NAP Time – 1.15 Cheltenham

taquin-du-seuil-le-bec-full_3019402.jpg

The 1.15 at Cheltenham is an interesting Novices’ Chase as it sees one of last year’s leading staying hurdlers, African Gold, make his first appearance over fences.  Although his hurdling form is of the highest quality he faces a stiff opening assignment as he faces 5 useful rivals and I’ll be looking to take him on with my Nap.

Sign up here and open a new account with Betfred to receive a free bet of up to £25

Undoubtedly the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained African Gold (7/4 Betfred) has the best hurdling form on offer.  He showed an impressive level of ability over the smaller obstacles last year, the highlight of which was finishing a respectable four and a half lengths behind At Fishers Cross over 3 miles in the Albert Barlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.  Un-tried over fences to date, he has the potential to be a very good staying chaser in time and he has always looked the sort to thrive over the larger obstacles.  Although he has been thrown into a hot race, his trainer would have carefully planned his reappearance (has won this race twice in the last five years) and he has the benefit of receiving weight from all his main challengers.

Although this race has only attracted a small field, a trio of runners have made very good first impressions this season over fences.  Starting with the top weight, White Star Line (9/1 Betfred), this 9 year-old has already had a full season novice chasing.  Unable to win last year he returned and put his experience to good use by impressively winning the Kerry National Handicap Chase by 5 lengths before following up with a small field victory at Clonmel.  Unquestionably a 3 mile trip is preferable for this horse as he seemingly has stamina to burn.  Of the 6 runners his form over fences is the best on offer however his potential for improvement may well be limited somewhat.  That coupled with the possibility that he has already peaked and may find giving away weight to younger, less exposed horses difficult, others make far more appeal.

Next on the card is LE BEC (4/1 Ladbrokes) who won his first start over fences comfortably when beating Bear’s Affair (a useful Nicky Henderson novice chaser who is rated 152 over hurdles) by 7 lengths at Uttoxeter over 2m 4f.  His trainer, the in-form Emma Lavelle, commented after his win that this race would be his next target as the 3 mile trip would be ideal.  She also stated that he has a preference for ground that doesn’t come up too soft.  It seems on that basis that conditions today should be ideal and, as he also comfortably deals with small field races, there is a lot to like about his chances.

Another who should run well is the Jonjo O’Neill trained Shutthefrontdoor (11/4 Coral).  This 6 year old’s first start over fences saw him reel in a good quality Donald McCain novice chaser and justify his 4/5 price.  The trip that day was 2m 4f and the horse seemed to lack the necessary tactical speed to stamp his authority on the race but looked to all the world that a step up to 3 miles would see him to best effect.   

The remainder of the field is made up of Bob Ford (16/1 Betfred) and Sam Winner (8/1 Ladbrokes).  The former never really excelled over hurdles but made a good show of it over fences when he finished second to Taquin Du Seuil on his first chase start (the form being franked with Taquin winning yesterday).  Seemingly best suited on heavy ground there are obvious questions as to whether he will be as effective over 3 miles on good ground. 

Sam Winner’s form over fences doesn’t exactly instil a great deal of confidence in his ability to finish a race let alone be in the mix late on.  He had two novice chasing starts last year and fell on each occasion.  He could easily have summered well and make a useful chaser for Paul Nicholls however I would want to watch this first run before thinking about backing him. 

So I am left with a difficult decision.  Although African Gold could well progress into a fine jumper its clear that today he faces some very useful rivals who will make his first run over fences a challenging one.  I’m happy to take him on, on the basis that whatever he does today he’ll come on for the run and may just lack the race-day experience needed to deal with the demanding Cheltenham fences.  The problem for me is choosing between Le Bec and Shutthefrontdoor.  Both will be suited by the step up in trip and both will handle the ground well.  Pushed for a decision I’m going to side with Le Bec.  Shutthefrontdoor only beat a 140 rated horse narrowly last time out even though was in receipt of 5lbs.  Today, off level weights, he faces Le Bec who is not only already rated 142 but who is also open to far more improvement.  Emma Lavelle has targeted this race since his last run and you can be assured that this horse will be primed after a 41 day rest break and should go well with a price that offers a good amount of value.

 

Selection – 

LE BEC (WIN) (4/1 Ladbrokes)

Open an account with Ladbrokes here to receive 3 free £10 bets

Sign up here using promo code THREE10

You will then receive a matched bet of £10 followed by 2 free £10 bets 

An initial £10 bet on LE BEC returns £50 plus 2 free £10 bets

Thatsbettingtips Staff

Thatsbettingtips Staff

Content Contributor at Thatsbettingtips.com
The team behind the betting tips, offers and promotions at tipster website thatsbettingtips.com.

Thatsbettingtips Staff

The team behind the betting tips, offers and promotions at tipster website thatsbettingtips.com.