Newbury Hennessy Meeting 2012 - Worcester Novices' Chase

2.05 Newbury

GPG Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Registered As The Worcester Novices' Chase) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £13,668

Advice: 1 pt win Hadrian’s Approach (5/1 general)

Beneficent: Former point winner  who sprung 50/1 shock in Deloitte Novice Hurdle last year (exposed since); Won at Down Royal on second attempt at chasing in good style and could have more still to give, but probably not as good as his mark suggests.

Hadrian’s Approach: Won all three completed starts, including 2m3f beginners chase at Ascot on reappearance where he didn’t impress with jumping at all but showed great resolve to grab it on the line; Sure to be better for that today and always shaped like he wanted 3m, so highly respected here.

Highland Lodge: Disappointed in Grade 2 at Warwick after two impressive hurdles wins (one heavy, one good to soft) but back on the right track with impressive chancing debut at Towcester and should take the beating today.

Houblon Des Obeaux: Solid if unspectacular hurdler (won off 135 at Cheltenham last year, fourth and sixth at Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals) but already at least as good a chaser, winning well at Worcester and then romping away with Wincanton Grade 2, even if runner up took too long to get going (winner of strong event over 3m at Haydock since) and third had been off absence of more than a year); Should go close.

Harry Topper: Very good hurdler (two wins and second in Grade 2 at Haydock) and game winner over 3m at Exeter on chasing debut when rallying hard to beat Rocky Creek; Should go well here.

Makethemostofnow: Shade fortunate to win on chasing debut (runner-up lost all momentum by ploughing through the last fence) and all four wins at Ffos Las; Unexposed but needs far more here.

VERDICT: Hobloun Des Obeaux is a worthy and strong favourite following his Grade 2 win at Wincaton, but it might pay to take a chance on the potential of HADRIAN’S APPROACH stepped upto three miles. Nicky Henderson’s runner needed every last yard to win at Ascot on his seasonal/chasing debut and with that under his belt, he should be a different proposition here. Harry Topper, Highland Lodge and Beneficent are all respected too.