WillieM pleased with Douvan but concerned he was too fresh and would not have finished his race .
WillieM pleased with Douvan but concerned he was too fresh and would not have finished his race .
Yep.
All comers, all grounds, all beaten!
This perfect mix of poetry and destruction.
Would be great to see the two take each other on again at their best. I think Willie Mullins knows how far Douvan would beat Min by. I probably caused the fall because I said to myself that this could be better than Vautours JLT as he jumped the two previous, making Altior look ordinary. Apologies to connections. It would be time to back your opinions if they were to meet.
Can Douvan run tomorrow?
Exactly what I said on course, he's done far too much.
Great by Altior on ground that was more against him than his other market rivals. Puts to bed the 'Min' got injured in the supreme argument. Mins good Altior is great.
Lot to ask of Douvan now, 2 Queen Mum's and he's come up short each time.
Has any horse done the Supreme/Arkle/Champion Chase in successive seasons?
Apart from Altior I can't think of one.........Douvan ran is all 3 as did Sprinter Sacre but he was a big baby at the time of the Supreme.
I really don't think many have run in all 3
Formely Fist of Fury
At least one trainer in Richard Fahey saw what I saw.....He said he had never seen a horse travel the way Douvan was going in his entire life.
I just watched the race for the 5th time and IMVHO anyone who thinks Altior would have beaten Douvan is FUITH
I am happy he did win and I hope Timeform give him a huge mark because I truly believe he is a stepping stone to Douvan breaking that illusive Timeform 200 Barrier.
You read it here first
Formely Fist of Fury
Richard Fahey evidently has a short memory span.
two thoughts from the race, Douvan looked majestic up until the fall and well within his comfort zone but after a year off the track you'd have to wonder how he'd have seen it out at the business end.
Altior was not in his comfort zone and is definitely less stylish and lacks the natural speed Douvan has. The way he finishes his races is nothing like i've seen though and I think, and have always thought, he could win big races at 3 miles. The worry i'd have is what he does might end up taking its toll on the horse, he's not exactly saving a bit back for himself. I think he'll need a break till Sandown after that or may even be boxed away for the summer.
if's, but's and maybe's aside. lets just hope we get the rematch next year. still both 8 yr olds but it'll probably be the last chance we could see it in their pomp.
Agree James the wsy he finishes his races. It's like he puts the afterburners on!
Just wondering how many people would have said UDS was a certainty had he come down four out in the 2016 Champion Chase?
Great Field is due out at Navan Sunday.
Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done