If you owned thistlecrack ?

Yes I agree. I'd want to try him in decent company sooner rather than later (if he was a 6 year old I definitely wouldn't!).

I'd run him in the King George then you have a much better idea of where you are.

I'd disagree. He is still a novice and there is another prep race before the Blue Riband ie target, at Cheltenham in March; there is absolutely nothing to be gained by going into battle against hardened and seasoned chasers whilst still a novice ie only 3 chases so far; he could get hurt if pitched in too early, and March is 4 months away - ample time to still brush-up and improve on his jumping.

However, I'd reconsider if the present best in the field is an absentee; Cue Card, a hardened and seasoned campaigner, is no slouch considering he'd have given Don Cossack a scare in the Blue Riband this year.

The target is the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March, do not forget connections!!!!

Why is the target the Gold Cup? Having seen what happened to Cue Card in that race last year, connections should be wary of gearing a whole season around one race imo. The King George is a huge race in its own right, and winning that isnt to be sniffed at.

And even if you wouldn't run him in the KG, and I understand the arguments against doing so, you simply can't say there is 'nothing to be gained' from running in it.

He is a novice, and only more experience, given time, could alter this status; the Gold Cup in March also his only and number 1 target this season. Next season will be different, if he stays chasing, which I hope he will regardless of Gold Cup run.

Given the KG comprises hardened and seasoned chasers he needs every box ticked before venturing into this den, and at the moment he is not; if the KG was post Gold Cup, yes by all means, but not before as there is just absolutely no need.

A much polished round of jumping (Newbury) after a novicey one  (comparatively) prior is clear evidence  consistency is still a factor and yet to be achieved. But given more practice and time it will (eventually).

The Feltham is the right and reasonable route to embark on for him - he does not need it just yet.

all the argument impossible puts up, will of course affect the bet he has on cue card, horrible

Should it? I am on Thistlecrack at 10/1 for the KG, work that one out!

Neither, I would have been aiming to win 5 World hurdles.

Same here.

If he's mine he Never even goes chasing, farm those staying hurdle races and make me rick :)

If he was to jump like he did at Newbury last time he would win the King George by a furlong. No real reason why he shpuld'nt go for the King George. Im sure he's getting in loads of practice at home on grass now that it's safe to do so.