L'Ami Serge

Good news it's not an injury but I'd be a bit concerned over the 'at the earliest' given NH's apparent fear of running his best horses:

Grade One-winning hurdler L'Ami Serge will not make his eagerly-awaited debut over fences until the new year at the earliest.

Connections of the talented five-year-old, who features prominently in the betting for the Arkle Trophy, have been forced to delay his chasing debut after he picked up a chest infection.

Last seen out finishing fourth behind Douvan in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding had previously struck at the top level after capturing the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown in January.

Assistant trainer Charlie Morlock said : "He had a little hold up. It was just a health thing. He got pretty close to having his first run, then he just picked up a chest infection so we had to back off him and he is slightly on the back-burner at the moment.

"It will be into the new year when he races, but he is back in full work.

"He is still showing that he has a huge amount of talent."

How long will Jacobs keep the job for owner ?Boinville should have the full gig by now !

I see your point SGN - sequence usually goes something like ' waiting for this dreadful weather to dry up', 'just can't find the right race for him' and finally ' not sure I want to go to the festival with such limited chasing experience'.

Despite the above, I'll try not to be so cynical - theoretically there's still plenty of time to get two chase runs into him before festival week.

He's back in full work. Should be out mid jan surely.

^ actually in the case of L'Ami Serge all his winning form is on soft so the first point above should not apply.

Hope we see him out soon RH, encouraging he's back in full work at least. Hopefully he'll have had a run by mid to late Jan.

Don't want to put a dampner on this for you L'ami fans, but don't you think he's more likely JLT in any case. I was with him last year, but when you look at the bare results it's not that special.  He beat Kilcooley (Stayer) over 2m at Newbury.He then beat Kilultagh Vic (Stayer) over 2m at Ascot. Emerging Talent was upside until falling 2 out also, and he's subsequently been beaten twice at odds on.  He then went and beat Jollys Cracked it who's been beat in 4 Hcps since then and finally was easily beat into 4th behind Douvan at the festival.

Henderson has 2nd Fav Vaniteux already and I can't see why L.Serge should go to the Arkle with 1 and max 2 runs and turn the form around with Douvan and Sizing John, both of whom have already run and won with ease over fences and will both have more experience by the time the Arkle arrives.

I think it makes sense to go JLT as won't be run as fast and he won't be taking on his conquerors of last season.

Just my thoughts.

Shockster 100 per cent agree. L'ami Serge looks more a stayer than a speed horse. Look at last years win. The further into his races the more impressive he was becoming. Has to be JLT. Running on in the Supreme lasy year, granted he got to far out of his ground. He just looks more a powerful grinding type than a flashy change of gear type.

Don't think it will have anything to do with NJH and his other runners though. Simon Munir will be calling the shots, and of his novice chasers L'Ami Serge looks to be the paciest to me. I really don't think think you can say the horse lacks speed, and you want a horse that stays further in the Arkle anyway. I'd agree that everything suggests he will struggle to turn the tables on Douvan, but fences might be the making of him, and nothing went right for him in the Supreme and he still finished 4th.

Bristol de Mai was outpaced in the Henry VIII and he looks a perfect JLT horse for the owners imo. And Vyta du Roc is another who definitely wants at least 2m4f, but seeing how they started him at 2m I reckon he will be a JLT type rather than the RSA. He's trained by NJH as well.

So when you look at what Munir has for the novice races, I think L'Ami Serge stands out as the likeliest Arkle type.

Vasco du Ronceray another they have that looks a 2m4f plus horse.

Not good for an Arkle ''winner'' to be making there chase debut in the new year though. Would want them have to have 3 runs or more personally. But i'm all in on Vaniteux now.

Yes on both counts Sint. I'm the same. Early season punt on L'Ami Serge but much more on Vaniteux now.

now entered in 2m 214y Novices' Chase at Plumpton on Sunday, potentially interesting little race at 5 day stage.

Not put off by Vaniteux's run at all btw. Only his second chase start and made a bad bluber at the first fence so ran very well in the circs. NJH also reported after the race he was short of a gallop.

He should pump that lot Rease, receiving 5lb too.

I've covered him for the JLT too now at 20/1. Though he could still be Arkle bound if he completes his prep well enough!

Agree re Vaniteux.

I'd expect L'Ami Serge to win but if two or all of Regal Encore, Willow's Saviour or Aso turn up they'd provide a decent benchmark as they've all been beaten comfortably by potential Arkle contenders.

I note Henderson has Vyta Du Roc (same ownership) and Volnay De Thaix entered in the Dipper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

Given L'Ami Serge yet to go beyond 18f in career and time is moving on, I'd think the Arkle is most likely race for him, no bets at all yet for me but I'm definitely not in the camp that thinks Douvan is home and hosed - the only thing we learned about him on Boxing Day is that there's plenty of room for improvement in his jumping.

Im confident they will be stepping this lad up in trip this season. Outpaced in the Supreme. Nice starting point sunday.

Looks like he has scared off a lot of the oppo!

He will need his swimming gear,absolutely chucking it down.
Could well be off....that will please his trainer!!

Will be off with the forecast ahead

Wow.........  What a jumper........   

Over 20% for your money today.

worth a read if you have n't seen it:

http://www.racinguk.com/news/article/40044/lami-serge-stars-at-plumpton-before-rain-forces-abandonment

Looked good but hard to take much from it. Amazed Douvan is 4/5 when you have two classy opponents in Vaniteux & Lami Serge. EW doubles with Yanworth for me.

I ain't amazed Sint......the amount of Mullins obsessers seems to be growing every year.
Good though,value elsewhere is much appreciated.

Entered at Wetherby on Saturday for those who are interested. Good to see as needs some more experience. Also nice to see Seven Brandies Hendo has realised there are racetracks north of Birmingham that host novice chases instead of moaning about the lack of suitable race in the programme.

The market for Vaniteux has been consistently firm but the same cannot be said about L'Ami Serge, the other Henderson horse, and yesterday's statement from its trainer on the latter did not definitively indicate the Arkle was its only target or otherwise. The $64k question is.....will it be re-routed to the JLT especially with the present 'fav' not an accomplished jumper with stamina questionable? On the other hand Vaniteux does not appear to stay further than 16f on appearance.

Do you mean this one impossible? Maybe it's the way it was pitched but reads like Arkle I'd have thought? Depends what he means with 'for now' I suppose.

Nicky Henderson has no intention of stepping L'Ami Serge up in trip for the time being after nominating the Lightning Novices' Chase at Doncaster as a potential target.

The Grade One-winning hurdler made an impressive winning debut over fences at Plumpton earlier this month, on his first start since finishing fourth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last March.

Following that victory, which saw him trimmed by most firms into second-favourite for the Arkle, the Seven Barrows handler indicated a trip to Town Moor could now be in store for the six-year-old for the Grade Two prize on January 30, a race he last won back in 2012 with Kid Cassidy.

Henderson said: "L'Ami Serge came out of Plumpton in very good form.

"To jump as he did out of that ground was very pleasing.

"For now I think he wants to stay at that trip and there's a race at Doncaster (Lightning) at the end of the month for him."

I'd say its beyond doubt the horse is going to run in the Arkle myself!

Sir Gary Neville

A knight on this forum - much appreciated !

Yes, the above do not rule out another entry for L'Ami Serge entirely; the sustained support for Henderson's other runner, Vaniteux, and L'Ami Serge's ability to deal with Douvan over 16f (Arkle) after a late start campaign could be enough to sway Henderson later on; L'Ami Serge is classy and the JLT is there for the taking too the way he dispensed with KV last season.

For what it's worth, Anthony Bromley in his guise as racing manager to Munir and Souede gave 'L'Ami Serge - Arkle' as his best hope for the Festival when interviewed at Doncaster last week. Vaniteux is in different ownership so I don't see that has any bearing unless he is faster than Serge on the gallops and NJH advises L'Ami Serge connections accordingly.

The entry at Wetherby muddies the waters slightly little but perhaps that's seen as a potential opportunity to get more match practice in a small field easy race.

They've said Arkle all along - I know Henderson has form for changing his mind but, to me, expecting/hoping that he turns up in JLT is a leap of faith at this stage.

I've not backed him in either race so makes no difference to me, just an opinion.

Also, it's been covered above I think - but same owners potentially have Vyta Du Roc (beaten at Donny last week but NJH not disappointed)and Bristol De Mai for JLT.

The fact that they employ racing manager and retained jockey suggests they like to call the shots and so, even if NJH might prefer JLT, if M&S want himto go to Arkle that's where he'll run.

Getting Hendo to say what he actually plans to do with his horses is like nailing jelly to the wall (not sure he even knows half the time) but I think it's much more likely to run in the Arkle. If so 10/1 is a decent ew bet I think, hard not to like Douvan but think you have to take him on at the prices, especially given how short he could end up after winning the Irish Arkle. If so it could easily be a field of 10 runners or so at Cheltenham (11 last year when UDS dominated the mkt) in which case 10/1 with 1/4 first three on L'Ami Serge could be looking very good, especially if he impresses at Donny (equally if he doesn't then it'll probably look a **** bet but that's ante-post betting!).

Money for L'Ami Serge (finally) - how quickly the market can change.

Sir Gary think you correct,wouldnt trust him too much.

Interesting that he's running over 2miles 3.5 furlongs tomorrow on heavy ground. If he's strong at the finish tomorrow then maybe the JLT will be the target. I'm still not convinced that they are keen to take on Douvan again after the drubbing they got off him the last time. And if anything Douvan looks to have improved since then for fences. The JLT looks a lot more winnable race. L'ami Serge has already beaten Killutagh Vic easily and possibly could have beaten Shanehill in the supreme last year but for interference in running. I hope Daryl pushes him right out tomorrow to see if he is seeing it out strongly. Ive little doubt he will.

Looks like Hendo is dropping him back to 2mile for the Kingmakers at Warwick after today........... Arkle it is so.....

How do you know he goes kingmaker after today? Is there an actual article or interview where Hendo has actually said he goes or are you just going off entries of which there is no guarantee?

Page 10 in todays racing post.

On the upside he did run Long Run in the Kingmaker to get more experience into him and then they ran him in the RSA in Chelt so i live in hope.... :)

Well ive backed him for the arkle so we have conflicting interests lol

Looked very tidy today, decent yardstick in second too.

Beautiful looking fellow too sintonian

The horse I mean, not you

Hope all is well mate.

"That was very good. It wasn´t the plan to make the running, L´Ami Serge was a hold-up horse over hurdles but he jumped well. Nicky (Henderson) wanted to get three runs into him before Cheltenham so this race fitted in well and he´ll now go back to 2m for the Kingmaker at Warwick in four weeks´ time. That shows he got this trip so it gives us the option of the JLT. I´m not saying he´ll run in it, the Arkle is still a possibility, but we now have the choice of the two races" - Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

A re-route is looking increasingly likely?

Well as I have said before,trainer may well think he has two fair chances of winning two races,and after yesterday when he found out the JLT is a possibility,that belief will have strengthened.
LS and Vaniteux could well be split.
Gonna be interesting what is decided.

Yes,the owner has others in the JLT entered,but that can change and they are not as good as LS.

Actually,more I think about it,more I think it could happen.

buddeliea,

Possible reasons for a re-route eg:

1) Arkle trip is too sharp
2) occasional big jump as evidenced in 1st and 2nd race
3) Vaniteux does not stay JLT trip
4) presence of Douvan and Ar Mad hence quick pace anticipated
5) L'Ami Serge proves it stays JLT trip
6) classy and has the beating of KV and Shaneshill
7) the racing manager stated the "Arkle is still a possibility" and not a probability
8) if winning well a tilt over 24f (King George) year end - tempting - and the CGC in 2016 if so

If L'Ami Serge is scratched from the Kingmaker at Warwick in 4 weeks' time it's almost a certainty the JLT then I'd think.

Don't think he will be scratched as trainer keeps saying he need another run before March.
Not really sure that run would make much difference to his race at the festival.
They know now they have 2 options,and will probably decide near the time.

Having said that above......if LS were to win the Kingmaker and put in a good performance its hard to see any other race than the Arkle,especially as his trainer has said all along that's his target.

If he runs in the Kingmaker he is Arkle bound. Same route as many of NJH's Arkle horses, most recently Finians Rainbow.

All good thanks Sof.

Henderson ran Long Run in the Kingmaker and next race was the RSA!!!!!!!!!  So he'll be running in Warwick for more practice. If Douvan wins the Irish Arkle doing handstands then I cant see them taking him on again.

There was only 10 lengths between them in the Supreme when LS could not breathe properly.

Agree Sint and that's the race he should go for. However have deep suspicion he will go JLT. No money involved from me, hope you get a run for your money

I have a good eachway bet on Vaniteux too, Roo as I backed him after his impressive debut and it was known LS would not run until Jan. However prior to that I backed LS at 14's as you know... So long as one of them arrives with a fighting chance on the day i'll be happy. Be less than 4/1 chance if they do.

I reckon much will depend on how Bristol de Mai gets on in his Graduation Chase at Market Rasen on Friday. Could be a decent race looking at the entries.

Fair point Catch

“I was very happy with L’Ami Serge when I won on him at Wetherby, which was a good experience for him on very tacky ground,” added Jacob.

“Obviously he got the two and a half miles well that day, and he could be even better with something to give him a lead. He’s versatile so could come back in trip for the Arkle, but all options are open at present.”

cant see it in the betting for the jlt, 2nd fav for the arkle

Generally 3rd fav across the board for the JLT Dragon...

Certain to be 2nd or even joint fav if the decision comes that they will run in jlt. My friend is still convinced however that they will go Arkle but after reading the comments both on here and the thread in the official Cheltenham forum i am inclined to have a top up in the any race market at 7s

must go for The Arkle..never be afraid of one horse. especially over jumps...Bristol De Mai..looks nailed on for the JLT..why would owners run 2 in one race.

Brain dead stuff taking on Douvan. Looks like that's what is gonna happen though. Just don't get that strategy. WhY risk him at all in WETHERBY at all only 13 days after his comeback run.  Very very bad decision making here taking on the best horse Rich Ricci has ever had.

Probably the biggest load of sh1t I have read. For many reasons.

Best wishes to him tomorrow ...... beautiful looking fellow sintonian and he wouldn't have looked out of place at Ballydoyle

Disappointing that he will have faced no more than 4 rivals in each of his races but that seems to be the case with every novice chase these days. Fox Norton & Violet Dancer are at least above average yardsticks so I hope he gives them a good beating.

no hiding place with violet dancer in the race, make it a gd honest race

oh dear!!

lol

sintonian what did you make of todays run?  Probably the biggest load of sh1t ive seen from L'ami Serge. For many reasons.   Firstly,  2 miles is too short for him. As it seemed in last years Supreme. Secondly, Nicky Henderson has always said they think he will be better suited by good ground. Thirdly, As predicted by yours truly his habit of doing his little left handed side shuffle just before take off was more pronounced against better horses going at that very fast early gallop. I don't mean to rub it in if you done your doe on him for the Arkle but maybe you might consider the JLT as the race for him now and you can still make a tidy profit on him mate. Keep the faith. Every horse can be forgiven 1 poor run. I just hope he is given a clean bill of health. Tough race for him today.

Owners need to fire 2 arrows at JLT and Vyta du Roc at RSA if comes through Reynoldstown in good shape

Highly likely i'd say. They had no issues running Peace and Co and Top Notch in the Truimph last year.

I wouldn't consider backing him for any race after todays race Joe but money is already on.

Gloat away.

You have to weigh up his jumping overall, he is not for me but i he still a decent orse.

You have to honest, has he ever jumped like rabbit before, druugie henderson has a big history of ruining leppers.



Not sure what his price is but he will be much better on good ground.

Problem is hes fine on soft ground, that was just not good at all,
Maybe hes just not a natural over fences, certainly did not look it yesterday.
Also he clambered over the last suggesting to me he was very tired, so fair chance their was something amiss with him.

joevalue147
13 Feb 16 21:07
Joined: 20 May 11
| Topic/replies: 1,057 | Blogger: joevalue147's blog
sintonian what did you make of todays run?  Probably the biggest load of sh1t ive seen from L'ami Serge. For many reasons.   Firstly,  2 miles is too short for him. As it seemed in last years Supreme. Secondly, Nicky Henderson has always said they think he will be better suited by good ground. Thirdly, As predicted by yours truly his habit of doing his little left handed side shuffle just before take off was more pronounced against better horses going at that very fast early gallop. I don't mean to rub it in if you done your doe on him for the Arkle but maybe you might consider the JLT as the race for him now and you can still make a tidy profit on him mate. Keep the faith. Every horse can be forgiven 1 poor run. I just hope he is given a clean bill of health. Tough race for him today.




what a horrible post this is... i find it quite funny how you are trying to get a victory for your bet in the JLT out of it, when really the horse has folded quicker than a cheap argos tent and finished the race like a rat...

this wasn't his running but for me he never went from an early stage and maybe the problems he has had re-surfaced...he continues to be a horse i find hard to access

Relax Harry i was only winding sin up. MY ANTEPOST BET WILL NEITHER MAKE ME OR BREAK ME.   I am glad to hear the horse is fine this morning. Hendo is not ruling out the Arkle. Just shows what a spoofer Antony Bromley is....... :)

A shame Violet Dancer is now out for the season.

NJH is adamant that was not Lami's true running and tbh i'd be inclined to agree, not that i'd back him again for the Arkle/JLT, but he is surely better than that. Trainer compared his homework to Sprinter Sacre before the race. That does sound fanciful as he's the greatest chaser i've seen in my lifetime, but nevertheless, there must be something in it. I can see him winning at Aintree.

L'Ami Serge (LA) is very weak here for both the Arkle and the JLT; LA is available at 40 and 21 respectively yet no taker for either; if this continues its next outing could perhaps be Aintree rather than Cheltenham.

lami serge was 100 odd wasnt he last week ?

Fashion Fever

Only two possible races for LA at Cheltenham ie the Arkle or the JLT unless it's supplemented for the Champion Hurdle; LA has been friendless for the Arkle (40) and little change (21) for the JLT since the Kingmaker; if the below par performance was a one-off then its price for the JLT ought to be in single figure as LA is a much more superior horse than either Outlander or BDM in my opinion.

Hendo confirms to the press today that L'ami Serge is an intended runner in the arkle

Did he actually say that sc as the quote I read in the RP just said they hadnt ruled anything out? But wondering if that wasn't the whole quote as someone else posted the same as you on the Chelts forum? Cheers

Scoped the next day and nothing come to light, was right as rain and not a bother on him. Schooled brilliantly prior to Warwick so cannot explain performance. No reason why he shouldn't go to the Arkle along with Vaniteux. Fingers crossed it was just a bad day at the office.

L'Ami Serge
Very, very little came to light after Warwick but if he does what he usually does at home he'll go well. I was watching on the screen at Newbury and I could honestly tell you jumping the second fence it wasn't going right. The way he jumped two days before and you won't see anything like it, he was in Sprinter Sacre's league and then nothing happened at all at Warwick. The only thing we can do is take Warwick out of our minds and pretend it didn't happen; it's not a very satisfactory way to go into it but you've got to have a go unless he tells us something different.

He must be a good bet at 6/1 without Douvan considering he would have been cut to  around 6s if he had won the Kingmaker.

yep, deffo not his running there but loathe to bet in the race again. Could be a good angle tho.

JLT according to betting here.

Only 7 in the Arkle but LA is not one of them - worth a bet at 12 here in the JLT I'd imagine, if Warwick running is just a blip.

And the first time he has run on goodish ground apart from maybe in the supreme last season where he seem outpaced (maybe hampered) and you would think that being by kings theatre he wont mind the better ground, hopefully with nico on board he will jump better.

Another chance for L'Ami Serge given better ground and 20f.

Nicky just mentioned he like the good ground
And the £60k bonus if he wins

LA's jumping was much better apart from the 2nd last fence, just outstayed by BH and BDM.

yup, probably should have run in the Arkle. Looked knackered at the finish.

Jockey asked for effort far too early and took him to outside that caused him to veer left 2nd last.

Easy to say in hindsight but should have bided his time until after last

The tank was soon empty after jumping the last, maybe a furlong or two too far in my view - a very run nevertheless, and will back him again on good ground.

might be wrong but went 1/3 or 1/5
when he took the lead.

Jumped well until the final 2 when tired and Nico probably got too excited into the straight, fine run. Can see jacobs being ditched for Nico, at least with henderson runners.