Bonus Race - DRS Contracts Novices' Chase

12.45 Cheltenham
DRS Contracts Novices' Chase (Class 2) (4YO plus)
Winner £9,393

Pick: Time For Rupert (win)

Balthazar King: Has taken very well to chasing already, having gotten better of Welsh National fancy Watamu Bay(giving weight) and has already run well in 2 good novice chases at this track, giving Wayward Prince plenty to think about up run in; Can run well again but hard to see him winning.

Chicago Grey: Has been in sparkling form of late, and produced best effort yet considering that he was all over Wayward Prince (Bettie’s Dream, Cannington Brook beaten off) when he fell, carrying 11-7 in relation to his 11-4 when falling latest; Needs to stay on his feet but will be there if he does.

Quniz: Has been transformed for decent going over fences this year, winning by 23 and 14 lengths respectively on his 2 starts this term; Extremely impressive and while this is yet still tougher can’t be ruled out seriously.

Robo: Has turned over a new leaf since he switched to fences (also new stable), winning both starts at Fakenham easily, the last one by 33 lengths; Different calibre of opposition.

Time For Rupert: Quickly transformed into one of leading staying hurdlers of last season, coming second in the Cleeve and World Hurdles; Had race fall into his lap when bolting up last time but step up in trip should really help him and one of top chasing prospects this season.

Benota: Point winner but finished long way behind Robo on debut for yard at Fakenham last month.

Caninngton Brook: Third in Sefton Hurdle and already proving good over fences, running well when one behind Balthazar King; Looks held on that although he will have learned massively for such a tough debut.

Flight Leader: Capable enough when things go his way, but has had problems and yet to get anywhere near that level over fences; Hard to see him winning this after 301 day break.

VERDICT: Another quality race. It’s very hard to drop Chicago Grey after his effort last time and the praise he got for it in the notebook. TIME FOR RUPERT had the fortune of a competitive looking Mr Thriller falling, Quantitveeasing disappointing, Reve De Sivola belting one and then not being given a hard race at all not to mention The Giant Bolster falling when still well there, but he would have needed the run over a trip a bit short for him and he can go on from this to land bigger things. Quinz should give most trouble to the principals, while Cannington Brook can’t be ignored.