Cheltenham Clues – Novice Chasers – Ratings and thoughts

Cheltenham Clues

Novice Chasers – Ratings and thoughts

For me, Champagne Fever is the most interesting novice chaser with regard to the Festival. I always felt his front running style would be suited to the Supreme Novices and he duly put a game display to hold off top-class  horses. He is a horse that wears his heart on his sleeve, which means he can disappoint on his following runs. In addition, it is worth noting, he has been beaten every time he has run in December or early January. Conversely, he is unbeaten in the months of November, February, and March. Whilst he is bred to stay three-miles, his style of running, allied to the speed inherited from his sire (Group Two and Three twelve-furlong winner), make him a potent force at shorter trips. Jumping errors need to be ironed out; however, I anticipate he, like many other novices, will jump better on decent ground. Incidentally, it is worth noting his hurdle FSF rating was 160. Entered over two miles one furlongs and two and a half-miles in the coming weeks we may secure a clue by his chosen assignment.

Felix Yonger is, in my opinion, tailor made for the Arkle, while Wonderful Charm will be a tough nut to crack in the Jewson. I am unsure if Defy Logic is a Cheltenham horse; however, with eight career runs under his saddle there is surely more to come.

Rock On Ruby has shortened in the Arkle betting. His next race will tell us more about his chances. Whilst a classy animal, I wonder if his wind will hold up in the heat of the battle up Cheltenham’s famous hill? Stablechum Vukovar is a huge talent. Watching his two runs in the UK I felt he got low at his fences. Something he will not be able to get away with at Prestbury Park.

Dodging Bullets and Hinterland will arrive fresh horses with plenty of experience. Both look much improved in terms of attitude this season, which will stand them in good stead. Valdez has looked an exciting prospect on his two starts. Looking at my ratings, he can be considered over-priced. Ex-hurdlers Grandouet and Oscar Whisky have recorded decent ratings. The latter is the one showing steady improvement albeit in small fields where he has time to organise himself. Grandouet disappointed last time out. However a Cheltenham record of 2, 3, 1, 2, F (going well), suggests he should not be written off just yet.

Don Cossack has quietly been getting his career back on track. I wonder if he is at his very best going right-handed? Carlingford Lough, touched off by Don Cossack at Fairyhouse in late December, returned to his best at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Ballycasey has had his form enhanced by both the second and third from his win at Navan. He has always been highly regarded and looks a serious player for the Jewson or RSA. Entered over two and a half-miles in early February.

Shotgun Paddy looks a likely sort for the NH Chase along with Benvolio, Shutthefrontdoor, Mendip Express, and Foxrock. Corrin Wood jumps for fun, though I personally feel Black Thunder can reverse Warwick form with a positive ride.