1.30 Cheltenham Festival (Day 3, Race 1)
Jewson Novices' Chase (Registered As The Golden Miller
Novices' Chase) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (5YO
plus)
Winner £56,950
Advice: 3 pts win Dynaste (6/4 general)
Aupcharlie: Had been disappointing over hurdles but much
better chaser, as he showed with fantastic round of jumping at Gowran Park
before twice being outstayed by National Hunt Chase 1-2 (and 19 lengths clear
of the rest at that) over 3m the last twice; Drop in trip should help him and
solid shout. 
Benefficent: Surprise winner of Deloitte Hurdle last year
and repeated the trick in Irish Arkle, but that race fell completely into his
lap and this a far tougher affair. 
Captain Conan: Always going to be a chaser (second to Darlan
over hurdles best form over smaller obstacles) and proven true to his word with
three wins so far, although he was at his least impressive when scraping home
in Sandown Grade 1; Heavy ground well against him through and should go much
better today.
Changing Times: Had looked extremely progressive when front
running earlier on in the season and probably better than able to show last
time, but still looks to have imitations exposed. 
Desert Cry: Shown plenty to suggest that he would be a much
better chaser than hurdler, and that been shown with impressive wins over 2m;
One win from 3 came on good ground, while his latest second suggests
limitations; Others preferred.
Dynaste: The form horse of the field based on his three wins
before Christmas, the last of which was particularly impressive Feltham romp;
Not much in behind on that occasion based upon RSA result yesterday but he was
nine lengths clear and eased down late on; Not seen since then but absence no
problem and this trip should suit more than slog that the RSA was yesterday;
Big chance. 
Marito: Useful hurdler who has made into an even better
chaser, winning first two starts in good style before close up third to Texas
Jack in Grade 2 last time (Lord Windermere second that day, won RSA at 3m);
Hard to see him reversing that form but not without a chance. 
Module: Hard not to think that he’d be 4-4 in Britain but
for falling on October chase debut, and couldn’t have done much more in winning
his other three races (on heavy); Can go close although this a much better
standard of race. 
Molotof: Grade 2 winner over hurdles and about as good as a
chaser; Long way behind Dynaste in Feltham even if he didn’t stay properly and
fortunate Grade 2 second; Others make more appeal for today. 
Sire Collonges: Another in the field mererely biding his
time before going over fences; Impressive at Folkestone and taking here over
3m, but flop last time (soft ground said to be problem); This tougher and may
be outsped. 
Texas Jack: Threatened to become disappointing when over
hurdles and once again over fences, but really got his act together of late,
and collared by Boston Bob in PJ Moiriarty which is working out really
strongly; Should go very well here. 
Third Intention: Winner over hurdles here (good) and made
Captain Conan work every step of the way at Sandown latest; However failed to
get past him and hard to believe he’s going to reverse form today. 
Argocat: Winner on the flat and over hurdles, and impressive
when scoring twice over fences at Limerick this term, notably in Grade 2 over
Christmas; Potential for more from just this 5yo, but steep step in class.
VERDICT: If he can reproduce the form he showed when winning
the Feltham easily, DYNASTE looks to be a class ahead of some decent rivals
here. His C&D course win earlier in the campaign was hugely impressive, and
he goes well enough fresh for the 76 day absence not to be a concern.
Aupcharlie, Captain Conan, Texas Jack, and the progressive Module are all
rivals who should be taken seriously.
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