SUN'S 'SAVE OUR BETS' NOVICES CHASE - PREVIEW & TIPS
2:20 CHELTENHAM
SUN'S "SAVE OUR BETS" NOVICES' CHASE (LISTED RACE) (GBB RACE)
DOUBLE POWERFUL ready to shine as LEAVE OF ABSENCE waits in the wings
SUN'S 'SAVE OUR BETS' NOVICES CHASE - PREVIEW
Last year’s winner, Hyland, showed plenty of promise when taking this Listed novices’ chase, jumping fluently and keeping on strongly to score comfortably. His performance highlighted what it takes to win over this trip at Cheltenham, and connections will be hoping for another star to follow in his footsteps this year.
This year’s renewal looks an intriguing contest despite a small field. In fact I don't recall such a wide open race like this in some time at Cheltenham. LEAVE OF ABSENCE stands out after an impressive recent win over course and distance, showing a sharp turn of foot and an eye for a smooth round of jumping. WADE OUT is stepping up in trip for the first time but made a solid impression on his chasing debut, and looks likely to go well if he settles into the race. DOUBLE POWERFUL (IRE) also has something to offer after a decent first attempt over fences and could improve further over the longer trip.
It promises to be a race where experience over fences and the ability to finish strongly will decide the outcome. LEAVE OF ABSENCE looks the horse to beat, with WADE OUT and DOUBLE POWERFUL offering each-way appeal for those looking for a bit of value.
SUN'S 'SAVE OUR BETS' NOVICES CHASE - RUNNER BY RUNNER GUIDE
LEAVE OF ABSENCE - 11/4
LEAVE OF ABSENCE comes into this Listed novices’ chase having won impressively over course and distance recently, jumping fluently and showing he handles Cheltenham well. With Joel Rex Dingle on board and A. J. Honeyball training, both with strong records with novice chases, he is the horse to beat for most people.
DOUBLE POWERFUL - 4/1
DOUBLE POWERFUL impressed on his chase debut, finishing strongly and showing plenty of promise. Stepping up to just over three miles should suit him. Im sure he will progress and is perfectly placed by Neil Mulholland to show his class.
ISAAC DES OBEAUX - 13/2
ISAAC DES OBEAUX has shown ability but was pulled up on his last outing. He needs a much cleaner round to feature, making him more of an each-way hope than a winning fancy. He's also fallen around here before so that is a concern even if going for place money.
ONE BIG BANG - 9/2
ONE BIG BANG has been competitive over hurdles and stayed on well last time out. He could run a solid race if he finds his rhythm early, though he lacks proven form over this trip and at this level. The odds will indicate his chances.
WADE OUT - 9/4
WADE OUT impressed on his chase debut, finishing strongly and showing a good attitude. Stepping up to three miles for the first time, and with Sean Bowen riding for Olly Murphy, who has a good record with improvers at Cheltenham. He is a little short in my eyes at 9/4 and there is no real value here.
SUN'S 'SAVE OUR BETS' NOVICES CHASE - FINAL THOUGHTS
This Listed novices’ chase shapes up as a competitive contest, with several capable types looking to make their mark over three miles. DOUBLE POWERFUL looks the one to back for the win after showing plenty of promise on his chase debut. He stayed on strongly, jumps well and stepping up to this trip should suit him perfectly, giving him every chance to progress and take the lead in the closing stages.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE is the main danger, coming into the race on the back of a smooth win over course and distance. He jumps fluently and handles Cheltenham well and with Joel Rex Dingle riding for A. J. Honeyball, both proven at this level, he could easily turn the tables if DOUBLE POWERFUL fails to find his peak. For those looking for an each-way option, WADE OUT remains appealing, stepping up to three miles and carrying plenty of improvement potential.