Independent Newspaper Novices' Chase (Registered As The November Novices' Chase)

1.10 Cheltenham
Independent Newspaper Novices' Chase (Registered As The November Novices' Chase) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £17,103

Pick: Loosen My Load (win)

Kilmurry: Won his first 2 chase starts in good style for Henry De Bromhead and produced new career best for new and inform Tizzard yard when trashing very smart Ghizao (reopposing) ; Even more impressive considering that he was giving away 8lbs in weight and should go well again.

Loosen My Load: Made very smart start to life under rules last year, winning his first three races before running a good race on his first start over fences behind Fosters Cross; Won Grade 2 over hurdles here a year ago but struggled in face of stiff tasks; Has been flawless in 3 from 3 over fences though, running away with Graded event last time; That was weak affair but clearly a class above opposition that day and major player here.

Radium: Made good impression when winning Novice Handicap Hurdle here last year and went on to be second in Conditional Jockey’s Hurdle at the Festival; Impressed with easy win in Beginners Chase and should only improve for that.

Captain Chris: Made a huge impression when winning his first 3 hurdles starts by an aggregate of 36 lengths, including a very strong end of season event here; Well beaten on seasonal return but plainly didn’t stay a yard on ground he hated, and will be much better for that, so major player and exciting recruit to chasing.

Ghizao: Unbeaten in 2 bumpers and went on to achieve useful form in 4 starts over hurdles last season, coming second to Graded winner General Miller; Not up to it at spring festivals but made decent debut when second to Kilmurry; Should jump better for the run but hard to see reverseal of form on worse weight terms.

VERDICT: Some top notch performers have taken this Grade 2 contest in past years- Best Mate, Azertyuiop and Seebald amongst them (not to mention Tatanaino)- and a small but select field assembles for this renewal. It would be some achievement for LOOSEN MY LOAD to give weight and a beating to Radium, Ghizao, and Captain Chris but he’s looked perfect on his 3 chase starts and wins and should run a big one once again. Kilmurrry may well be next best. Paul Nicholls has taken this 4 times since 2001 and as such Ghizao is accorded massive respect while Captain Chris looks made for chasing but I think Loosen My Load can take this.