hezz (12th October 2017)
Joe Tizzard on the Racehour podcast pretty much ruling out the RSA for FO. Apparently no rush to send him over 3m and Dad favouring the Arkle.
Grasshopper (13th October 2017)
Looking at it purely on paper it doesn't scream top notch Arkle, but I'd be looking for something at a price to take him on if he goes down that route.
Part of my thinking also. It may not be his optimum, but he could well win an Arkle with no superstar in the lineup.
Also, ground on the Tuesday will be watered, at the very least.
I feel dirty talking about Cheltenham this far out.......but a summer off has me chomping at the bit
To be fair, looking at the current odds, it does not look a particularly strong Arkle.........though Petit Mouchoir and Brain Power will be no pushovers, and both are confirmed for novice-chase campaigns.
I'd still have to be against FO at the trip, regardless. He doesn't have a finishing-kick, and you need one in an Arkle.
"Beat the price and lose. It's what we do".
SlimChance, March 2018
Am hoping PM will be particularly good
Melon stays hurdling by the way too
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done
Really nice performance from Shantou Rock at Newton Abbot. Jumped them silly.
FO did it nicely.
He presumbaly wasn’t at concert-pitch today, so probably unwise to read too much into the flat-spot he had mid-race. Connecfions entitled to be pleased with the intro.
Last edited by Grasshopper; 14th October 2017 at 3:13 PM.
"Beat the price and lose. It's what we do".
SlimChance, March 2018
Pretty meaningless test after Alcala slipped up.
FO jumped poorly early on but warmed to the task. Obviously this was no test for him after Alcala slipped up and his jumping was under no pressure after
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He didn't travel or jump like an Arkle horse, but it was his debut over fences and first run of the season, so as Ardross says it turned out to be nothing more than a cross between a racecourse gallop and a fitness test after Alcala slipped up.
Coo Star Sivola out tomorrow. I've been looking forward to this one going over fences since his Juvvy days.
Was an alright starter. Clipping a few will have done him no harm. He looked a bit smaller in the parade ring than I imagined he'd be
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done
I hope I am wrong but there may be something not right with Alcala. He stumbled for no apparent reason well after the 11th fence and then stumbled again when he came down.
Formely Fist of Fury
Nicholls reports Alcala none-the-worse for the incident, Tanlic.
"Beat the price and lose. It's what we do".
SlimChance, March 2018
viking (14th October 2017)
Cheers Grassy probably tripped over his own feet as we all do at times...I mean look at Granger
Formely Fist of Fury
I think the word novice was appropriate with Finians he was very slow at a few ballooned a couple and may have been pushed to beat Alcala who was only in second gear when toppling over.
He certainly had the engine to get on terms but the way he was jumping he looked like he'd get caught out at the business end so it's little wonder he drifted like barge in running
All that said he can only improve for the experience but I still have my doubts about him reaching the very top despite Tizzard saying he's the best he's ever had
Formely Fist of Fury
I like the look of that novice chase at Chepstow today.
top 2 pulled clear and jumped well
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done
Petit Mouchoir declared for Punchestown tomorrow on what should be lovely jumping ground.This is the most excited I have been about a novice chaser since Sizing Europe -he is a potential Arkle winner but having said that it will be interesting to see what price Brelade will be -very hard to see him out of the places.