Mikael D Hagunet v Quel Espirit

yes i think he will. needs to find out where to run mdh at chelt.

Mikael struggled over 2 miles at pace in decent grade after jumping very well over 2 and a half the time before. Think this will determine whether he goes RSA or not, Ppower cut him to 10s 2nd fav that race yesterday.

Would have thought Mullins had figured out that Mikd is a stayer by now.

different owners so it is possible. And there has been so much racing cancelled this winter his hand may have been forced.

I am on QE ante-psot for the Moriarty so hoping I at least get a run for my money.

Its his jumping I think WM is more worried about. Another poor display here and its curtains to his chasing career I'd imagine. Quel Esprit jumped like the proverbial stag at Limerick but was a faller at the Festival last year over hurdles!, so he needs close scrutiny in that regard too. I'd be very confident he is the real deal over fences though as he's always looked like such a natural chaser in the making albeit this is his first real test. WM has said that QE hasn't been quite right 'for some reason' since Limerick and that along with the weather has caused him to miss a few engagements. His horses are flying now however so that's unlikely to be an issue, the shorter than ideal distance might be however.

Another factor here is Ruby Walsh. I doubt very much these two would be racing against each other if Ruby was fit and WM must surely be missing his analysis about what his horses can and can't do this season, not meaning to take away from Townend as he's done a fine job especially on Hurricane Fly but there's only one Ruby. Paul Nicholls has said that not having Ruby to ride and advise cost him last year with all Walshes injuries and I've no doubt Mullins feels the same way. When his exact return date anyone know?

As things stand this is a race best watched. MdH is unbackable at the prices and QE is only here as there running out of options before Cheltenham to get a run into him. I do expect Quel Esprits price for the RSA to have shortened considerably however by Sunday evening.

I think MDH is only running here because his two previous G1 targets have not got to plan, so the owner is looking for compensation of sorts.

There is a possibilty this has been QE's target all along, provided he is fit and well. I was not aware of him not being ''right'' after Limerick, but hopefully it was minor.

Would agree it is very much a case of Mikael D'Haguenet's jumping with him, if he can reproduce his jumping when against Jessie's Dream over this trip without the knuckle on landing at the last he will be RSA bound imo. Quel Esprit is ideal for the 2m 4f race and would imagine he will head that way if Mikael stamps his authority on the Moriarty as the RSA is the higher quality race at the Festival of the 2 races and they will want their best horse in it with Time For Rupert and Jessie's Dream lying in wait.

Looking ahead I really believe if his jumping is sorted Mikael is just the type for the King George next season and he could go from the RSA to the KG as Long Run did. No Kauto Star in top form this time. Exciting if his jumping holds up.

mdh-RSA WINNER

correct.

FFS

Quel Esprit first to be niggled when MDH was cruising and just being put in the race. Quel Esprit wont get the stiff 3 miles over fences at Cheltenham in a horse box back to the drawing board with him.

Dont suppose Mikael's connections will be too bothered if his luck finally changes in the RSA.

I agree QE was being niggled and look unlikely to win.

I am still not convinced by MDH though by a long chalk, there was still a way to go and I dont think the hampering was as bad as made out.

looked laboured anyway! pains me to say it but hes not the same horse over the fences, much like punchestowns, could be an ubelieveable WH if they both reverted back.

Aye.

He doesn't look like he is enjoying it does he ? Shame.

MDH jumped to the right again.No chance in RSA. Doubt he'll run and a return to hurdling looks the most likely option.

cant remeber the full facts but  sure i read an article somewhere that md haguanets sire laverco or the dam flur de hagenet had 90+ hurdles winners but not 1 chase winner as yet ,anyone else read this or can confirm .

Quel Esprit was the first beaten, niggled well out when he fell, he wouldnt get the RSA trip in top class around Cheltenham in a horse box, Jewsons is best for him. Mikael will get the RSA trip but will need a lot more luck and now he has finished a race at long last without jumping mistakes it might have brought him on to be better than Bostons next time.

The ground Mikael lost when hampered equated to the distance he was beaten so if Bostons has a chance in the RSA he has and he is likely to come on for the race.

Trainer has the opposite view to you Eric re Quel Esprit......

"He probably needs a longer trip.Cheltenham is still on the agenda and we'll have to decide whether it will be the RSA Chase or The National Hunt Chase for him"

I don't agree with you re MDH's jumping."...he has finished a race at long last without jumping mistakes.....".For me he was ponderous over the fences and his jumping is a major concern.

totally agree Hemsby.

QE was the first niggled along, but too early to tell what he would have found, and lets remember it was just his 2nd start over fences, and first since chase debut back in early November. I dont think he would have won, but I wont be drawing any conclusiosn affirmatively tbh.


Time For Rupert was briefly niggled and outpaced in his last start about 3 out, but ultimately he found plenty and got the trip standing on his head. Just because a horse gets niggled along it's not to say they wont find anything for it.

MDH just does not like chasing. It is in his demeanour and thought there were signs of it in his last race aswell.