The Jewson Novices Chase has generally been a warm race for me, backing Sir Des Champs ante post for a long time last season, and being duly rewarded, in one of the performances of the festival. Dynaste is the warm favourite, but he doesn’t appeal at the prices, he is class but he could be found out here. I like two against the field, Captain Conan and Aupcharlie, both of whom have got strong Grade 1 form this year in novice chases over different trips. Captain Conan is unbeaten in three starts, winning two Grade 1’s, and is much better than seen last time out at Sandown. I backed him for a long time ante post for The Arkle, but the stable are adamant he will stay, and he is respected. Nicky Henderson’s head lad thinks the world of him. The change in trip will also suit Aupcharlie, who has not been finishing his race over three miles, chinned on his last two starts by Back in Focus and Tofino Bay, both of whom franking the form in The National Hunt Chase. Given how the Mullins horses are performing, both look like each way plays against the favourite.
Try and get on The Pertemps with firms paying five places, Boylesports, BetVictor, Stan James and SportingBet. The two immediate stand outs are Top of The Range and Close House. Top of the Range stayed on well last time out to win at Sandown on Friday and runs under a 5lb penalty, potentially unexposed. He shaped like a stayer that day, and will have a lot more to offer, potentially much better than a 136 rated hurdler. Similar claims can be made about Close House, who went into a lot of notebooks when a running on fourth in The Neptune behind Simonsig last year. He has run two solid efforts in handicaps this season, winning well at Wincanton last time out, and the fact he hasn’t run shows that Pond House is happy with his mark. Big player and unexposed. Captain Sunshine and Bakbenscher are potential outsiders, whilst I couldn’t have Sam Winner and Shutthefrontdoor at the top of the market.
The Ryanair looks a muddling race, and First Lieutenant is a worthy favourite, and should appreciate the ground and the trip for Gigginstown and Mouse Morris, dodging the Gold Cup, paving the way for Sir Des Champs. He looks too short for me, as does Cue Card, who will not get his favoured uncontested lead, which should pave the way open for Champion Court, who looks an unbelievable each way bet with eight runners. He ran a blinder in The King George, and in The Jewson last year, he has his best form at the track, and his runs behind Williams Wishes and Silviniaco Conti at Ascot and Aintree have worked out well. Jason Maguire will get a tune out of him, deputising for the unfortunate Alain Cawley.
The World Hurdle looks wide open, and with ante post vouchers spent on Monksland, and no Big Bucks, I am looking at it from a fresh perspective. Without sounding too obvious, you need a horse that stays, and the only out and out stayer in the field is Reve De Sivola. He beat Oscar Whisky last time out in The Cleeve and won The Long Walk Hurdle in equally impressive fashion. He like Champion Court, is sure to be in the frame.
The Byrne Group Plate has hotpot favourite Ballynagour for the same owner, trainer and jockey who landed a punt here last year, but he looks far too short for such a competitive handicap. Cantlow and Hunt Ball are sure to be popular, but at the prices the two stand outs are Divers and Vino Griego. Vino Griego has been transformed since adopting patient tactics, hacking up at Cheltenham and Ascot, and although up 20lb, is in good heart and should run well. Divers has got excellent course form, and will love the good ground. Ferdy Murphy has an excellent record in Cheltenham handicaps.
The Kim Muir generally goes to harden stayers and it is understandable that Super Duty is a well fancied favourite. David Pipe has a good record in the race, and he has two that I like in Problema Tic and No Secrets. Problema Tic was never put into the race that Ballynagour won last time out, and the 2lb reduction in the handicap will help, he will like the ground and the trip. No Secrets has been rejuvenated since going to David Pipe, only 4lb higher than switching, despite two facile wins at Wetherby and Taunton. He hasn’t beaten much but has a smart attitude and the booking of Katie Walsh looks a good sign, and he looks very unexposed for new connections.
1.30 Captain Conan & Aupcharlie
2.05 Top of The Range and Close House
2.40 Champion Court
3.20 Reve De Sivola
4.00 Vino Griego & Divers
4.40 No Secrets & Vino Griego
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner
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