General Chat

[Exar Essay]

I don't think that's correct Exar Essay!

Have a butchers at this and let me know if I'm wrong please!

https://www.facebook.com/TheJockeyCl...9388285359025/

The segment on handicaps do you mean? I only watched that bit as I assumed that’s what you were referring to. If so, it refers to open handicaps on the screen whilst they are discussing the changes.

And the website states as follows: https://ibb.co/TKGb6HS

I’m definitely reading it as 3 runs for a novice handicap chase. But I’ve a habit of being wrong … ask my wife.

[BigChaang]

I have had all my NHC bets (including free bets) returned bar those on the Echange

I cashed a couple , but still have 2 with P.P. , So will wait till they start refunding .

[Imperial Commander]

I've had refunds from PP & BFSB on the 4 Miler (ish) today.

[BigChaang]

I've had refunds from PP & BFSB on the 4 Miler (ish) today.

That's good to hear I.C . , I suppose there won't be that many bets down already anyway . .

[Imperial Commander]

After all, it's the fucking cross country anyway, who cares ?
It's not even a proper race.

It's going to mean different things to different people. I think it's just going to be time for a pint after the Champion Chase, like it was when a load of handicappers ran in it years ago.

[Fouroverthrutwo]

The segment on handicaps do you mean? I only watched that bit as I assumed that’s what you were referring to. If so, it refers to open handicaps on the screen whilst they are discussing the changes.

And the website states as follows: https://ibb.co/TKGb6HS

I’m definitely reading it as 3 runs for a novice handicap chase. But I’ve a habit of being wrong … ask my wife.

You're right Exar Essay my apologies.

[Exar Essay]

You're right Exar Essay my apologies.

No need to apologise mate. It’s been handled poorly. No idea why there isn’t a simple data sheet. Or why some elements were leaked by the RP early. All very confusing.

[Istabraq]

I'd absolutely keep drink away from trackside or the bookies. Apart from the mutts who think it's smart to throw a £7 pint at a £300k thoroughbred, people dodging around carrying a pint, looking for a price and colliding with a muppet whose nose is blocked by white powder and is glued to his iphone is a recipe for carnage.

I see both sides here; of course we don't want to see a Euro/World Cup scenario where pints are launched into the air and horses and punters get drenched, but for me part of the problem at the course in terms of moving around is that groups land at 10,30am plot up at a bar and don;t move until they're scraped up and thrown out at 7pm, though I think this is more about the average fan that is attracted to the festival rather than a problem created by the course.
I'm prepared to see how this one plays out but if all the jackets are in the dry cleaners come Thursday evening I may be a little more vocal.

Saxon Warrior kindly forwarded an e-mail he received from the course which broke down all changes, plenty of initiatives for the punter, haven't heard the member mentioned anywhere....

[Benjy23]

After all, it's the fucking cross country anyway, who cares ?
It's not even a proper race.

This is the point like. Most didn't care when it was a handicap and most won't care again now. For a few years people did actually care though, because there was runners they cared about.

And those horses don't have realistic alternatives at the festival. In comparison to the other races that have become handicaps. All the other changes I can get on board with, as attempts to make other races better.

It'll be a shit show again now. One where I'll happily be one of those plotted up at the bar for

[Lobos]

Do we not think that all these 160 horses will still turn up in the XCC ? If that happens then it won't resemble a Handicap at all.

[Istabraq]

Do we not think that all these 160 horses will still turn up in the XCC ? If that happens then it won't resemble a Handicap at all.

I though this too, but then we've known this race has become a prep for the Grand National for a long time, which suggests it has no place at the Festival ?
I've always been a fan of the race, they encouraged spectators to head out to the XC course which was always a great experience, they've now said they don't want that so spectators are detached from the action creating a divide that didn't previously exist.
They can't irrigate the course, it often rides too quick and when the rain comes it floods. it's been cancelled and moved multiple times in recent years, perhaps the time has come to shunt this to April...

[RoadToCheltenham]

Does anyone know if Jodie Standing is doing her point-to-point recruits book this season? Swear it's usually out by now but nothing on the website - still just 2023/24 and not sure she's promoted anything regarding a 2024/25 edition.

[Benjy23]

Does anyone know if Jodie Standing is doing her point-to-point recruits book this season? Swear it's usually out by now but nothing on the website - still just 2023/24 and not sure she's promoted anything regarding a 2024/25 edition.

She's not doing one because she's had a baby.

[JackieMoon33]

She's not doing one because she's had a baby.

Poor excuse

[Yosser]

Views on Aurora Vega? She was minded quite well last season and it was pretty common knowledge early(ish) on that she wouldn't be aimed at Cheltenham. Being a mare in bumpers it's completely understandable but now hurdling i would like to think the Mares Novices' Hurdle would be the target. Kientzheim, Junta Marvel, Maughreen and Venusienne all also on the radar though so Willie looks pretty stacked on the young mares. Bit of an impossible part of the Mullins puzzle to unpick for me though not through want of trying. Junta Marvel has an injury to overcome. Maughreen will 100% be aimed here but can't help wonder if Willie would just throw a raft of them in if all good enough or hold some back for Mares Bumpers or Mares Hurdles elsewhere. I know nothing about Kientzheim or Venusienne other than JP has bought Kientzheim so she could certainly be aimed here. Very tricky but i am trying to find value against Maughreen. I can't back her at 3/1. That's just the Mullins charge.

Echoing Silence is at the top of my list and in light of Spectre's mid week video, closely followed by Gale Mahler and then Diva Luna not in Closutton