QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE 2015 Initial Thoughts

With all the Arkle runners having run again and none have won, surely this race is a match bet between SPRINTER SACRE and SIRE DE GRUGY? If you take out Arvika Ligeonniers, who is better going right handed SIRE DE GRUGY is 8lbs clear of the next best horse on official ratings and he could be even better than that. But his final rating is some 16lbs behind that SPRINTER SACRE was given the previous year. These two, if at their best are the ones to beat and until SPRINTER SACRE has put together back to back performances you would not want to back him without the security of NRNB, and as such SIRE DE GRUGY looks a fair bet at 4/1? THe novices from last season all seamed to beat each other and none has really shown themselves to be a champion in waiting. BALDER SUCCES is the highest rated novice and is one of a number Alan King has in training including Valdez and UXIZANDRE. Others to keep an eye on include WESTERN WARHORSE, TAQUIN DU SEUIL, CHAMPAGNE FEVER, GODS OWN, MOSCOW MANNON, TRIFOLIUM, SIMPLY NED and last but not least EDUARD. The latter is horse trained by Nicky Richards and is a horse I have high hopes for. EDUARD, UXIZANDRE and TAQUIN DU SEUIL have all proven themselves beyond 2 miles but given you need stamina as well as speed to win the Quuen Mother Champion Chase this is no bad thing and if targetted at this race have to be given a chance.