Towton Novices' Chase

3.15 Wetherby
totesport.com Towton Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner £13,397

Pick: Wayward Prince (win)

Wayward Prince: Did very well over hurdles, bolting up at Doncaster, coming close second to Wymott in Grade 2 at Haydock and then winning Grade 1 at Aintree National Meeting; Made perfect start over fences, bolting up on debut and making hard work of tough race at Cheltenham last time; This looks easier on paper and one to beat.

Cape Tribulation: Arguably the best of these over hurdles with a fourth in the Christmas Hurdle and second in the Reelkeel; Made a made promising start to chase career with success at Hexham but ran badly upped in class last time; Reason given as ‘Setback’ (not entirely convincing) but probably going to prove a useful rival, especially getting 3lbs.

Captain Americo: Is two from three for new yard, having bolted up in handicap hurdle first time out before running respectably at Cheltenham’s Open Meeting; Won well over fences last time and has it a lot tougher here.

Hollo Ladies: Had a massive amount of potential for chasing, having won Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas last season; Hasn’t gotten close to translating that form over fences for the Murphy yard, failing to win twice before finally getting off the mark over fences last time.

On His Own: Brought out of Ireland by the Johnson yard and showed promise on his hurdles debut (behind good horses) before getting the job done over fences in good style last time, making mistakes but still getting up; Can do better.

VERDICT: Despite the fact he has to give away weight all round, this the weakest spot that connections could have found WAYWARD PRINCE before a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival.