vaniteux

Always been a huge fan of this lad Tony.

Was very surprised he didn't go novice chasing last year, and that was the one worry before today. Maybe they thought they might have had a CH horse on their hand, and didn't want half a novice chase campaign when it became apparent it wasn't.

He has always screamed top class 2 mile chaser, and today done nothing to quell that view.

It could be a blessing he stayed hurdling last year. He dodged UDS(though may have to beat a better one now in Douvan!!), but more importantly NH horses were generally under par last season, and he will now get a proper shot at proving himself a top novice.

If I was de Bromhead, I would be planning a JLT campaign for Sizing John. Douvan is an absolute machine, and Vaniteux is going to be serious too. And I think Sizing John will be made for that trip on good ground.

Mouthwatering National Hunt season ahead.

It's between him and Douvan surely you'd think. henderson horses were wrong last season and he was even weakish today in the betting. Tonne more to come, very quick and daring over an obstacle, reminded me a bit of Moscow Flyer.

Think Douvan will be a harder not to crack than UDS would've been, though. Haven't been taken by his arkle win and then felt the same again at Punchestown. Just have to find out what takes him!

he was indeed impressive the reason skeltons fell was he was under pressure from the winner to keep up ..he has a high cruising speed which all decent 2m horse have..DOUVAN is the apple of my eye..but I said last season for me he is unbeatable (with a clear round) on soft heavy..he won well enough at the festivals on good ground..but I think hes better when the ground is soft heavy..were hendersons imo will need it good..to be seen to his best..great racing ahead.