2024 Novice Chasers

[charlie]

I genuinely think we get the rematch in March over 3 miles. Neither looked hugely pacey but had good engines. Mike is by Mahler and Gordon / Bective have Found A Fifty for the mid trip. Fact To File was struggling with the pace in my view and had to be asked to close the gap a couple of times.

First time over obstacles tough and a 3 length second to what looked like a hugely taking performance from the winner. I’d be happy enough with that.

Well said EE, pretty much my thoughts exactly. Will be better judged next time out. Gordons tend to be more forward this time of year - we have no idea how much FTF will come on for the run and/or going up in trip. Both the first and second there are set for further in time.

[Atlantic Viking]

Fact To File was struggling with the pace in my view and had to be asked to close the gap a couple of times.

Not sure about that. He wasn't allowed to close the gap most the way round, Walsh had a fair old hold of him. Made up ground at a few fences then the brakes went back on. Then when they got to the business end, one jockey presented his horse to the last fence, the other pretty much stood up going to it.

[YoungHustler]

Thought that was a very good race with Fact To File and American Mike. Haven't got a clue which horse was fitter but I thought FTF jumped impressively at speed so can see him remaining at the midtrip rather than going up in distance. I think AM more likely to go up in trip, especially if they think Found A Fifty is good enough to be the same owners'Turners horse..

[darlojim]

Not sure about that. He wasn't allowed to close the gap most the way round, Walsh had a fair old hold of him. Made up ground at a few fences then the brakes went back on. Then when they got to the business end, one jockey presented his horse to the last fence, the other pretty much stood up going to it.

Yepp share the exact same views, he had a fair hold of him alright. Definitely didn't lack for pace throughout the race. No doubt will come on a tonne though like most of Willies are needing the run.


...Makes Vegas win yesterday all the more impressive

[Oneman94]

Think FTF got an educational ride today against a good horse, long time until March to get more expeience and know where they are.

[Hardy Eustace]

Jumped and travelled well. Don’t think FtF needs a step up in trip. Massive run considering it was his first time over obstacles.

[Irish Rugby]

I was at the last fence and it really looked like Walsh was educating FTF today. Coming to the last you'd think FTF was going to come and take the race. Once he'd fluffed the last though after AM had got over it smoothly, AM's momentum had him a length up and pulling away.

They were both so far ahead of the others we'd forgotten they were even in the race.

Sticking my neck out here but with Facile Vega and Inthepocket yesterday, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see these four horses taking or at least coming close to the four Festival novice chases in March.

[Bollinger]

In last week’s Racing Post, Mullins on his stable tour name checked individually & precisely every horse he’ll be aiming at the Brown Advisory.

Fact to File was not one of them.

He’ll be going to the Turner’s and I’d be 99.9% confident on that specific opinion.

[darlojim]

The common theme for people is that as soon as a horse is beaten say over the intermediate trip, is to step them up, but in my mind f2f isn't one that needs the 3m distance this season, not on that debut showing anyway.

[Exar Essay]

Not sure about that. He wasn't allowed to close the gap most the way round, Walsh had a fair old hold of him. Made up ground at a few fences then the brakes went back on. Then when they got to the business end, one jockey presented his horse to the last fence, the other pretty much stood up going to it.

Intersting. I’ll have to watch it back to see about the reason for the gap opening. On initial viewing I felt Mike’s natural cruising speed opened the gap and he had to close. Will look again.

Defintiely agreed about the last jump.

[Big Bucks]

I do think a factor to consider is how far forward Gordons are to willies in the season

I was thinking that too, and tbf Willie does get his wound up crimbo and going forward. Optimistic?

[delsie777]

Intersting. I’ll have to watch it back to see about the reason for the gap opening. On initial viewing I felt Mike’s natural cruising speed opened the gap and he had to close. Will look again.

Defintiely agreed about the last jump.

F2F was keen and Walsh was throttling him half the time. No surprise he emptied at the last, particularly with the decel into the last. Jack K threw Mike at it as today was his big day. I reckon Willie will stick to his formula and go out to 3 miles. There is every chance that JP will have a few in the BANC, so possible that F2F might not have Mark Walsh aboard which would be a massive positive, to my mind. On a general note, a lot of JP horses are being hyped for the festival - don't forget that many will have Walsh aboard. The fact that Rachel Blackmore is likely to ride Inthepocket is a big plus. But he is a Turners horse and massive value in that market.

[YoungHustler]

In last week’s Racing Post, Mullins on his stable tour name checked individually & precisely every horse he’ll be aiming at the Brown Advisory.

Fact to File was not one of them.

He’ll be going to the Turner’s and I’d be 99.9% confident on that specific opinion.

Ha ha!

I hope you're right Bollinger, as FTF is currently my biggest single festival winner after successful roll ups today!

[PresentingPercy]

I was at the last fence and it really looked like Walsh was educating FTF today. Coming to the last you'd think FTF was going to come and take the race. Once he'd fluffed the last though after AM had got over it smoothly, AM's momentum had him a length up and pulling away.

They were both so far ahead of the others we'd forgotten they were even in the race.

Sticking my neck out here but with Facile Vega and Inthepocket yesterday, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see these four horses taking or at least coming close to the four Festival novice chases in March.

Was stood at the last also today, they went at some speed into it, AM was far more economical and was probably the winning of the race for him. Mark Walsh was out to school Fact to File today, wouldn't discount a big improvement in future

[Lobos]

Was stood at the last also today, they went at some speed into it, AM was far more economical and was probably the winning of the race for him. Mark Walsh was out to school Fact to File today, wouldn't discount a big improvement in future

Same story ITP yesterday. Under orders perhaps? Looking forward to their next races.