Open Meeting 2011 - Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase 2011

4.05 Cheltenham

Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase (Class 2)  (4YO plus)
Winner £10,635 

Advice: 2 pts win Cue Card (7/4 Skybet)

Champion Court: Had the makings of a very useful prospect last season, winning Grade 2 at this meeting last year and ending up with a fourth at the Festival; Looked ready to go and win when unseating on debut and impressive win victory last time at Aintree (race looked strong beforehand); Likely to improve again and should go well again here.

Cue Card: Won easily on debut and then ran away with Cheltenham Bumper 2 years ago, pulling clear of several good horses in strong renewal; although he didn’t quite fulfilled the promise shown when slamming Dunraven Storm at this meeting (well beaten by Menorah, then when 7-4 for Supreme, and at Aintree) but those efforts solid and right back on track when winning easily in 4 runner novice chase at Chepstow, form that’s been boosted; Should go very well.

Dualla Lord: Won 4 point to points in a row for Richard Barber in Ireland and made a decent debut when second over hurdles at Chepstow on points debut, having made a mistake at the last (fitness may well have been an issue too); This a tall order though.

Grands Crus: Improved hand over first for the step up in trip last season, bolting up in two good handicaps, the first here and the second at Haydock; One of most impressive performances of season when routing the Cleeve Hurdle field, scooting 15 lengths clear between last two flights without rider having to ask any serious questions that day; Unable to stop Big Buck’s at Cheltenham/Aintree but no shame in that and his below par run at Auteil can be put down to slow pace; Major prospect and should go really well.

Sybarite: Useful in his own right but seven lengths behind Champion Court last season and beaten in much easier race on Chasing debut; Talented but others better.

Vino Griego: Ran a blinder to be fourth in novices’ handicap chase at the Cheltenham festival given the pace he was forcing, but it may also be that he thrives in that given situation – he’s still to win over fences – and in any case, better class in opposition here.

Zaynar: Sky was the limit when he won the Triumph in 2009 and went a long way to fulfilling that promise but lost his way since and while he showed promise on chasing debut, he seems not to have thrived for the yard switch.

VERDICT: A mouthwatering matchup between Grands Crus and CUE CARD. The former should seemingly make a chaser and holds a big future if taking to the bigger obstacles, but Colin Tizzard’s charge has the advantage of a run this season and experience over fences. If both have a below par day, Champion Court is the one to take advantage.