The Road To The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup

[Maruco]

When it comes to Cyrname, I think you have to assess his stamina independently for the KG and the Gold Cup.

Based on the Charlie Hall, he should be given the benefit of the doubt for Kempton, but I think he'd be one to robustly oppose in a Gold Cup, even if he danced-up in the King George.

Exactly this.

[tiggers1972]

Good shout DO.

What about Gold Cup Winners who missed a season after their novice chasing campaign? Must be an Egghead on here who knows that?

[Desert Orchid]

It looks like Topofthegame has been put on 165. I'm still happy with that for the Hennessy. It wouldn't put me off one bit but I'll be looking for a cat to kick if it loses by a length.

I wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall in the Nicholls admin office this morning.

Benatar, off for about the same amount of time as TOTG, emerges with a new rating 7lbs lower than when last seen. He was disappointing then and might have been dropped a pound or two (his rating had been unchanged for a few runs) for it but it looks like he's been given an allowance of some sort to take his absence into account. I don't imagine Nicholls will be happy about that.

Coo Star Sivola has dropped 6lbs for a similar absence while Nicholls's Kapcorse has been kept on 138.

I don't imagine Hendo will be too chuffed that Beware The Bear has been kept on 158 but but he hasn't had a season off.

[Grasshopper]

Are the ratings now confirmed, DO? If so, do you have a link to them, as I’ll probably start having a proper look at the race if they are.

[Marb]

Has Vinndication been given a new mark?

[Grasshopper]

I wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall in the Nicholls admin office this morning.

Benatar, off for about the same amount of time as TOTG, emerges with a new rating 7lbs lower than when last seen. He was disappointing then and might have been dropped a pound or two (his rating had been unchanged for a few runs) for it but it looks like he's been given an allowance of some sort to take his absence into account. I don't imagine Nicholls will be happy about that.

Coo Star Sivola has dropped 6lbs for a similar absence while Nicholls's Kapcorse has been kept on 138.

I don't imagine Hendo will be too chuffed that Beware The Bear has been kept on 158 but but he hasn't had a season off.

More likely that the horses whose ratings have dropped, have been re-assessed on subsequent form of their opponents, rather than on account of their absence, no?

[jinnyj]

Good shout DO.

What about Gold Cup Winners who missed a season after their novice chasing campaign? Must be an Egghead on here who knows that?

IIRC Dawn Run had an injury and time off at some point in her career prior to winning?

[HawkWing]

Yep. Off for a year after winning her novice chase.

[G-G]

Didn't Nicholls say something on the Morning Show the other week that CDO would not go for the GC?

[Maxbet]

TOPOFTHEGAME (IRE)
8YO CHESNUT GELDING
Horse details
Owner: Mr Chris Giles & Mr&Mrs P K Barber (partnership)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Associated Content:
Rating
Chase: 165 (Last Published: 03 Nov 2020)
Hurdle: no current rating +

[HawkWing]

Yeah. He did. Talked of Punchestown as being the target.

[viking]

Didn't Nicholls say something on the Morning Show the other week that CDO would not go for the GC?

He said immediately after the last GC they’ll never run CDO at Cheltenham again so at lest some consistency


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[Grasshopper]

Betfair Chase entries:

Clan Des Obeaux
Topofthegame (presumably an NR)
Lostintranslation
Bristol De Mai
Santini
A Plus Tard

Saint Calvados

Bellshill
Keeper Hill
Lord Du Mesnil

[Desert Orchid]

Are the ratings now confirmed, DO? If so, do you have a link to them, as I’ll probably start having a proper look at the race if they are.

https://www.racingpost.com/racecards...81/at-a-glance

[Double J]

Saint Calvados backers, he’s entered in the Betfair Chase, but Harry said he’s also entered in the 2m4f race at Ascot the same day. He’ll run 3 mile plus this season but when he’ll leave it up to the owners.

I’d wager he’ll be off to Ascot then somewhere over 3m round Christmas time by the way his trainer was talking.

[Maruco]

Thanks DJ. You may well be right. My guess is it'll depend on ground conditions. They won't run at Haydock if it's deep ground.

[Grasshopper]

Saint Calvados backers, he’s entered in the Betfair Chase, but Harry said he’s also entered in the 2m4f race at Ascot the same day. He’ll run 3 mile plus this season but when he’ll leave it up to the owners.

I’d wager he’ll be off to Ascot then somewhere over 3m round Christmas time by the way his trainer was talking.

Cheers, DoubleJ.

Whittington needs to assert, get his finger out, and get the horse over 3m at Haydock. There's no point going to Kempton still wondering if he will get the trip, and he and the owners have about 4 other horses they could aim at the Ryanair in March.....the twat (unless he does run him at Haydock, in which case he is a very wise man indeed).

[HawkWing]

Topofthegame out for the season, says Racing Post.

On other thread as well. Apologies

[Double J]

Cheers, DoubleJ.

Whittington needs to assert, get his finger out, and get the horse over 3m at Haydock. There's no point going to Kempton still wondering if he will get the trip, and he and the owners have about 4 other horses they could aim at the Ryanair in March.....the twat (unless he does run him at Haydock, in which case he is a very wise man indeed).

He’s going cuppin’ that I think is nailed on. The way he said we think he gets three miles + with a glint told me so. I watched his race back last night in the Ryanair, some performance. Min is no fool, and to get that close staying on for me says wonderful things.

Only down side is Whittington kept referring to this 2m4f race at Ascot and said he’ll be leaving it up to the owners, but he WILL be going 3m+ at some point this season.

[Grasshopper]

Yeah.....but I have a right good ante-post rattle at the Betfair Chase, hence my alarm!