Done a double of Al Ferof and Sir Des Champs.
The latter looks to have been given a nice opportunity on his chasing bow, Davy Russell has been red-hot all season so far and generally gives novices every chance. The opposition hasn't collectively got much worthwhile form over fences either.
As for Al Ferof, he made a satisfactory start over fences, doing nothing wrong, and afterwards Nicholls has said he will be much better next time out as he never has his novice chasers wound-up first time. Never thought Eradicate had the scope to be a chaser but may prove me wrong, was smart over hurdles and one of his Swinton victories was rated the same as Al's Supreme Novices win. John Hales has also said he hopes Al Ferof can develop into his next serious Gold Cup horse. He will surely be primed when it comes to Arkle day, but should be good enough to take this with a clear round.
Leaving the Tingle. Too many question marks for too many to answer. Sizing, while the Champion Chaser, had a hard race on bottomless ground last time out and looked clapped out for the last hundred yards. Wishful Thinking probably better over further at this level, the Ryanair will be his race to run in. Kauto Stone also dropping back in trip but a really exciting prospect none-the-less. Gauvain has parts of form that would put him bang in the mix, but also some less than inspiring form.
An open race, and one to savour IMO.
Decided to swerve the Fairyhouse race too. If he has his eye back for it then MDH should trounce these, but the Weld horse still seems to be improving and could be too strong if MDH isn't on his game.
