As Many have already ascertained, Punting antepost for next season looks tricky because of Constitution Hill.
The more solid races usually good for betting early in are clouded (arkle, Champion hurdle and champion chase), and the Gold cup looks a formality for the current champion.
I suppose the RSA can be looked at with one or two likely types.
I do think though that if he goes Chasing the Champion hurdle is a three horse race.
State Man, Marine Nationale and Impaire et Passe.
All likely to stay hurdling if he doesn't.
Maybe one would go novice chasing as they could always avoid him if he actually keeps to novice company. (by going turners or arkle accordingly)
I can leave out the juveniles as Champion hurdle prospects for now and Vauban has shown no improvement as yet, although Lossiemouth could be a player with her allowance.
Anyway, the only way to potentially play it IMO is with related doubles - risky as he may stay hurdling and not run in the Champion Chase, but combining Marine & IEP with Constitution Hill in the Champion Chase is worth a small interest for me.
Not one for doubles this far out but it's one of those that as soon as an announcement is made, I've either done my dough or the chances have at least halved.
If he goes chasing I expect the Champion Chase is the strongest option by far, with a prep in open company in Feb.
Only Energumene to beat really and he'll be 10 by then and rated a good few pounds inferior.
I am mainly doing this bet so I can get really annoyed when they run in the arkle at 1/12 on. :loyal::highly_amused: