Feltham Novices' Chase 2011

2.00 Cheltenham

Williamhill.com Feltham Novices' Chase (in Memory Of Nigel Clark) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £22,780

Advice: 1 pt win Grands Crus (11/8 Paddy Power, Skybet, VC Bet)

Bobs Worth: Undisputed top staying hurdler of last season, following up impressive Grade 2 win at Cheltenham with Festival success in Albert Bartlett, always travelling strongly before beating highly regarded stablemate; Made perfect debut over fences when getting there in nick of time to deny Cue Card over inadequate 2m4f at Newbury, albeit getting 7lbs in weight; Should come on a lot for that and go very well here.

Grands Crus: Developed into top class staying hurdler last season, winning three over hurdles with ease (inc Cleeve Hurdle) before running huge races in defeat against Big Bucks at Cheltenham and Aintree festivals (below par in France on last start); Exciting recruit to fences as displayed by his easy win at Cheltenham earlier this month and was professional in winning Grade 2 at Newbury last month, beating a highly regarded prospect while giving him 7lbs; This again a stiffer test but the one to beat.

Mr Moonshine: Progressive over hurdles but already at least as good if not better over fences, winning two chases by 26 lengths in total; Put in his place when stepped up to Grade 2 company (open) although that behind two decent chasers in their own right; Would be rude to discount him and the trip should suit, but some of these have better collateral form over hurdles and have taken just as well to fences.

Silviniaco Conti: Extremely promising over hurdles, winning Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle by seven lengths before creditable third in International Hurdle (disappointed afterwards); Needed the run badly on his debut at Chepstow but showed that to be all wrong when coming home in his own time at Wincanton (one of only two to complete); Top prospect and should be going well.

Teaforthree: Useful over hurdles last season and since improved going chasing, winning well at Chepstown in heavy ground latest; That a useful performance on it’s own but maybe handicaps beckon after this and might want more of a staying test.

Emmaslegend: Shown great promise with pair of wide margin wins the last twice; Did exactly the same thing in March before disappointing when upped in class; Should find quite a few too good.

VERDICT: A deep looking renewal of a race which has plenty of good winners to its name and two great ones in Gloria Victis and Long Run. It presents GRANDS CRUS with his stiffest test over fences but in two chase wins he’s shown the speed and stamina that made him the main challenger to Big Bucks over hurdles and he can retain his unbeaten record in this sphere. Bobs Worth and Silviniaco Conti, both impressive in their own ways last time, will be major threats.