Fox Hunters Chase 2018

[Kevloaf]

Don't think he's able to run at Cheltenham.

https://www.racingpost.com/news/grad...-points/303232

As it says, similar to Foxrock last year...

Not really thought about this race much, but OTF being over-priced at 25/1 is a consideration, as the only one I do like is Foxrock and they were quite close on OTF's first run last season.....

[Faugheen_Machine]

Thanks Archie - I forgot about that rule.

He'll pick some nice prizes in Ireland and all roads will lead to Aintree no doubt.

[Kevloaf]

Thanks Archie - I forgot about that rule.

He'll pick some nice prizes in Ireland and all roads will lead to Aintree no doubt.

Hopefully to clash with this years Cheltenham winner....

I've got a shortlist for this race but its not that original an nothing backed yet.... just generic thoughts really at this stage...

Staker Wallace (talked up as a future star in this field last season)
Foxrock (obvious claims!)
Wonderful Charm (obvious claim on last years 2nd and placing in the race does no harm... know he gets trip trip etc)
Balnaslow (well tipped up last season by jono and got his win at Aintree, surely a player this time around)
Lord Windemere (Not sure this is the route but as a previous GOld CUp wionner, if eligible, obviously a contemnder.... probably not qualified?)
On The Fridnge - well known claims.
Pachu Du Polder - obvious claims

[jono]

Any thoughts on Burning Ambition for this race - 12/1 with either Bet365 or SkyBet. Considered to have absolutely bundles in hand 2 days ago and won easily. I'd be guessing if I knew what was behind him but has done everything effortlessly so far this year. Beat the former Mullins runner Sambremont by 8 lengths in his point before that race. Approx 35 lengths behind was Aupcharlie who does have previous in this race - 6th in 2016 and 13th in 2017.

Staker Wallace the other who interests me. Derek O'Connor rode in the Hunters Chase at Leopardstown in February in only his 4th ever start. Finished just 7.5L back from Foxrock and On The Fringe. Could be Bolger's next hope for this race over the next few years and will only be 7 years old in March.

Both too short really for me this far out but I do prefer to go for a horse that comes through the ranks in this sphere rather than a former high class chaser converted.

[Istabraq]

Has the right profile Jono though as impressive as his maiden hunter chase win was it didn't look a strong race in any way.
The second that day recorded a best rating of 88 over hurdles, a maiden over fences and has only twice finished within 20l of the winner (under rules).
I haven't looked into his point form but what you mention is impressive and confirms calibre/ability, I'd like to see him at racing pace on decent ground before investing but there is a changing of the guard in this sphere with many of the established hunters retired/retiring/ageing so worth looking outside the usual suspects....

[jono]

there is a changing of the guard in this sphere with many of the established hunters retired/retiring/ageing so worth looking outside the usual suspects....

Completely agree with that Ista. I think it's certainly time to move on from the annual On The Fringe fancy that's for sure!

Balnaslow would be the other obvious fancy right now (16/1 PP) - I thought the trip might have done him at Cheltenham. I fancied him back down in trip at Aintree where he only just missed out in second but did follow up with a win at Punchestown other 24.5F. So he was right up there in the Spring Hunter Chases last Spring and at 10 probably has at least another year at the top in this sphere. He also finished 4th in the Kim Muir in 2014 but again that day he had every chance at the last but there are question marks with him and the Cheltenham hill as again i'm not sure whether he quite got home.

It does seem a bit crazy to be talking about this race already but does anyone know if Foxrock would be eligible this season?

[Hurricane fly]

Unioniste made his comeback in a hunters chase today

Hard to believe he’s only 10 and never really won the big one Nicholls thought he could

[Kevloaf]

Apologies if there’s already a thread (I did have a look for one and I’m new here) but I was wondering what you all think of Burning Ambition?

I think he may be the first Foxhunter that has his best still to come rather than be on the downgrade. Looks an absolute monster from what I have seen so far.

The 10/1 is more than enough to get me to have a bet. I think he ought to be favourite.

Hi MoM .... looks like jono likes this one too (see above) ....

[Kevloaf]

Burning Ambition is by Scorpion .... so will he get up that hill

[TheRowebot]

Burning Ambition is by Scorpion .... so will he get up that hill

Maybe via the Champagne tent..