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2026 Champion Chase

Keep Maj on that inside rail as much as is possible, you see how Kitzbuhel got on today without a rail to lean into when jumping to his right, pretty much why Kempton was such a performance enhancing track for him, had nowhere to go but forward, Maj needs a bit of the same.
 
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Surely the bet is therefore 6/1 WTAF as if he wins he goes odds on doesn’t he ?

Possibly. Although, not by much and I've already got plenty on for Cheltenham!

Worst case with these is they leave their winnings here!
 
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I'm tempted by the price on Energumene today - this could be his cup final / swansong on ground that he loves (and might slow the others down sufficiently to make him competitive)
 
I'm tempted by the price on Energumene today - this could be his cup final / swansong on ground that he loves (and might slow the others down sufficiently to make him competitive)
I just don't see how he can win regardless of the going. If he did then the rest would surely have had a disaster. Same goes for El Fabiolo. You'd be hoping for a Fighting 5th scenario or that of last year's CH which wouldn't be good for anyone.
 
I just don't see how he can win regardless of the going. If he did then the rest would surely have had a disaster. Same goes for El Fabiolo. You'd be hoping for a Fighting 5th scenario or that of last year's CH which wouldn't be good for anyone.
I just think some horses are using today as a Cheltenham prep whereas others are going all out today. I also think the conditions can be a big leveler. Might chuck a Euro on the Energumen - El Fabiolo double
 
I just don't see how he can win regardless of the going. If he did then the rest would surely have had a disaster. Same goes for El Fabiolo. You'd be hoping for a Fighting 5th scenario or that of last year's CH which wouldn't be good for anyone.
Depends who you back!!
 
I just think some horses are using today as a Cheltenham prep whereas others are going all out today. I also think the conditions can be a big leveler. Might chuck a Euro on the Energumen - El Fabiolo double
I tend to agree, whilst the DRF is a huge meeting I can't help thinking plenty of trainers and owners have one eye on Cheltenham and beyond and don't want their horses having their season ended in a brutal slog today.
I'd struggle to see Energumene retaining enough ability to win today but he does have plenty going for him, I think I'll play top 3 at around 5/4 or a shade bigger...
 
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Lots of valuable and prestigious races today and tomorrow.
Gordon and Willie vying for the title and prize money.
Most horses will be doing their very best today and tomorrow to get wins and places.
Obviously some runners may be there for a run, especially in the handicaps and some of Mullins Battalion will have orders to sit out the back.
And trainers will hope that their stars for the festival in March don;t get too hard a race, but they'll worry about that another day I reckon.
 
There will definitely be plenty just having a day out in the Irish GC tomorrow for sure.
 
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I just think some horses are using today as a Cheltenham prep whereas others are going all out today. I also think the conditions can be a big leveler. Might chuck a Euro on the Energumen - El Fabiolo double
I think you would have to be very lucky for Energumene to win. It's not even heavy going. There could be some good on the chase course the way Leopardstown drains!
 
Marine backed into fav again. 2's into 13/8
 
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW

That was perfection in equine form
 
Walsh masterclass today.
2 perfectly judged rides over the chase course
 
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Awesome display that from Maj, I thought he'd struggle to lay up with Solness, turned out the other way round, straight as an arrow too.
If he does that at cheltenham he'll be very tough to beat, seriously impressive stuff.
 
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Waiting for a price on Marine for this to go back in 😂