Henry VIII

I thought TDS was impressive when beating Oscar Whisky in a slowly run race during the PPower meeting. However, it appears as though Henderson's horses have been needing the run fto so far this season. For that reason, I'm also willing to forgive Grandouet his hiccup in his first novice chase, where Hinterland beat him. He jumped very big over the first few, but seemed to warm to the game as the race went on. He would probably have been beaten if it wasn't for the unseating, but I think I'm going to put that down to lack of experience and fitness compared to his rival. Hinterland was beaten by some good horses last season, and is probably the one to beat on form in the book, but I suspect the main dangers may be TDS and Balder Succes; the latter of which seems to have put a disappointing second season over hurdles behind him and took to fences well.

Thoughts?

Grandouet for me, apart from the obvious I actually thought he jumped well on his debut, he travelled strongly and if he needed the run like a few more from the stable then he should be even better to come now, I'm not normally a fan of hurdlers going chasing but as I say I liked his jumping and think he received a bit unfair criticism, he simply could just outclass them...I'm hoping so anyway.

Been most impressed with Balder Succes and TDS and think they are the most likely winners.They have jumped better than Grandouet who cannot afford to jump so big if he wants to be top notch at 2m chasing.
Obviously if he jumps more slickly hes a big threat.Hinterland,CC and manyrivers are not out of it by any means either.
Gut feeling is for BS or TDS,but would not be a total surprise should any of the others win.
Good race.

Shame it is 7 runners not 8.

I didn't like Grandouet on debut at all tbh but it was exactly that, a debut, and Hinterland is a fair sort so he should probably be given the benefit of the doubt. NJH was whinging about the lack of opportunities for this horse in particular but he seems confident enough to stick him in here.

Manyriverstocross was class in his day but there's got to be a couple better now surely?

I'm on TDS ante-post for the Arkle so would hope he finishes in the first two tomorrow as I dont think a defeat for him would be the end of a 2 mile campaign given it will be slightly softer at Cheltenham on Day 1 and a better test of stamina.