2016 4 miler

[mayo]

Champion Trainer Willie Mullins got off the mark of 2016 when his Cheltenham Festival possible Sambremont landed the Irish Racing Year Book Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse today.

Ridden by stable jockey Ruby Walsh, Sambremont made all for an easy 16 lengths win over Mydor..

The win was Mullins' 15th, from 47 runs, since St Stehpen's Day and following the win stated “he jumped fantastically. He'll probably have to go up in grade now and if he does he'll probably go up in trip as well.

“He'll get an entry in the four-miler (at Cheltenham) and we'll see what he does between now and then.

"He was very surefooted there and I think four miles will be no problem to him. We'll try and get another run into him (before Cheltenham).”

Sambremont is a full-brother to Djakadam and jockey Ruby Walsh, on his way back into the weighroom, added "he jumps like his brother."

[stephensmith84]

I've heard bits and pieces about Pont Alexandre being steered towards the 4 miler. May be a touch of Don Poli syndrome repeating on us, with speculation on the RSA and 4 miler running all the way up to final declarations.

I sense Mullins being cautious as the horse is only just back from a 2 year absence, but they've long thought that the horse can get 4 miles - and I'll be with the horse in the race.

[Ballybeen]

Patrick Mullins has been pretty open about how he's been asking for Pont Alexandre in the 4 miler. I have a small play on him for the RSA so hope not.

[Yeehaa]

Native River anyone ?

Tizzard believes Cheltenham will suit Native River much better.

"He's not very fast at home and he's jumped left the whole time and got himself in a bit of trouble all the time," the Dorset trainer told At The Races.

"Kempton found him out. I'm sure he'll be better off round Cheltenham. He might even go for the four-miler yet."

[Old Vic]

Native River anyone ?

Tizzard believes Cheltenham will suit Native River much better.

"He's not very fast at home and he's jumped left the whole time and got himself in a bit of trouble all the time," the Dorset trainer told At The Races.

"Kempton found him out. I'm sure he'll be better off round Cheltenham. He might even go for the four-miler yet."

Definitely jumped left but would like a clearer statement that he will actually go for the 4 miler.

[Faugheen_Machine]

After WPM ran three of his better novice staying chasers today, where does everyone think they'll go?? I've backed Black Hercules for this race but I thought he looked very good today and connections might be tempted to go for the RSA.

Any thoughts??

[KingSprinterSacre]

After WPM ran three of his better novice staying chasers today, where does everyone think they'll go?? I've backed Black Hercules for this race but I thought he looked very good today and connections might be tempted to go for the RSA.

Any thoughts??

I've backed BH for this race. If Patrick gets his way he runs here

[gjt7756]

On today's peformance I wasn't overly convinced that black hercules would stay 4 miles at Cheltenham all that well, even after pont alexanders defeat today i'd much rather back him over the 4 mile trip and pitch black hercules up against no more heroes, even though no more heroes does look very good for the RSA

[Old Vic]

@kemptonparkrace winner Local Show to be aimed at 4 miler at The Festival with Tom David riding (Pauling's head lad)

[Cashew King]

@kemptonparkrace winner Local Show to be aimed at 4 miler at The Festival with Tom David riding (Pauling's head lad)

I don't think it will beat onenightinvienna over 4 miles at Cheltenham ?

[Old Vic]

I don't think it will beat onenightinvienna over 4 miles at Cheltenham ?

He was rated 138 going into today which was pretty much ideal for the 2m 4f Novices Handicap Chase. They must have him marked down as an out and out stayer to have passed that up. Two nice horses.

[Faugheen_Machine]

I'm surprised Hills have pushed Onenightinvienna out 4 point on the back of that. Four miles round Cheltenham is going to be ideal.

I can't resist taking some of the 14's.

[Cashew King]

I'm surprised Hills have pushed Onenightinvienna out 4 point on the back of that. Four miles round Cheltenham is going to be ideal.

I can't resist taking some of the 14's.

Me too - betfair sportsbook went 14s briefly at 1/4 odds each way - I think this is a future national winner - jumps brilliantly.

[Faugheen_Machine]

Totally agree CK. He jumped superbly at Cheltenham when beaten by Blacklion before Christmas too.

Agree about him being National material too.

[Old Vic]

Southfield Royale

"It looks like he will be better left-handed. He's an exciting horse and my intention would be to go for the four-miler at Cheltenham,"

"Being by Presenting you would think he'd be better on better ground, but he still won his novice chase at Wetherby by 20 lengths on very soft ground and won a Grade Two on heavy ground at Doncaster.

"Hopefully better ground will bring out further improvement, plus going left-handed as well."