WILLIAM HILL PRICE BOOSTS EVERY DAY HAMPTON NOVICES’ CHASE - PREVIEW & TIPS
1:52 WARWICK
WILLIAM HILL PRICE BOOSTS EVERY DAY HAMPTON NOVICES' CHASE (GRADE 2) (GBB RACE)
A traditional midwinter staying test for novice chasers over three miles.
HAMPTON NOVICES' CHASE - PREVIEW
The Hampton Novices’ Chase is one of the key British staying novice chases of the season, often providing a clear pointer towards spring targets such as the National Hunt Chase or the Brown Advisory. Run over a demanding three miles at Warwick, the race places a premium on stamina, accurate jumping and the ability to maintain a rhythm around a galloping, left-handed track that regularly finds out lesser stayers, particularly when the ground is soft.
Recent winners such as Grey Dawning, Galia Des Liteaux and Threeunderthrufive underline the level required and this year’s renewal looks a typically competitive Grade 2 with a mix of unexposed chasers and more established novice stayers. With six runners declared and conditions set to be testing, this looks a race where efficiency at the fences and proven stamina could prove decisive.
HAMPTON NOVICES' CHASE - RUNNER BY RUNNER GUIDE
WADE OUT - 10/3
An unbeaten chaser who has made a smooth transition from hurdles, winning at Worcester before following up in a Listed novice at Cheltenham over an extended three miles. He showed plenty of determination there despite some deliberate jumps and clearly stays well, but he will need to be sharper at his fences in a race of this nature. A major player if keeping a better rhythm.
DOYEN QUEST - 6/1
A strong-jumping front-runner who has already proven himself at Warwick and over three miles. He was an authoritative winner of the Esher Novice Chase at Exeter and ran better than the bare result when second in a Sandown Grade 2 last time, again jumping boldly throughout. Reliable, battle-hardened and well suited by track, trip and conditions.
LAURENS BAY - 9/1
Stayed on well to win the EBF Final over hurdles last season and made a successful start to his chasing career in a match at Uttoxeter. However, he was disappointing when beaten in a Sandown Grade 2 last time and needs to show a fair bit more at this level. Others arrive with stronger recent form.
MOON ROCKET - 2/1
A useful novice hurdler who has taken well to fences, winning readily at Doncaster before finding himself outpaced late in a steadily run match there next time. This stronger-run race should suit him better and he remains open to improvement as a staying chaser. A definite threat if settling and jumping fluently.
THE JUKEBOX KID - 11/2
Lightly raced and still learning his trade over fences, having impressed on handicap chase debut at Carlisle before failing to fully see out a stiffer test at Cheltenham. This slightly shorter trip could help and his jumping is generally sound, but he needs to take a step forward to trouble the principals.
HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA - 11/2
A talented mare who has shown promise over fences and receives weight from the entire field. She shapes as though stamina will suit and could improve for this left-handed track, having tended to jump left. That said, this represents a significant step up in class against seasoned staying novices.
HAMPTON NOVICES' CHASE - FINAL THOUGHTS
This looks a proper Warwick staying chase and the race should be run at an honest gallop with several happy to race prominently. Jumping accuracy will be crucial, particularly down the back straight and this may develop into a test of stamina earlier than ideal for some of the less experienced chasers in the field.
Doyen Quest stands out as the most solid option. He has already proven himself over three miles, has winning course form and his bold, accurate jumping is a major asset in a race of this nature. While Wade Out remains a serious threat as an unbeaten chaser with strong staying credentials and Moon Rocket is open to further improvement in a more genuinely run race, Doyen Quest looks the one most likely to deliver a clean, professional performance from start to finish.