1.05 Cheltenham
Cheltenham Pony Club Raceday Novices' Chase (Registered As
The Dipper Novices' Chase) (Grade 2) (Class 1)
(5YO plus)
Winner £14,238
Advice: 3 pts win Sonofvic (6/4 general)
Solix: Had a big reputation thanks to high class French form
(Grade 3 winner in convincing style) and didn’t perform without promise on
first UK starts in hindsight; Jumped poorly at Ascot but better as race went
on, when coming well clear of Duke Of Lucca (winner next time); Worry about his
error strewn round of jumping when winning weaker event over C&D and needs
more today giving upwards of 3lbs. 
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; Shown promise over fences, winning well before then being
given too hard a task when trying to give 5lbs to Grands Crus (needed a longer
trip); Well held third over 3m last time and not sure what the drop down in
trip does for him.
Invictus: Been excellent in two starts over fences, romping
away at Hereford and Plumpton, beating good field last time out with ease; Yard
in good form and should go very well here. 
Saint Are: Saint Are: Cannily placed to win Grade 1 at
Aintree last season having shown promise beforehand in novice hurdles; Decent
debut when behind Champion Court over a trip too short for him but not gone on
from that and pretty sure that he needs longer.
Sonofvic: Point winner who looked like a very decent sort
when winning twice over hurdles, making deep impression when fairly slamming
subsequent winner & Grade 2 third Teaforthree with ease at Ffos Las and
then finding plenty when beating Tornado Bob at Ascot; Cracking chasing debut
when getting to within two lengths of Grands Crus at Newbury, readily outpacing
two good sorts (seasonal debut); Big chance here if improved for that run.
Sybarite: Good over hurdles (Grade 2 second and second in
strong novice hurdle at Kempton); Not been as good over fences, turned over in
easy race on debut before being beaten miles here in two separate events;
Others preferred.
VERDICT: A cracking novice event to bring in the new year.
Invitcus is bound to be popular based on the impression he’s made so far but
SONOFVIC too was good on his chasing debut at Newbury (that being his seasonal reappearance)
and gets 4lbs from what could be described as his main rival. Solix needs to improve
his jumping and had been saddled with a lot of weight, while the likes of Saint
Are and Champion Court.
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