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2026 Novice Chasers

ComplyOrDie said:
Nicky on Lulamba:

"We got poleaxed on the line by one of Willie’s in the Triumph, but it was a cracking effort and he came back so fresh and well from Cheltenham that we took him to Punchestown where he beat Poniros this time very impressively. He looks every inch a chaser, but we have to have to decide whether to keep him hurdling or go down the Sir Gino route and use his four-year-old allowance in novice chases. He has all the attributes to go to the top, whatever is decided."
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Would his campaign be linked to the performance early season of Cons Hill or even State Man ?…….as 5 year olds do win Champ Hurdles?
 
Wayward Lad said:
Would his campaign be linked to the performance early season of Cons Hill or even State Man ?…….as 5 year olds do win Champ Hurdles?
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Yes, I reckon. Same as Sir G last season. Stick Anzadam into that equation as well. Lulamba does have an entry in France over Hurdles mid November which is also interesting.
 
Lulamba would have no chance in the champion hurdle
 
BigL said:
Lulamba would have no chance in the champion hurdle
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Who mentioned the Champion Hurdle?? Could just have a season on the back burner??
 
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No mares chase thread up from what I can see but July Flower put in a really good chase debut just now. Wasn't afraid to stand off at plenty of them and had the scope to get over them, Cheltenham next month next on the agenda and she could be a bit of value in the MC market.
 
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darlojim said:
No mares chase thread up from what I can see but July Flower put in a really good chase debut just now. Wasn't afraid to stand off at plenty of them and had the scope to get over them, Cheltenham next month next on the agenda and she could be a bit of value in the MC market.
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Limitations were properly exposed at both Cheltenham and Punchestown. Chasing may bring out further improvement but you'd have to think she'd find 3/4 too good.
 
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Lobos said:
Limitations were properly exposed at both Cheltenham and Punchestown. Chasing may bring out further improvement but you'd have to think she'd find 3/4 too good.
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Take Lossiemouth out the mares she's only been beaten 4L or so and imo the new track would suit her much better than the old course. From what I seen today also I'd like to think she can improve 7/10lbs on her hurdles rating at least.

Looking at the Mares Chase market, the only horse I'd properly fear would be

Jade de Grugy (IF they go chasing, hope they do she's in the book)
Spindleberry (if the ground came up really testing, has it prove LH)

Dinoblue is very short for a mare thats now been on the go a good while and a would be 9yo come March.
 
Those 3 plus BDA and Only By Night could all be too good for her IMO. She'd have to show a bit more against better opposition before anyone could back her with any confidence.
 
Lobos said:
Those 3 plus BDA and Only By Night could all be too good for her IMO. She'd have to show a bit more against better opposition before anyone could back her with any confidence.
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BDA the wardrobe hahaha? You'd be bonkers backing that thing for any festival race.

As for Only by Night, she doesn't look a horse that wants the guts of 2m5 on the new course to me
 
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Joyeuse is one I’m excited to see. She should get the trip and appears to be on an upward trajectory.
 
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darlojim said:
BDA the wardrobe hahaha? You'd be bonkers backing that thing for any festival race.

As for Only by Night, she doesn't look a horse that wants the guts of 2m5 on the new course to me
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July Flower didn't go through the line very strong at Cheltenham or Punchestown either so she too could be lacking in the staying dept. Not for me.
 
Lobos said:
July Flower didn't go through the line very strong at Cheltenham or Punchestown either so she too could be lacking in the staying dept. Not for me.
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Probably outclassed by the winner at the festival, and I'd ignore the Punches run myself.

Had no problem staying in the FR champion hurdle (y)
Looks like her jumping ability will bring her through the race even more so
 
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Exar Essay said:
Joyride is one I’m excited to see. She should get the trip and appears to be on an upward trajectory.
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Joyeuse I presume you mean ha

Yeah she could be one to watch, always handy to have a one on the UK side, although has Hendo ever had one/bothered with the race? Can't think immediately off top of my head
 
darlojim said:
Joyeuse I presume you mean ha

Yeah she could be one to watch, always handy to have a one on the UK side, although has Hendo ever had one/bothered with the race? Can't think immediately off top of my head
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Fat thumbs. Yes - Joyeuse. He is sending a good few novice chasing this year. I’d be surprised if one wasn’t up to scratch. I can’t recall him ever having a serious challenger though, you’re right. However there’s only been 5 runnings of the race so it’s not a huge indicator.
 
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darlojim said:
No mares chase thread up from what I can see but July Flower put in a really good chase debut just now. Wasn't afraid to stand off at plenty of them and had the scope to get over them, Cheltenham next month next on the agenda and she could be a bit of value in the MC market.
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Henry De Bromhead said: "She was really good and looked electric in her jumping at some but sketchy at others. She was a high-rated mare and looked brilliant there.

"We might aim for Cheltenham in November next and while I was going three miles with her, I'm starting to wonder should I drop back to two. That sounds mad but she travelled effortlessly the whole way today."



Put The Kettle On ??????
 
Lobos said:
Henry De Bromhead said: "She was really good and looked electric in her jumping at some but sketchy at others. She was a high-rated mare and looked brilliant there.

"We might aim for Cheltenham in November next and while I was going three miles with her, I'm starting to wonder should I drop back to two. That sounds mad but she travelled effortlessly the whole way today."



Put The Kettle On ??????
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Be interesting if they do take that route, although big difference between a 2 and half beginners at Limerick to g1 chases over 2m but he's done it before so one to keep an eye on
 
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Derryhassen Paddy was described as a “very exciting prospect” by Scudamore, who raised the possibility of the six-year-old turning his hand to fences in the near future.

“He actually schooled the other day over fences, he was very good,” he added. “He’s obviously a very exciting prospect.

“I remember when chasing Michael Dickinson’s horses – they were quite extraordinary – and you feel the same chasing Willie Mullins’ horses, he looks to have one or two very, very good three-mile hurdlers.

“But this side of the Irish Sea, perhaps, Derryhassen Paddy looks amongst the best. He will go to Newcastle, god willing, for his first run.”
 
Is there a chance Derryhassen Paddy stays hurdling ? I thought he was a definite to go Novice Chasing. I hope he is. Hands Up that is my pocket talking.
 
BuckingThe Trend said:
Is there a chance Derryhassen Paddy stays hurdling ? I thought he was a definite to go Novice Chasing. I hope he is. Hands Up that is my pocket talking.
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….from the stable tour;

‘He was one of the highlights of last season and did nothing wrong. Tracks like Uttoxeter and Windsor were probably too tight for him, despite winning there. Though he excelled himself at Cheltenham when finishing third in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. If he takes to fences the way we hope, he could be anything. We haven’t schooled him yet, but he will go novice chasing this season.’
 
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Does anyone have any genuine contenders/fancies for the Arkle at this stage? Just having a look over the oddschecker list and bar Kopek des Bordes, there doesn't seem many certain runners?

Lulamba - nothing confirmed yet/4 year old stats
Anazadam/W.Munny/TNL/Con.Hill - all routed down the Champion Hurdle route
Salvator Mundi -can't remember what the stable tour suggested but would be second strong Mullins anyhow

Most the horses in the next 10-15 on the list all have either had injuries - question marks over the trip - or are IMO not anywhere near the top level.

I know the Arkle tends to end up being a very small select field anyway but it has just highlighted how difficult antepost is at this stage of the season when most horses haven't ran yet to even indicate their well being.

I got down to Karniquet (available at 50/1 with some firms) and started talking myself into that he looked good each way value and that his form, albeit always behind Kopeck, actually didn't look too bad - before giving myself a slap and closing the tab. Having already backed KdB - I'll sit and wait for some actual evidence.
 
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