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Emmet Kennedy of The Final Furlong Podcast believes Grade 1 form could be turned on its head in a blockbuster Elliott–Mullins clash that may shake up the Arkle market.

In this 1xBet review, we analysed the form and statistics of the most outstanding rookies who could become the biggest sensations in the upcoming races. Therefore, horse racing fans should definitely pay attention to Kopek Des Bordes and Romeo Coolio’s potential.

The new National Hunt season has begun with a bang, and while several established names such as Constitution Hill, Majborough, Jonbon and The New Lion have fluffed their lines, the novice hurdlers and chasers have set the pulse racing. Racing fans are always looking for the next star of the sport, and two novice chasers in particular look capable of making a significant impact for the rest of the season. They may well clash on St Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day, and such a meeting would be a mouthwatering prospect.

Kopek Des Bordes

Kopek Des Bordes is 2/1 favourite for the Arkle Chase with 1xBet in Ireland. He has won five of his six races, his only defeat coming at the Punchestown Festival, where he may still have been feeling the effects of his Supreme win. His chasing debut came in the same Navan race that launched the careers of Douvan, Min, Footpad and Saint Roi, all of whom went on to win the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown. However, Vautour, Blackbow and Facile Vega were turned over afterwards - but it’s the tried and tested route for Willie Mullins’ two-mile stars.

If you were determined to pick holes in him, he was a shade guessy at one or two fences, but there was no question about the overall impression. He could be keen over hurdles, needed a hood at Cheltenham and edged left when beaten at Punchestown. Even so, he was a dual Grade 1 winner over timber last season, including a Supreme in which he had Romeo Coolio back in third. Most punters will see him as banker material at Leopardstown on December 26th.

Romeo Coolio

Romeo Coolio has already taken a major step forward since the spring. He was beaten seven and a quarter lengths in the Supreme, yet is now 6/1 with 1xBet for the Arkle and is already rated 10lb better over fences than he was as a hurdler according to Timeform after only two chase starts. He cruised around Down Royal on debut in the same race Gordon Elliott has used for Envoi Allen, Samcro, Mighty Potter and Found A Fifty, but it was his performance in the Drinmore Novice Chase that truly lit the place up. Ridden with complete confidence, he jumped like an old hand and powered clear two out to win by eight lengths without ever coming off the bridle. It was as effortless a Grade 1 performance as you could ask for, and while tougher tasks lie ahead, he could hardly have made a stronger statement.

Romeo Coolio will also have the edge on experience over Mullins’ novices should he meet Kopek Des Bordes at Leopardstown over 2m1f, or travel to Limerick for the 2m5f Faugheen Novice Chase to meet Final Demand. Found A Fifty finished second in the Drinmore before dropping back to win the Racing Post Novice Chase, and Arvika Ligeonniere completed the Drinmore-Racing Post double in 2012, so it can be done.

His pedigree offers mixed signals about his ideal trip. His sire Kayf Tara produced Irish Gold Cup winner Edwulf and Kauto Star Novice Chase winner Tea For Two, yet also sired Arkle winner Edwardstone and Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Special Tiara. Romeo Coolio’s dam won over 2m1f in France and is by Kapgarde, and his half-brother Ascending Lark won a Listed two-mile hurdle at Punchestown. In short, he could end up anywhere: Arkle, or Brown Advisory this season, Champion Chase, Ryanair or Gold Cup next season.

Long term he may become a three-mile horse, but in the short term Christmas looks the right time to take on Kopek Des Bordes again. Many punters will simply assume the Supreme form will hold, but Romeo Coolio now has far more chasing experience. He has a point to point win and two novice chases behind him, whereas Kopek Des Bordes has jumped fences only once in public.

There is also a significant jockey angle. Paul Townend will be at Kempton to ride Gaelic Warrior in the King George, leaving Kopek Des Bordes without his first-choice rider. Patrick and Danny Mullins are top-class deputies, but Townend’s judgement on an inexperienced novice is a very big miss. Romeo Coolio meanwhile keeps Jack Kennedy, who could hardly be riding with more confidence.

Romeo Coolio improved 10lb on RPRs from his first to second chase start. If he takes another step forward, he has every chance of causing an upset and blowing the Arkle betting apart. Wherever Gordon Elliott decides to send him next, he is the novice I want in my corner. It is rare you get the chance to back a horse of his talent as second favourite in a Grade 1 novice chase, and in my view he will give any rival a serious fight over any trip this Christmas.

The analytical piece was prepared by Emmet Kennedy — Presenter, Producer, and Owner of The Final Furlong Podcast, Broadcaster with TalkSPORT, and Broadcast Consultant —  with the support of 1xBet Ireland.

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