The Turners Novices’ Chase is a Grade 1 novice chase that begins day three of the Cheltenham Competition and is run over a visit simply wanting two and a half miles on the New Course.
This race was added to the Competition programme in 2011 and Willie Mullins has already racked up 4 victories, with Sir Des Champs (2012), Vautour (2015), Black Hercules (2016) and Yorkhill (2017).
Vautour’s win below Ruby Walsh in 2015 charges as one of many nice modern-day shows from any novice over fences on the Cheltenham Competition.
This 12 months’s renewal will seemingly concentrate on Gordon Elliott’s Mighty Potter, unbeaten over fences and winner of back-to-back Grade 1 races in Eire both facet of Christmas on his technique to this take a look at.
He seems to be tailored for this race however he faces loads of competitors, with Competition scorer and course chase winner Banbridge, for Joseph O’Brien, one other main contender. House hopes may relaxation with the likes of Stage Star for Paul Nicholls and Balco Coastal for Nicky Henderson.
This race has been dominated by Irish horses, who’ve received 9 of the 12 editions. Jonjo O’Neill (Taquin du Seuil, 2014), Philip Hobbs (Defi Du Seuil, 2019) and Nicky Henderson (Chantry Home, 2021) are the one UK-based trainers to saddle winners. Gordon Elliott (Shattered Love, 2018 and Samcro, 2020) is the one coach aside from Mullins to have received the race greater than as soon as.
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When does the Turners Novices’ Chase happen?
The Turners Novices’ Chase takes place at 1.30pm on Thursday March 16 and is the primary race on day three of the Cheltenham Competition.
Turners Novices’ Chase runners and riders
1 Respect It – P Townend (T: Willie Mullins) 9/2 (**)
Favorite for final month’s Irish Arkle however may do no higher than third. Has maybe come to chasing too late in his profession and youthful rivals are most well-liked.
2 Balco Coastal – Nico de Boinville (T: Nicky Henderson) 10/1 (**)
Gained a Kempton handicap over 2m 4½f on comfortable floor at Christmas off 133 and second within the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown since. That was a career-best – one other could also be wanted now.
3 Banbridge – J J Slevin (T: Joseph O’Brien) 7/2 (****)
Handicap winner at this assembly final 12 months and had the pace to win an Arkle Trial in November. Good distance behind Mighty Potter subsequent time and second within the Irish Arkle since.
4 Christopher Wooden – Harry Bannister (T: Venetia Williams) 150/1 (*)
Runner-up in modest firm at Hereford and Lingfield because the flip of the 12 months and now 0-3 over fences. A serious stunner if he breaks his duck now.
5 James Du Berlais – D A Jacob (T: Willie Mullins) 16/1 (**)
Straightforward winner of a Fairyhouse novices’ chase on New Yr’s Day however trailed in final of six as Mighty Potter placed on a clinic at Leopardstown final month. Rebound wanted.
6 Mighty Potter – Davy Russell (T: Gordon Elliott) 11/10 (*****)
Has regarded immaculate in successful three chases this season in Eire, two at Grade 1 stage. Fluent jumper units a excessive bar and can take some halting.
7 Notlongtillmay – Adam Wedge (T: Laura Morgan) 80/1 (*)
Three from three over fences for his coaching, successful the final two simply at Musselburgh, however is getting into a distinct realm now and has about 20lb to seek out on Mighty Potter.
8 Stage Star – Harry Cobden (T: Paul Nicholls) 10/1 (***)
Has received 3-4 over fences for Britain’s champion coach however the lone defeat got here in a weak Grade 2 contest. Gained a handicap right here off 142 in January and will have extra in him.
9 Surprising Get together – Harry Skelton (T: Dan Skelton) 100/1 (*)
Some stable type in defeat this season however comes up a good distance shy on rankings and, irrespective of the way it’s dressed up, has but to win on this self-discipline.
