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The hill said:
Gordon just been interviewed amd asked about the Kerry National, Salvador ziggy is class act Jack will ride
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Afraid he could yet end up in the BANC. They clearly think he's very good. Surprised them I reckon with his rapid progress.
 
Lobos said:
Afraid he could yet end up in the BANC. They clearly think he's very good. Surprised them I reckon with his rapid progress.
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Depends on what price Gordon and the yard got on him for the NHC :excitement:
 
Lobos said:
Afraid he could yet end up in the BANC. They clearly think he's very good. Surprised them I reckon with his rapid progress.
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I agree, I think this has to be a genuine concern.
Let's see how he goes, but I was quite taken that Ziggy was the last of the seven to be mentioned by Elliott and then, when pushed, had to confirm Jack had chosen him...
 
Any concerns that Salvador Ziggy might go for a grade one in the Spring can probably be covered by backing him for the Kerry National / Grade Ones through the winter (if he lines up)
Back him at 5/1 on Wednesday and if he wins, you’d be looking at 70+ odds for the BANC. At least.

I’ve no doubt they’ve been surprised by him over fences so far.
And it looks a bit of a windy division at this stage. With no stand outs. But looking good during the summer months is very different to looking good in 3 months time
 
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With Constitution Hill seemingly Champion Hurdle bound (interpreting the market) and Patrick Mullins hinting at State Man staying over hurdles, do we think that will change plans for IEP? Does anyone genuinely believe that Willie will go Champion Hurdle with IEP when he already has State Man and Constitution Hill stands in their way? I was banging the IEP drum for a long time last year and loved what he did in the Ballymore, but he's not going to be better than Constitution Hill and he has to take a big step forward to be better than State Man, who doesn't get anywhere near the credit he deserves IMO. State Man is a 4 time Grade 1 winner, his form since 2022 reads 11111121 and were it not for Constitution Hill we'd be talking about the best 2 miler around period. I know IEP could do a Footpad and go hurdling then chasing, but if you go down the Champion Hurdle route you tend to stay there and if Constitution Hill remains hurdling its a division he'll dominate and it will be a wasted season. Hopefully connections will sit down and come to the same conclusion once Nicky goes public. Willie has some promising types for 2m novice chasing, but he doesn't have an obvious Arkle contender. I have little doubt the apple of his eye (Facile Vega) wants further and IEP would eat him alive over 2m IMO. It's just a wasted bullet sending IEP hurdling over 2 miles when he looks like he'd make a terrific chaser. I am really hoping they change their mind.​
 
charlie said:
With Constitution Hill seemingly Champion Hurdle bound (interpreting the market) and Patrick Mullins hinting at State Man staying over hurdles, do we think that will change plans for IEP? Does anyone genuinely believe that Willie will go Champion Hurdle with IEP when he already has State Man and Constitution Hill stands in their way? I was banging the IEP drum for a long time last year and loved what he did in the Ballymore, but he's not going to be better than Constitution Hill and he has to take a big step forward to be better than State Man, who doesn't get anywhere near the credit he deserves IMO. State Man is a 4 time Grade 1 winner, his form since 2022 reads 11111121 and were it not for Constitution Hill we'd be talking about the best 2 miler around period. I know IEP could do a Footpad and go hurdling then chasing, but if you go down the Champion Hurdle route you tend to stay there and if Constitution Hill remains hurdling its a division he'll dominate and it will be a wasted season. Hopefully connections will sit down and come to the same conclusion once Nicky goes public. Willie has some promising types for 2m novice chasing, but he doesn't have an obvious Arkle contender. I have little doubt the apple of his eye (Facile Vega) wants further and IEP would eat him alive over 2m IMO. It's just a wasted bullet sending IEP hurdling over 2 miles when he looks like he'd make a terrific chaser. I am really hoping they change their mind.​
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I do wonder if IEP hasn't trained well over fences or something. But I agree with you.
 
Having completed a Ladbrokes survey over the weekend I received an email from their service optimisation team written by someone called Jinky (I kid you not). After the usual committed to providing the best service and experience bull shit,he/she went on to say "we reviewed your account and as a business, we think you have already experienced and benefitted enough from our offers and promotions, so you won't be able to participate in them again. We do this to make sure everyone gets the same opportunity to enjoy the rewards. "
I feel so much better now that I've had it explained to me and I know someone else is benefitting, and realise I was being rather selfish. They didn't tell me why I can only bet in tiny amounts, but I'm sure it's for my own protection. If only all businesses were as caring.
 
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From a personal POV - then hopefully plans will change. The camp do seem adamant that he stays over hurdles though. There has always been a good chance Con Hill also stays over hurdles and with State Man also in the reckoning it does make you wonder as above if he has already been tried over fences and didn't sparkle; it's not like Willie to waste a dart especially with a good one.

IMO he would be up there with the best potential novice chasers - but who are we to doubt Willie? He will go where he has the best chance of a win. At least if he stays hurdling then there's significantly less doubt about which race he'll end up in..... I think?
 
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charlie said:
With Constitution Hill seemingly Champion Hurdle bound (interpreting the market) and Patrick Mullins hinting at State Man staying over hurdles, do we think that will change plans for IEP? Does anyone genuinely believe that Willie will go Champion Hurdle with IEP when he already has State Man and Constitution Hill stands in their way? I was banging the IEP drum for a long time last year and loved what he did in the Ballymore, but he's not going to be better than Constitution Hill and he has to take a big step forward to be better than State Man, who doesn't get anywhere near the credit he deserves IMO. State Man is a 4 time Grade 1 winner, his form since 2022 reads 11111121 and were it not for Constitution Hill we'd be talking about the best 2 miler around period. I know IEP could do a Footpad and go hurdling then chasing, but if you go down the Champion Hurdle route you tend to stay there and if Constitution Hill remains hurdling its a division he'll dominate and it will be a wasted season. Hopefully connections will sit down and come to the same conclusion once Nicky goes public. Willie has some promising types for 2m novice chasing, but he doesn't have an obvious Arkle contender. I have little doubt the apple of his eye (Facile Vega) wants further and IEP would eat him alive over 2m IMO. It's just a wasted bullet sending IEP hurdling over 2 miles when he looks like he'd make a terrific chaser. I am really hoping they change their mind.​
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I think Facile Vega looks absolutely made for the Arkle with how he travels in his races and youd be hopeful hes improving all the time and a fence could see him improve again, so personally wouldnt say that he wants further. If hes beaten fair and square in a trial leading up to the arkle then I think youll be proved right but Im not sure we will see it.
 
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billymag said:
I think Facile Vega looks absolutely made for the Arkle with how he travels in his races and youd be hopeful hes improving all the time and a fence could see him improve again, so personally wouldnt say that he wants further. If hes beaten fair and square in a trial leading up to the arkle then I think youll be proved right but Im not sure we will see it.
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Do you think Vega , Policeman and Hunters will all be taking each on early doors Billy??
 
Willie ran 5 in this years Irish Arkle so could maybe see something similar as to who looks like needing a step up to the Turners
 
Not sure about early but will be difficult to keep them apart at DRF if they are racking up wins. Might depend alot on the Irish weather, if they get a few cancellations that might force their hand before DRF as well. Worth mentioning that FV at punchestown improved again 4lbs according to RPRs on his chelt run and matched Marine Nationales 158RPR. Should be a great rematch if we get to see that.
 
billymag said:
I think Facile Vega looks absolutely made for the Arkle with how he travels in his races and youd be hopeful hes improving all the time and a fence could see him improve again, so personally wouldnt say that he wants further. If hes beaten fair and square in a trial leading up to the arkle then I think youll be proved right but Im not sure we will see it.
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I’m of the same opinion about Facile Vega, think fences will be the making of him this year & will put manners on him!
 
For IEP I can see why they wanna stay over hurdles.

If either Stateman or CH do not make the full season the race is there for the taking.

Could see IEP strolling home in the Hattons Grace to start the season then maybe meet SM in the Irish Champion Hurdle. He could come out of that race likely the no.2 Irish contender or possibly no.1..

More than likely he’ll be looking at the Hill jumping the last at Cheltenham provided Con stays up right (thinking back how close he was to disaster at the last..).

For my race planning career proposal to double green , I’d be adamant IEP lines up in the French champion hurdle and wins that as the main end of season target.

Just depends if he takes in Aintree or Punchestown as well..

For me the season with him would be:

Dec - Hattons Grace 2m4f
Feb - Irish Champion Hurdle 2m
March - Champion Hurdle 2m
April - Aintree/Punchestown 2m4f or 3m?
June - French Champion hurdle 3m

There is enough grade 1s and prize money to be won over hurdles for it not to be a complete waste of a season as everyone may suspect
 
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HesTheOne said:
Dec - Hattons Grace 2m4f
Feb - Irish Champion Hurdle 2m
March - Champion Hurdle 2m
April - Aintree/Punchestown 2m4f or 3m?
June - French Champion hurdle 3m
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I think that is spot on, and exactly what I had in my mind, with the possibility of the Stayers instead of the Champion Hurdle if defeated in the ICH.
 
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