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The Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase is run over 2m 4M 1/2F of the new course at Cheltenham racecourse. No favourite has won in the last nine years. It was formerly used as a trial for the now defunct 2m 4 1/F novices handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Let’s take a look at where I think the betting value is ahead of this race on Saturday.
Stage Star
Classy type who carries top weight. Trained by Paul Nicholls, he’s won two of his three starts over fences in small fields. Quite hard to assess under such a big weight. Harry Cobden rides.
Fern Hill
More experienced over fences than most here. Won at Uttoxeter in November but badly blew out at Kempton since off of new mark. Probably needs some respite from the handicapper. Trained by Ben Case and ridden by Jack Quinlan.
Unexpected Party
Makes his handicap chase debut following three runs over fences, behind useful sorts McFabulous and Jonbon prior to getting turned over at odds on at Leicester. Trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by his brother Harry.
Datsalrightgino
Jamie Snowden’s seven year old was a winner at Chepstow in November but was put up 9lb by the handicapper and beaten in similar company since twice off of new mark. Steps up in trip here will need to improve him.
Llandinabo Lad
Has come up short in three similar contests over the minimum trip and will need the new trip to improve him. Trained by Tom Symonds and ridden by David Noonan.
Any News
Five runs over the bigger obstacles but no sign of winning yet and Neil Mulholland’s charge will need to step his game up. Has dropped 4lb for his latest defeat and ridden today by Richie McLernon.
Malinello
Made a winning handicap chase debut at Newcastle in November following a 686 day absence under today’s jockey Luca Morgan and wasn’t disgraced when third to Tea For Free since at Newbury. Dropped a pound and drops in trip. Ben Pauling’s eight year old can be competitive here.
Panic Attack
Trained in Somerset by David Pipe. Looked good when winning on his chasing debut at Huntingdon in November and wasn’t disgraced in warm novices’ handicap chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Tom Scudamore rides and not out of it.
Iamastar
Owned by amateur rider David Maxwell and trained by Minehead based trainer Philip Hobbs he showed little on his UK debut and will be ridden by his enthusiastic owner today.
Dalamoi
Looked good when winning at Kempton over this trip on his fencing debut back in November and not disgraced at Chepstow the following month. Was with the leaders when falling at 6th on latest start and should be thereabouts for Welsh trainer Tim Vaughan and jockey Alan Johns.
Fire Dancer
Defied a 815 day absence when winning at Ludlow on his UK debut three weeks ago. Raised 6lb for that win and Venetia Williams’ seven year old may have more to give as long as he doesn’t bounce. Charlie Deutsch rides.
Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase betting tips
Plenty in with a chance in this competitive novices’ handicap chase. Ben Pauling’s Malinello has shown a good level of form this season in two starts over fences and could be the one here. Although respect is given to Fire Dancer, Dalamoi and Panic Attack.
Malinello (each way) 15/2 Betfred 1/5th 1234
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All odds accurate at time of writing.
