12:35 Cheltenham
Saturday 28 January 2017
All12:0012:3513:1013:4514:1514:5015:2516:0016:35
Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase
- 5YO plus | Class 2 | 2m 4f 166y | Soft (Good to Soft in places) | 14 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 12:35 | Winning time: 5m 30.1s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Previous Festival winner over hurdles who has shown some smart form over fences so far in two outings. Outclassed behind Thistlecrack on chasing debut but his most recent effort over fences showed what he could be capable of, jumping soundly and travelling well; remains with potential in this sphere.
Has shown useful form over fences in Ireland and turned in a much improved effort at Cork last time out in a beginners chase. Makes his handicap chase debut here off what looks to be a tough mark.
Has shown some useful form over fences but was a fortunate winner of a Grade 1 novice event at Kempton last time out. Yet to finish out of the frame over fences but new mark of 143 looks a stiff one.
Placed at the Festival over hurdles last year finishing third in the Albert Bartlett. Shown up well in two starts over fences so far beating two rivals on his debut at Uttoxeter and finishing a sound second at Warwick last time over 3m. Course at Warwick may well not have suited and could do with a more galloping course. Remains open to improvement over fences.
Has shown useful form over hurdles and fences so far and turned in his best chase performance at Cheltenham last time out over further. Clearly goes well at this course (also won over hurdles at the track) and looks sure to have further improvement in him in this sphere.
Won first two starts in novice company over fences at Kempton and Bangor (small field both times) and showed even better form when second in a Grade 2 at Doncaster. Beaten on first try in handicap company over fences at Newbury (didn't jump well) but shaped better than his finishing position.
Lightly-raced sort who has only recently come back from a break to start his career over fences. This will be just his third start over the larger obstacles but he confirmed the promise of his chase debut when winning at Uttoxeter, beating a decent field. Trainer has a good record in this race and remains one to be interested in with improvement to come.
Made a good start to his career over fences with two seconds at Plumpton and Exeter after coming up against two talented rivals. Will be suited by a return to 2m4f going into a handicap for the first time over fences.
Off the mark over fences on his third start in first-time blinkers and might have been flattered to win at Leicester last time out. Looks to have a stiffer task here and it remains to be seen whether blinkers will work as well this time around.
Looks as though he's going to make a better chaser than hurdler having won on his fencing debut at Sandown and showing improved form with a third at Ascot last time. Form of the Ascot race looks strong and remains with claims over fences.
Winner over fences in France and has continued that progression since continuing career in GB. Followed up his Southwell win with another score at Sandown last time out and remains relatively unexposed. Should still be competitive off a 7lb higher mark.
Has won three times over fences from six starts showing some useful form with the most recent win coming at Sandown in a 3m amateur riders contest. Not quite as effective last time out at Kempton although the ground would have been plenty quick enough.
Taken a while for the penny to drop over fences and finally got off the mark at Towcester last time out off a mark of 116. 8lb higher here and likely to need softer ground to be seen to best effect. Others preferred.
Good second on his chasing debut at Cheltenham but hasn't really progressed since then and had jumping problems on his last two starts.
Forecasts
Champers On Ice (5/1), Singlefarmpayment (5/1), Mercian Prince (7/1), Burtons Well (15/2), Ibis Du Rheu (8/1), Potters Legend (11/1), Royal Vacation (12/1), Dark Flame (12/1), Theo's Charm (14/1), More Buck's (20/1), Goohar (25/1), Uncle Danny (25/1), Get Involved (40/1), Zarib (50/1)
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
Prize Money
1st: £15,640.002nd: £4,620.003rd: £2,310.004th: £1,155.005th: £578.006th: £290.00
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