Challengers Novices' Chase 2011

2.25 Sandown
totepool Challengers Novices' Chase (Registered As The Scilly Isles Novices' Chase) (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner £21,094

Pick: Captain Chris (win)

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; Been second on all three starts this season, but all against good opposition (breathing hampered him at Cheltenham) and step up in trip on drying ground sure to suit so big chance.

Cois Farraig: Performed with credit when second to high class Nicky Henderson pair Lush Life and Oscar Whisky, and jumped well and shaped as if he’d be better for the race when third on chase debut at Ascot; Took Grade 2 Chase at Newbury on his last start but was fortunate that Sprit River fell and Celestial Halo didn’t fancy it; Seemed to prove that when well beaten in the Dipper last time.

Hidden Keel: Made up into a very useful performer over hurdles and has only built on that this season, wining a handicap hurdle by 7 lengths before running fourth to Grands Crus; Made short work of beating Fredo last time and worth his place in this field.

Merdermit: Best of these over hurdles, coming a close second in the Supreme Novice to add to two other Grade 2 wins and had made rather poor start to chasing before winning a good event in style at Plumpton; Travelled and jumped well in the Dipper last time, but unable to get past Hell’s Bay last time out and has it no easier here.

Mr Gardner: Looked like he could fulfil promise over hurdles when smashing Fistral Beach by 28 lengths at Newbury and just as impressive when romping home on debut over fences; Has a lot more on but respected tackling this bigger task.

Rebel Du Maquis: Impressive in winning first 2 races over fences in Britain, and sent on too soon in tactical manoeuvre to take advantage of problematic passage in Novices Chase at Cheltenham last time; Form of that race has been given a big boost by third and he’s weighted to reverse form with Reve De Sivola (disappointed in Dipper since) so can’t be ruled out for yard that has a good record in race.

Reve De Sivola: Made hay over the last 2 seasons as a Novice Hurdler, coming sixth in the Triumph and second in the Neptune Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival; Wasn’t given a hard time after belting the first on his chasing debut but improved on that when getting better of useful novices Rebel Du Maquis and Whishfull Thinking, so disappointing that he was so far back when he was third in the Dipper last time, so while not dismissed, others preferred.

Rock Noir: Top class hurdler in France, winning the Prix Reinaut De Vervies in impressive style; Hasn’t lived up to his potential in England so far, (no reason offered for abject 4th in Beginners Chase) but seemed getting back to best last time and given respect.

Nadiya De La Vega: Is two from two over fences here, bolting up in useful race at Warwick before getting better of useful rival after belting the second last at Kempton; Weight concession (which she gets again here) may have played it’s part in her win; Showed a game attitude nevertheless and big run probably coming.

VERDICT: A very strong race. Merdermit is the favourite but he’s not unbeatable and was disappointing in getting beaten at Cheltenham last time, despite pulling well clear of Reve De Sivola and Cois Farraig. Nadiya De La Vega should be right there and Rock Noir is finally coming back to his best form but this drying ground along with a step up in trip should prove a massive help to CAPTAIN CHRIS, who can be judged better than his two chase starts this year.