Galopin Des Champs

This has been my thinking for a while.

Obviously this weekend will tell us more, but on the evidence of his debut this looks the logical race.

But we all know what Ruby is like. If he suggests one race then there is a good chance he will go for the other.

The horse couldn’t have been any more impressive on his debut and had it not been for the fact he’s won over 3 miles at Punchestown (over hurdles), I suppose not many would be thinking along the lines of stepping up to 3m right now anyway. The RSA/Brown Advisory can leave it’s mark on a horse and Mullins might well have Monkfish still fresh in his mind. GDC can still be campaigned towards a Gold Cup next season if they want to go down that route.

It shows how easily markets can be manipulated, in this case by someone who doesn't give a toss about punters. When he was riding I don't remember him once saying that star horses should take on other stable's star horses, it was always about the easiest target. So what is it now, truth or just attention seeking?

Galopin Des Champs made his chase debut on 28 December and was immediately installed a short priced favourite for the Brown Advisory. Why has it taken Walsh more than a month to come up with this theory? Can't the trainer actually speak for himself? Surely all the same factors applied at the end of December? The distance of the races haven't changed. If they are scared that he doesn't stay three miles, even though he has won over three miles, and has consistently finished strongly over the shorter trip, then it is debatable whether he will ever be a Gold Cup horse. In terms of the Brown Advisory we are talking three furlongs more on the less testing track. It seems strange to me that the horse Walsh seems to regard as a danger, Bravemansgame, is a questionable stayer, and might not even run. He also bombed out last year and perhaps Cheltenham just isn't his track. He is by no means a solid alternative. Perhaps, even though he only has one piece of form at the trip, JP has already had a tickle on Capodanno? The momentum for this switch only seems to have gathered pace after he was turned aside by Bob Olinger. It would certainly make his task a little bit easier with Galopin Des Champs out of the way. Conspiracy theory maybe, but it is not hard to believe that JP usually gets what he wants.

Bob Olinger is not going to switch to the Brown Advisory. I am sure he would be delighted if Galopin Des Champs and L'Homme Presse beat themselves up on the front end.

Although I'd fancy Galopin to win either race I do not see Mullins taking on Bob, it would go against all we know about him. He must see the longer race as the easier of the two, Bob has a huge level of improvement in him and Mullins well knows he is a proper top notcher.

Although there is no talk about it, I'd be more in favour of BMG coming back in trip to take on Bob rather than face Galopin over the longer trip. I'd be scared of Galopin if I was Nicholl's as his strength is also Galopins strength but Galopin is likely to be the stronger stayer, therefore Nicholl's might feel forced to take a chance in having to try and get Bob on his head with his jumping.

There is no need for Mullins to take the same risk against Bob.

I think he will run in the 3 mile race, there were a couple of times yesterday when the horse and jockey were on a different page and afterwards Mullins had a slight concern in his voice when he noted the pace they were going contributed to this in his opinion. I think the longer race at a stride slower he might see as the percentage call. Also if you run in the Turner's, they are banking on his jumping at pace, (which at the quicker pace Mullins has flagged as a little concern yesterday) is the very thing that they'd be banking on to beat Bob with by putting him under pressure, but yesterday Mullins questioned that very weapon going forward.

If Bob has improved his jumping and it's not bad now then he would be a massive threat late on because he's very likely to be the quicker horse at that trip, you couldn't think that GDC could serve it up to Ferny Hollow for instance and BOB also will find stacks under pressure, it was a shame Capodano went so early yesterday but GDM certainly put in a much better run than he did against Bob previously.

Hi Brandy, Racing Tv only do sectionals in England, Scotland and Wales annoyingly, which is why I got the stop watch out myself for yesterday.

I’ve done the hurdles aswell, but the last two races omitted the second last so it’s harder to do.

A facile win yesterday to redeem his reputation post Cheltenham. Nevertheless, does that warrant his leading position for 2023 Gold Cup at Cheltenham infront of impressive reigning champion A Plus Tard?

Galopin Des Champs (GDC) may have an abundance of potential but unless he's done it ie beating serious seasoned chasers eg Betfair/Savills Chase, etc (not Tramore), jumps consistently sound I'd look elsewhere given his stingy price (more trainer related). Similarly, the others you mentioned eg Monkfish post injury; Statler is not for me.

On the other hand A Plus Tard (APT) was 2nd in the event last year, and pilot reckoned she raced too early; still impacted by exertion in the Betfair (he won by a distance) on bottomless ground when chinned by Galvin in the Savills; trounced reigning champion by a distance at Cheltenham. Yet, 4/1 for next year's renewal? Barmy, I think.

Next season I'd expect APT (still only 9) to have a slightly more economical programme eg bypass Savills Chase after Betfair. Then to Tramore for a paid racecourse gallop before defending his crown in March even if Mr Mullins adopts the same programme for GDC as he's done with Al Boum Photo.

Will he stay the Gold Cup trip is the question for me.  And just about the only one.  I think he is top draw.  He should strengthen up over the summer and come on a bit but vert, very good horses have been found out going up the Cheltenham hill and at present there is no reason to suggest he will stay the trip.
However, I can't wait to watch him again.  He is class as far as I am concerned.

I agree with that pov Cropstick, i.e., it seems likley he will stay the trip. He did win a G1 novice hurdle over 3 miles, which is encouraging. He looks to me like the type of horse who could win a Champion Chase, Ryanair or Gold Cup - he travels so easily and jumps so well.

But, as is often said, you don't know they will stay in the Gold Cup trip until they do. If I were looking to take him on in the betting, stamina would be the angle.

I also agree with Loyal H - I can't wait to watch him again. He's the nost exciting horse in training by far (and I mean no disrespect to A Plus Tard, Allaho, and Constitution Hill who I also think are top class).

He overjumped two of the first three at cheltenham
The horse was fired up for it like willies dysart horse
.......but he overjumped only one last week , interesting view brandy

Monkfish is a bit overrated to me.

No, that is not what I mean - I always say what I mean.  And I see no need to repeat it.
Likely is always just likely until it becomes proven either way and none of my hard-earned will go on him at Cheltenham in a Gold Cup at a short price.  You of course can do as you wish.
And if you really want a free and easy discussion please try not to be fcking superficially sarcastic and sneering just because you ho;d an alternate point of view.  Just air your opinion.
Donut.
Now is all that clear enough?  Do you get what I mean?

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duffy
duffy03 Feb 22 14:32Joined: 28 Mar 03 | Topic/replies: 25,331 | Blogger: duffy's blog
Although I'd fancy Galopin to win either race I do not see Mullins taking on Bob, it would go against all we know about him.


Boom

Brilliant

Just been looking at the betting for the King George.

This lad is a whopping 10/1.

They have Allaho as the market leader. I know he won the Punchestown race well and could easily land a King George,  but surely his main target will be a 3rd Ryanair.
Will they follow a similar path for Allaho as last year?

If they do this would be the perfect race for Galopin.

10/1......fill your boots.