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2026 Novice Chasers

Can't Catch Me said:
As a BANC backer, was disappointed with GE's comments. He clearly doesn't see him as a 3 miler which I find quite bizarre personally. Over fences the further he goes the better he has looked on both tries... admittedly weak races, but he has absolutely powered through the line.

Yes he has a high natural cruising speed, but this could mark him out as being a bit of a freak and a potential superstar if he does stay, rather than a horse for the shorter trips.

From a breeding point of view, there is just so much stamina there. He was out speeded over 2m in the top races to my eyes, and I think the same will happen over fences at the minimum trip, albeit his brilliant jumping will be a big help.
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I wouldn't really take any notice of trainer comments at this stage of the season, there rather meaningless when the horse in question has beaten nothing.

If hypothetically he takes on kopek at some point and got beat comfortably again, then you can be sure elliott would then be saying he probably wants a longer trip. So would then come down to how eager they are to have runners at cheltenham, as the only other festival option would be BANC.
 
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Wayward Lad said:
So it was

Apologies all

Not sure why I thought it was an Arkle……maybe because the contestants weren’t all that (apart from Moscow Flyer) !

I’ll get back in my box now 😄
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He was fav for the Arkle when he was ruled out that year after his fall and remount at Exeter.
 
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Black Dog said:
As did Desert Orchid as well as a Champion Hurdle and a Champion Chase.
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I remember backing Desert Orchid at 66/1 for the CH.

Also backed Sprinter Sacre at 100/1 for the Festival Bumper. Skipped it for Ayr and bolted up.
 
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Still can’t believe how McCoy got Sprinter beat in the Supreme, considering what we later saw of Sprinters talent……
 
Wayward Lad said:
Still can’t believe how McCoy got Sprinter beat in the Supreme, considering what we later saw of Sprinters talent……
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He managed to get Binocular beat in a Supreme too, a rare 4yo in the race.
What I remember most about that race was the market, 8/1 co favourites of 3 or 4, unheard of these days....
 
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Lobos said:
I remember backing Desert Orchid at 66/1 for the CH.

Also backed Sprinter Sacre at 100/1 for the Festival Bumper. Skipped it for Ayr and bolted up.
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Dessie ran 70 times in his career which seems almost impossible now. He would have to have been in training till he was a 25yo to get to that total if he'd been with Nicky.😂
 
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Kargese entered in the RP chase on Boxing Day at Leopartstown

So still maybe going chasing rather than hurdling this season ?

So the JDG run the other day hasn’t changed Kargese plans…..yet….

Thought Kargese may have entered CH considerations for Willie after Sat….
 
Can't Catch Me said:
As a BANC backer, was disappointed with GE's comments. He clearly doesn't see him as a 3 miler which I find quite bizarre personally. Over fences the further he goes the better he has looked on both tries... admittedly weak races, but he has absolutely powered through the line.

Yes he has a high natural cruising speed, but this could mark him out as being a bit of a freak and a potential superstar if he does stay, rather than a horse for the shorter trips.

From a breeding point of view, there is just so much stamina there. He was out speeded over 2m in the top races to my eyes, and I think the same will happen over fences at the minimum trip, albeit his brilliant jumping will be a big help.
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I think Gordon has lost his touch personally. Used to be the best target trainer in Ireland imo, especially festival handicaps, but he's barely had a plot in recent years. One handicap winner each of the last two years, both times the Martin Pipe.

Just generally I think he's a bit less assured in his judgement. Last year he reckoned Croke Park was a middle distance horse, when he's an absolute boat.
 
If I was Elliott I would consider running Romeo Coolio against Kopek des Bordes at Christmas. A win and you can go to the Irish Arkle and stick over 2m. A loss and you could go to the Scilly Isles and then potentially up in trip further at the BANC.

Personally I would keep him at 2m. Kopek des Bordes looks to have a lot of ability but looks further from the finished article than Final Demand. Romeo Coolio looks very professional and could put Kopek des Bordes under pressure which might really bring out any flaws. I think it is his best chance at the Festival myself.
 
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Jack would definitely agree with you. Sounded like he was excited at the thought of Coolio running over 2 as he thought he wanted to always go that bit faster yesterday. No harm at all giving it a go against Kopek.
 
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