Out of interest, what are your own thoughts Eamonn?
Sorry, I am only getting back to you now.
At 2m Marine Nationale looks out on his own among the Irish novice chasers, and I'd be very surprised if there are any in Britain remotely close to him. (No British horse is shorter than 40/1 for the Arkle).
Inthepocket got a very tender ride first time out and may prove best of the rest, while Found a Fifty will probably go up in trip.
Over further,
Indiana Dream was very impressive at Navan, there's a race at Naas on Lawlors day that Appreciate It won last season or a grade 3 at Punchestown in mid January that might be next for him. I'd be surprised given his inexperience if they go straight to the DRF on the back of a beginners chase win.
Fact to File, Gaelic Warrior and Grangeclare West were all impressive this week. I see Patrick was on about Gaelic Warrior going back to two miles but I just can't see him in the Arkle line up. Two and a half on the new course would be more forgiving of his jumping idiosyncrasies.
I was disappointed with Corbett's Cross as I'd expected him to win the Nevilles. The three horses that finished behind him at Fairyhouse (Three Card Brag, Monty's Star and Nick Rockett) all run in the next two days so it will be interesting to see how they get on.
With regard to Facile Vega, his mother wasn't a two miler and neither is he. He is far from consistent but over further I do think that he will be a better horse and if he was to meet Found a Fifty again later in the season I think that he is more than capable of reversing the form. However he has now thrown two stinkers into the mix and forgiveness could be running out shortly.
I haven't seen much of the British novices this season but I liked Stay Away Fay over hurdles and him and Hermes Allen look the pick of what I've seen.
Mind you, they're all lucky that Noel George is keeping his horse in France or there would be some talent in the National Hunt Chase so as to avoid him.