Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase

Ibis Du Rheu is a previous Festival winner having taken the Martin Pipe last year and his debut third to Thistlecrack sees him put in as the market leader here. However, there may be better handicapped horses in the race. Namely Singlefarmpayment (a winner over hurdles and fences at Cheltenham) on the basis of his win here in December over further. The drop back in trip shouldn't be a problem as he travels well through his races. Mark of 142 looks decent and the Tom George stable have a good record in this type of event. Another stable that are always worthy of note with their chasers, and in this race in particular, is that of Venetia Williams. She runs BURTONS WELL this time around who is lightly-raced but beat a good field at Uttoxeter last time out and his debut run at Sedgefield to Waiting Patiently now reads very well in the light of that one’s Haydock performance last week. Another to note would be the improving Mercian Prince who may be a little underrated coming from a smaller stable. 1. Burtons Well 2. Singlefarmpayment 3. Mercian Prince