not like Cheltenham; PP (hyped/mediocre) has had a bizarre prep and fragile; Monalee does not stay 3m 2f.
Punchestown was a level playing field eg no negative for ABP or Kemboy on the ground and course; ABP had every chance, and beaten fairly and squarely.
I hope ABP, Champ, APT and RP will make the gig. Then we'll find out one way or another, all things being equal.
Kemboy does not like Cheltenham; PP (hyped/mediocre) has had a bizarre prep and fragile; Monalee does not stay 3m 2f. Punchestown was a level playing field eg no negative for ABP or Kemboy on the ground and course; ABP had every chance, and beaten fa
It is very dangerous to equate this seasons form with last season. Take Lostintranslation. If you take his recent form literally then his third place in the GC shows how terrible a race it was but do you seriously think that he has run to that form since? The same could be said of Santini but less so. History shows that most good horses are only at their peak for one season, 2 at the most. those who hold their form and even improve over several years like Frodon are rare. There is also the going issue. 90% of the Group races in Ireland have been run on heavy or very soft. It could easily be close to good/firm on Gold Cup day.
It is very dangerous to equate this seasons form with last season. Take Lostintranslation. If you take his recent form literally then his third place in the GC shows how terrible a race it was but do you seriously think that he has run to that form s
Last years Gold Cup was probably the most competitive field for as far back as I can remember - all of them were rated 160+ and all finished within 20L of the winner (and the faller would've likely finished nearer first than last). The fact that it was slowly is part of racing and doesn't detract from the winner.
Measuring the quality of the race (and calling it mediocre) by what finishes 2nd shows your actual appreciation of the sport. The Gold Cup is the ultimate staying chase of the season and is rarely won by speedsters. Anibale Fly finished 4th and 5th in 2 Grand Nationals and 2nd and 3rd (to Native River who presumably is now also bracketed with your mediocre tag)
Take a look back at the horses that finished 2nd to Best Mate and the quality of those line ups; many of those would have been proud to achieve what Santini has done to date and Anibale Fly's final race record
impossibleLast years Gold Cup was probably the most competitive field for as far back as I can remember - all of them were rated 160+ and all finished within 20L of the winner (and the faller would've likely finished nearer first than last). The fact
Impossible brings the level of intellect right down here. He told everyone if found won the arc he would never post again. And we still get this total rubbish !
Impossible brings the level of intellect right down here.He told everyone if found won the arc he would never post again.And we still get this total rubbish !
Last year's Gold Cup was most competitive indeed, and probably mediocre too; ABP beat Santini because he'd pace to get into a challenging position when needed - Santini could not.
The duel between Native River and Might Bite (RSA winner/probable Kauto Star Chase too if not falling at the last 18l infront) - the rest nowhere - from the off was top notch. Thus unfair to tag Native River (NR) as "mediocre" when behind ABP - NR was not well in that race; Lostintranslation clearly did not get up the Cheltenham hill despite going very well 1 out.
I believe it will not take much from one of the new challengers eg Champ/APT and RP to usurp ABP, possibly Santini too next month.
Last year's Gold Cup was most competitive indeed, and probably mediocre too; ABP beat Santini because he'd pace to get into a challenging position when needed - Santini could not.The duel between Native River and Might Bite (RSA winner/probable Kauto
"ABP beat Santini because he'd pace to get into a challenging position when needed - Santini could not."
you total idiot.
Santini got done because townend done nico no other reason
"ABP beat Santini because he'd pace to get into a challenging position when needed - Santini could not." you total idiot.Santini got done because townend done nico no other reason
Nicole got off the horse with a face like thunder Threw her dummy out of the pram .....the stewards took a very dim view of her antiques Especially hitting monallee with the whip
Nicole got off the horse with a face like thunderThrew her dummy out of the pram.....the stewards took a very dim view of her antiquesEspecially hitting monallee with the whip
Monalee (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start and Al Boum Photo (FR) and Kemboy (FR) wore earplugs throughout the race.
An enquiry was held to consider interference at the top of the hill on the final circuit when Santini (GB), placed second, ridden by Nico de Boinville, interfered with Monalee (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by Rachael Blackmore de Boinville was suspended for 2 days for careless riding as he had drifted left-handed towards the rail when insufficiently clear of Monalee (IRE), resulting in Blackmore having to take a check.
Shortly after jumping the final fence, Nico de Boinville, the rider of Santini (GB), placed second, struck Monalee (IRE), placed fourth, once over the nose with his whip, but after viewing a recording of the race it was considered to be accidental.
Monalee (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start and Al Boum Photo (FR) and Kemboy (FR) wore earplugs throughout the race.An enquiry was held to consider interference at the top of the hill on the final circuit when Santini (GB), placed se
Im starting to wish champ wins the gold cup Dont think hes worth a bet But i get the feeling that the next stop For the pundits on here if it gets beat Will be the river !
Im starting to wish champ wins the gold cupDont think hes worth a bet But i get the feeling that the next stopFor the pundits on here if it gets beatWill be the river !
Hendo reckoned Champ had suffered a back problem. Maybe the same that inflicted Epatante. Hence, no Punchestown for him. However, Epatante is that way bound to probably do battle with Honeysuckle (again).
Hendo reckoned Champ had suffered a back problem. Maybe the same that inflicted Epatante. Hence, no Punchestown for him. However, Epatante is that way bound to probably do battle with Honeysuckle (again).
Nico admits Champ has had previous back surgery ...Amazing How do back problems present themselves in horses ? They cant jump ! Henrietta Knight must have sussed it No wonder the horse never came out for ten months !
Nico admits Champ has had previous back surgery ...Amazing How do back problems present themselves in horses ? They cant jump !Henrietta Knight must have sussed itNo wonder the horse never came out for ten months !
Of Champ, Henderson said in his Unibet blog: “I’m pleased to say that Champ is coming along great and Nico (de Boinville) had a spin on him on Christmas Eve and he’s been jumping very well. "
Trainer Nicky Henderson on his Friday runners CHELTENHAM – FRIDAY 3:05 G1 Well Child Cheltenham Gold Cup Champ (Nico De Boinville) "As you all know this has been the aim all season and while he hasn’t had the most conventional preparation I was delighted with his run in the Game Spirit over 2 miles and I’d like to think he’s come on a little bit, although he was pretty sharp that day anyway. This is a typically competitive Gold Cup and you can’t rule any of them out but Champ is in excellent shape and we have done lots of schooling and he’s been to Henrietta Knight’s to have plenty of practice as well so hopefully we have every angle covered. You could say the ground may be a very small issue if it really dries out, but I can’t see any reason why he won’t handle it and we are all very excited about seeing him run. "
After ......
"The Seven Barrows handler told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast: "With Champ we almost certainly know where the problem is, it’s in his back. He’ll be returning to Ireland ASAP for a bone scan. He has had back surgery before in the past and it almost certainly wants re-examining. That’s all being put in place."
....so he has a history of back surgery and is jumping was continually highlighted by Hendo
I think they knew champ had a problem ALL YEAR
Of Champ, Henderson said in his Unibet blog: “I’m pleased to say that Champ is coming along great and Nico (de Boinville) had a spin on him on Christmas Eve and he’s been jumping very well. "Trainer Nicky Henderson on his Friday runners CHELTEN
Champ over-rated? Did he not beat Allaho and Minella Indo in the RSA? I think a poster was correct when he reckoned Champ jumped the 1st fence as if the fence was on fire.
Champ over-rated? Did he not beat Allaho and Minella Indo in the RSA? I think a poster was correct when he reckoned Champ jumped the 1st fence as if the fence was on fire.
He stole the race from Allaho and Minella, the jockeys as well certainly wouldn't disagree.. Wht I can say is he is over rated .. Wins a 2 mile prep and goes close fav for Gokd Cup
He stole the race from Allaho and Minella, the jockeys as well certainly wouldn't disagree.. Wht I can say is he is over rated .. Wins a 2 mile prep and goes close fav for Gokd Cup
Absolutely over rated And reading this thread overhyped Prep was all wrong because of the weather That was predictable ! Horse weren't right which was predictable Because he hadnt been seen in public So the over rating and the hype evolved further ....and they complained about presenting percy ?
Absolutely over ratedAnd reading this thread overhypedPrep was all wrong because of the weatherThat was predictable !Horse weren't right which was predictableBecause he hadnt been seen in publicSo the over rating and the hype evolved further....and t
in the rsa he beat this seasons gold cup and ryanair winners,even his 2 mile prep run he finished 2nd to sceau royal and beat greaneteen who both finished within 4l of champion chase winner with sceau royal looking pretty unlucky,difficult to argue with poor prep unless they had problems(which i am sure they did) but overated not yet
in the rsa he beat this seasons gold cup and ryanair winners,even his 2 mile prep run he finished 2nd to sceau royal and beat greaneteen who both finished within 4l of champion chase winner with sceau royal looking pretty unlucky,difficult to argue w