Cheltenham Festival (Day 3, Race 1)
Jewson Novice Chase (1.30)
Advice: 1 pt win Peddlers Cross (4/1 Hills)
Bold Sir Brian: Not out of first two over fences and
impressive in last two northern wins were those of an improving horse, drawing
clear on the bridle; worry that he one Graded try on good ground results in a
well beaten seventh place but deserves respect even in this climate. 
Champion Court: Had the makings of a very useful prospect
last season when fourth in last year’s Albert Bartlett; Shown promise over
fences, winning well before then being given too hard a task when trying to
give 5lbs to Grands Crus (seems like he needed a longer trip); Disappointing
second to Join Together followed up by convincing front running win over this
C&D and respected here despite tougher opposition combined with fact that
he’s 3lbs worse off with Solix.
Cristal Bonus: High class at his best; Successful 4 times in
France but best effort came in defeat
(second) in Grade 1 at Auteuil; Didn’t build on that in two runs here last
season but beautiful round of jumping on debut for this yard at Chepstow; 
Duke Of Lucca: Very useful hurdler who was once bordering on
top class in novice season; Jumped well enough on chasing debut at Chepstow but
caught a tartar in Soilx next time out; Had decent rival beaten when he fell at
Wincanton but struggled when put into a handicap and wll beaten by Cristal
Bonus last time out; Much, much more needed. 
For Non Stop: Looks at least as good over fences, if not
better than he was over hurdles, and gained deserved first win over bigger
obstacles when a game winner over Michael Flips at Newbury in Grade 1; This
another little step up but proven himself all the time this season.
Micheal Flips: Taken fairly well to fences, winning nicely
on his second start over fences at Ascot before bigger and better company got
to him; Took advantage of good handicap mark to win at Taunton; Best effort
since when second to For Non Stop last time and respected based on that for all
that form doesn’t look like getting turned around.
Peddlers Cross: Top class over hurdles, unbeaten in 7 before
finding just Hurricane Fly too good in last year’s Champion Hurdle (over the
top for Aintree disappointment); Impeccable start to chasing, barely coming off
bridle to make it 2-2 over fences from good rival (who won Grade 1 over
hurdles) at Bangor on second of two runs; Wheels came off when injuring himself
at Kempton (not seen since) and doubts about his wellbeing (especially with him
having missed the Arkle) have seen confidence wane in his chances but stable in
superb form this week, and as good a horse as any in this race, so must be
seriously respected. 
Red Tanber: Transformed over fences from his hurdling form with
five wins from seven races, dropping back in trip with ease to win at Kelso
last time; This a whole level above that and needs far more, so others
preffered.
Sir Des Champs: French import who was unbeaten over hurdles,
having won well at Navan before impressive win at the Cheltenham Festival,
having looked beaten before running on late to grab the prize at the line; Three
from three over fences, jumping with zest on his debut before getting a little
lucky when game mare ran out two out (had him in trouble) in Limerick Grade 2;
Best win yet when getting up cosily giving 5lbs to Hidden Cyclone (exposed
outsider between them); Would want to improve once again to be playing a big
part here but hard not to think he’s improved since last year and one of the
main players. 
Solix: 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); Error strewn
when winning a weak novice chase but much improved since when second (giving
3lbs) to Champion Court latest; Not without his chance for all this is much
tougher. 
Zaynar: Had proven disappointing since promising so much as
4 & 5 y-o for Nicky Henderson over 2 years, ending up with current yard
after being moved; Looked to be showing old sparkle when running out wide
margin winner of Grade 2 event at Ascot in December; Creditable fourth under
topweight in handicap there and never had a chance with Sprinter Sacre and co
at Newbury but tried to refuse when unseating last time and needs more here in
any case.
VERDICT: Ever since he moved from the Arkle to this race,
there have been doubts over PEDDLERS CROSS’S wellbeing, but it’s since been
proven that losing that badly to Sprinter Sacre was no disgrace and if he’d
indeed in better physical shape for this, then he must have a big chance, with
his two Bangor wins showing that his fencing isn’t of any great concern despite
the fact he’s reportedly missed schooling sessions in the run up this, and the
great form of his stable this week including a lot of confidence in his
chances. Sir Des Champs is still unbeaten over jumps and looks sure to relish
the test that Cheltenham provides, while Cristal Bonus and For Non Stop look to
be progressive chasers and look well up to this class in a strong renewal.
Dipper Chase 1-2 Champion Court and Solix may have the placing reversed on 3lbs
better terms, although this looks like a much better renewal now.
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