2026 Ultima Handicap

[Istabraq]

Might happen naturally anyway as Derek might prefer to ride KOA if she sends two there like last season.

Isn't King of Answers heading to the NH Chase ?

 

[Lobos]

Isn't King of Answers heading to the NH Chase ?

Nothing official yet

 

[Faugheen_Machine]

Might happen naturally anyway as Derek might prefer to ride KOA if she sends two there like last season.

I think it should be pushed to happen by the owner. The horse looks out of tune with the jockey when Derek's riding.

 

[Lobos]

I think it should be pushed to happen by the owner. The horse looks out of tune with the jockey when Derek's riding.

Yep. The ride he was given last year was perfect.

 

[Istabraq]

Nothing official yet

I though Lucinder has said NH Chase, did I dream that ?

 

[Lobos]

I though Lucinder has said NH Chase, did I dream that ?

I reckon yes. Choice between NHC, Midlands National and Ultima. Unless I've been day dreaming and missed it !

 

[Ellisgittings]

No, you're probably right, but I think there's enough of a chance not to take an Antepost price.

I'd be surprised if JP ran a national fav in the GC again after Synchronised, that definitely left a scar

 

[Quevega]

I'd be surprised if JP ran a national fav in the GC again after Synchronised, that definitely left a scar

I don't understand.
A Gold cup winning scar ?

 

[Ellisgittings]

I don't understand.
A Gold cup winning scar ?

Not sure he views it as the best prep these days tbh

 

[Kauto’s star]

Bit of cash for hyland here….must’ve been tipped up by a pro

 

[Lobos]

I'd be surprised if JP ran a national fav in the GC again after Synchronised, that definitely left a scar

Gold Cup winner in the National again you mean ?

 

[Ellisgittings]

Gold Cup winner in the National again you mean ?

He's ran Anibale Fly in both but I've always got the vibe that he's not mad keen on it anymore to be honest. Just can't see them running Iroko in the GC, I think it one was to switch to another race it would be Jagwar.

But if Iroko is tuned up to 95% I can't see him beat here tbh

 

[YoungHustler]

I really fancy Iroko if he comes here(sorry Naiad backers). He looks better this year and his jumping has improved. Last time out was a really good performance against Firefox although it appeared he didn't like going right handed. He's ran well and hit the line really hard in both his starts this year which has meant they've not been able to keep his handicap mark down but I think he is still very well handicapped, especially at 3m+. I was all over Jagwar(who I think will stay) but I much prefer Iroko if he's turning up. I honestly think 7s is still an ok price as he could start a 4/1 favourite imo.

 

[chunker86]

Love the Naiad - he comes out very well on all the trends.

My only concern with him is if he is a few lbs better on a flat track - his best 3 RPRs have come at Kempton and Ascot 152/152/150 - right handed, flat tracks, His next 3 best RPRs are all at Cheltenham over C&D and are 147/146/146 - which possibly hints at a ceiling or a slight preference for the flatter decks. Not to say he doesn't act at Cheltenham, because he clearly does but there's a slight niggle that he might not be that 150s horse round Cheltenham and running to 147 off 143 but not be good enough for this.

 

[Lobos]

All about the ground with Hyland. Needs it on the Good side of Soft. Anything worse and he'll likely not run. If we have a dry/warm period leading up to day 1 then he could well go off close to fav.

 

[kinloch brae]

Wasn't Hyland 25/1 a couple of days ago, and then Henderson gave him a relatively positive update. Got some reasonable Cheltenham form if you go back far enough, but looks no value now.

 

[Lobos]

Wasn't Hyland 25/1 a couple of days ago, and then Henderson gave him a relatively positive update. Got some reasonable Cheltenham form if you go back far enough, but looks no value now.

Whoosh !!

 

[ComplyOrDie]

In D'or unlikely to make the festival after picking up a knock - Fergal O'Brien

 

[ComplyOrDie]

With Iroko all but confirmed to come here it means that despite a 15lb hike in the ratings, Myretown is only running with 10lb more on his back for his racing weight.

Obviously still question marks after his run LTO, which I don't think they should have gone for, but here we are.

 

[Lobos]

With Iroko all but confirmed to come here it means that despite a 15lb hike in the ratings, Myretown is only running with 10lb more on his back for his racing weight.

Obviously still question marks after his run LTO, which I don't think they should have gone for, but here we are.

Still looks a Lovely racing weight doesn't it

Sounds very much like Jagwar going Ultima as well which is surprising