The novice chase over the intermediate distance of 2 miles 5 furlongs was introduced in 2011 and sponsored by Jewson (who transferred their sponsorship from the novices handicap, which is now run as the last race of day 1). The race is aimed at those horses who are not considered speedy enough for the Arkle but lacking the stamina for the RSA, typically horses who you would think would progress to contest the Ryanair at the following years festival. The 3 winners to date have been Noble Prince, Sir Des Champs and Benefficient. For the 2014 running the race will be upgraded from a Grade 2 to a Grade 1 event. As of January 3rd 2014 the market is taking shape quite nicely, although of course the question of who will run in which novice race also affects ante post punters in this heat. Here the current betting from Bet365 (courtesy of oddschecker) - link to latest prices HERE Oscar Whisky 7 Champagne Fever 8 Wonderful Charm 9 Taquin De Seuil 10 Felix Younger 12 Vukovar, Morning Assembly, Rock On Ruby, Uxizandre, Dodging Bullets 14 16/1 bar List of key trials is HERE Oscar Whisky and Taquin De Seuil look very likely to run in this as opposed to the Arkle and, based on their meeting in the Dipper Novices Chase at Cheltenham on New Years Day, one would have to say Oscar Whisky is a worthy favourite. As he goes on any ground the key question is likely to be "Who will turn up to challenge him"?
I think Wonderful Charm could be a great bet for this race. He was just touched off by Oscar Whisky at Cheltenham over the extended course and distance last month trying to concede 8lb which I thought was a great performance - Watching the race back people may argue that Wonderful Charm if good enough should have gone past Oscar Whisky and he showed a great turn of speed to bridge the gap approaching the second last but I think the weight told in the end and with the easy lead OW was allowed to have with Barry stealing one at the start it probably made the difference 1/2 a length in it in the end. I do admit that Oscar Whisky is a very classy animal as he's proved on numerous occasions but if you took the race between the two at face value I think Wonderful Charm came out of the race the better. I think at 10/1 he as a great chance of reversing the form off level weights. To be honest though I think every horse in this race would be running for second if Champagne Fever turns up in it. He looks a stayer allover as apposed to an Arkle horse for Me!
