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Thread: The Nicky Henderson Thread 2019 / 2020

  1. #21
    Senior Member granger's Avatar
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    Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done

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    Senior Member Bonjers's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by granger View Post
    "I expect I'll have an enormous list of novices and they could be anything," Henderson gushed. "It could easily be the strongest bunch of novice chasers I've had and JP has some beautiful horses for this division.

    "I will admit with Champ and Birchdale that I ran them in the wrong races at Cheltenham. When Champ won the Sefton over three miles at Aintree you saw he wanted the trip, while Birchdale blatantly didn't stay it in the Albert Bartlett.

    "Eight years ago, I switched Bobs Worth from two and a half miles to three at Cheltenham after suddenly waking up in the middle of the night and realising it was the right thing to do. I did think about that before Cheltenham, but the die was fairly cast. I think Champ would have won the Albert Bartlett, but I can't say Birchdale would have won the Ballymore, although it would have been a better way round."
    Rattling through a team that must make the Lambourn icon the envy of his counterparts, he continued: "They'll both go novice chasing along with Dickie Diver, who could be very good. That also applies toPrecious Cargo and Rathhill, while Pym should be useful.




    I think this could be another stellar year for novice chasers, particularly at 2m4+ so he's not alone there.

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    Super Moderator Diamond Geezer's Avatar
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    Senior Member granger's Avatar
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    Dos anyone else have a doubt over Champ?
    Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done

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    Senior Member G-G's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by granger View Post
    Dos anyone else have a doubt over Champ?
    Me! No actual factual reason that I can quote, but I am not convinced about him at all. Which is possibly ridiculous but when you just get a niggling doubt.....or a gut feeling?
    Vote Alfie!!!!

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    Go with your gut
    Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done

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  9. #27
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    My main reservation about Champ is that he's actually older than Al Boum Photo and Kemboy and it's taken this long to get him to novice chases.

    Granted they all improve at different times and rates but.......
    The older I get the better I was.

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    Senior Member granger's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by archie View Post
    My main reservation about Champ is that he's actually older than Al Boum Photo and Kemboy and it's taken this long to get him to novice chases.

    Granted they all improve at different times and rates but.......
    It is peculiar when the age of a horse surprises you like that

    On paper Nicky would appear to have better novice chasers than PFN
    Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done

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    Age/maturity could be an advantage to Champ in his novice season but I'm not sure about going on.

    I rather suspect that the Bartlett will turn out to have been a better race than the Ballymore but 10/1 is no price for either Champ or Minella Indo 5 months out.
    The older I get the better I was.

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    Senior Member Euronymous's Avatar
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    Good job I got 22s on the Bromhead beast in April then.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Euronymous View Post
    Good job I got 22s on the Bromhead beast in April then.
    Big hopes
    Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done

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    Senior Member Euronymous's Avatar
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    Same frigging colours as Monalee. That horse has cost me in three straight Festivals. Due a turn round in fortunes.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Euronymous View Post
    Same frigging colours as Monalee. That horse has cost me in three straight Festivals. Due a turn round in fortunes.
    The owner and himself are great friends

    Monalee didnt quite reach the heights I thought he could have
    Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done

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    The maturity angle is one I've considered with Champ in his novice chase season. If he's fit and healthy it'll be a big advantage I suspect. It'll be interesting whether they see him as an RSA or JLT horse come March. Like Archie, I'm not sure how he'll perform in open company though.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Desert Orchid View Post
    They did do it with Frankel but not to the exaggerated extent you suggest.

    A lot of people wanted to see Frankel run at a mile and a half, just as they did with Brigadier Gerard nearly 50 years ago. The latter ultimately proved himself by winning the King George but it has to be said his very best form was at a mile and ten furlongs.

    I don't mind seeing them attempt a trip that would challenge them but I'm not sure I see the point of persisting if they're clearly better at shorter. Altior's ideal trip is probably short of the three miles but until he tries it they'll never know.
    Frankel would have got a mile and a half with a proper jockey on.

  18. #36
    Senior Member granger's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Maruco View Post
    The maturity angle is one I've considered with Champ in his novice chase season. If he's fit and healthy it'll be a big advantage I suspect. It'll be interesting whether they see him as an RSA or JLT horse come March. Like Archie, I'm not sure how he'll perform in open company though.
    RSA. Birchdale should be the mid distance horse
    Some people say he’s the best since Arkle and that’s certainly true when you look at what he’s done

  19. #37
    Senior Member Bonjers's Avatar
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    Rathhill another for middle distances too I expect. He's hinted at Chantry House going straight over fences.

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    Dickie Diver to consider too. They really like him.

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    Super Moderator Diamond Geezer's Avatar
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    Favourite Santini unlikely to run in the Ladbrokes Trophy (ex Hennessy)

    https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/...TTER_HR_211019

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  23. #40
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    That Floressa looks a real prospect. Fantastic display.

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