I am Maximus won the Irish National on the 10th April, the season ended that year on the 29th April. This year the season ended on the 26th April and Western Fold won 8th May.
I would think that there are enough doubts about her acting around Cheltenham (and not a guaranteed target) to be considering her at 4/1 or 5/1.
Yeah he's a novice for the season, could potentially be one of the highest rated novices around come March.
Don't think there is anything wrong with him. He goes novice chasing but connections seem unsure of what his trip will be
If he is only a novice to the Drinmore does that mean he would not be eligible for the BANC?
I'd personally be thinking arkle for gameofinches until he shows he's not fast enough on the track, regardless of what mullins says in any stable tours. He cantered through his bumper on the bridle, not looking like a boat that needs a lot further. You could say he wasn't fast enough for the champion bumper but to be honest I think he was given a very tender educational ride and they were looking after him, and they made a big deal beforehand about mentioning the short gap between his bumper win and the festival. So I wouldn't take that as conclusive that he needs further. He's also been pretty keen in both runs, which he'd need to mature out of very quickly over obstacles if he's going to be running over 3m right away. Owners also have final demand for the BANC. Wouldn't be shocked if it was the other way around either though, and final demand ends up an arkle horse.
There is no way final demand will run in the arkle. It is clear to see that he is a stayer. What makes you think arkle ?
Let's see where they all start out and take it from there. If Willie starts them out over 2 then they normally stay there.
I wouldn't say I think arkle over BANC, just saying I wouldn't rule it out at all and wouldn't be surprised. Over hurdles yes he looks a stayer, as he doesn't have the speed of horses like the new lion who he faced in the turners. But fences can change things, if he's a natural over them and wings every fence then that can make him more competitive against speedier types if he's gaining a length at every fence. For an example, you only have to go back to gaelic warrior a couple of years ago. He looked all over a stayer when beaten in the turners, and then stepping up to 3m and winning at punchestown, and the talk was very much about him being a future gold cup horse. But all it took was for him to look like a natural and wing every fence in his beginners chase and straight away mullins was saying he saw no reason for him to go 3m, and he ended up hosing up in an arkle. Mullins has said recently that he could start out over 2 and a half or even 2, so the possibility is there depending on how he takes to fences. I would still side with BANC, though just because he looks a bit more well stocked with 2m novice chasers than 3m.
