If yorkhill wasn't brought back last year I don't see what needs to happen for him to brought back this year, last year Mullins only had the mighty footpad and Wicklow Brave and he stayed chasing.
The reason they didn't last year was because they didn't want to 'waste his novice chase status'
and archie, I could change my original comment to say "A poor display", instead of "another", as it was more a hypothetical example, but - I think it was a poor display. I don't think it was a bad result in the literal way you've taken it - a lot of trainers and owners would love a horse who could have a neck defeat in a grade 1... but we're talking about a horse he doesn't look particularly good over any obstacle, bar the Neptune/JLT?
I would say Yorkhill has only looked
good over his fences at Cheltenham once, and the rest of the times he hasn't looked good, but has won anyway/or been beaten 'on talent'. I don't think he'd be able to win the Gold Cup with that talent, but I DO think he could win a CH (this season)
Also, using Sizing John's rating is moot, as are all ratings when it is out of handicap company to a point?
I definitely agree with your assessment of where the runners are most likely to go at this stage though, and I'm sure they'll have more than one aimed at the big races to cover for inevitable injuries