totepool Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Registered As Noel Novices' Chase) 2011

2.30 Ascot

totepool Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Registered As Noel Novices' Chase) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £16,881

Advice: 1 pt each/way Frascati Park (9/1 general)

Chablais: Deeply impressive on only PTP start and unbeaten still since, winning with good deal in hand at Kempton on rescheduled King George Day; Won what turned into a match soon on his chasing debut, where he jumped markedly left before winning on the bridle; This a far more daunting test although he has a lot more to offer and jumping would be a worry if same problem appeared again.

 

Frascati Park: Showed useful form when winning twice over hurdles last season (having the advantage of a severely below par Sprinter Sacre for his win here) and 2-2 over fences, impressive when drawing away at Carlisle last time; Not to be underestimated.

Michael Flips: Useful over hurdles and made very encouraging chase debut when second to Cue Card; May have had race given to him by poor jumping of others here latest but not to be discredited for that; Interesting.

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’s good enough, we’ve not seen the best of him for a good while.

Kumbeshwar: Near the best of these over hurdles, coming second in two Grade 1 events after hard fought Cheltenham Festival third of lumpy weight; Had proven disappointing over hurdles this season but impressive chasing debut means he’s worthy of great respect.

 

Pacha Du Polder: Only won once in France, but that a deeply impressive 9 length win which saw him sent to Paul Nicholls this season; Won on debut over fences, largely solid in the main before being driven out fully to beat useful Eradicate on chasing debut at Sandown, having raced exuberantly beforehand; Would need to improve a little more and stamina might be called on in ground that could well be alled soft, but likeable nonetheless.

VERDICT: With the ground likely to be soft by the off, it’s not hard to see the appeal in the solid jumper FRASCATI PARK, who has good form, handles the ground and has little caveats. Chablais would appeal to be the one with most to give, but he was poor in the jumping department on his debut while he’s never run on soft ground, something that also serves caution with Kumbeshwar. Pacha Du Polder looks as good s any now but would need to settle to enhance his chances here.