'He's got endless stamina' - smart stayers clash as professional riders step in

4.50 Cheltenham
Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase (Grade 2) | 3m6f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

It is more than arguable that the decision by Royale Pagaille's connections to target the Gold Cup on Friday has had a greater impact on the National Hunt Chase than Energumene or Thyme Hill's setbacks had on the Arkle and Stayers' Hurdles fields respectively.

Or, put another way, Galvin's task got quite a bit easier on Sunday morning but at least when he was second-favourite jockey Jack Kennedy would have known where the danger was.

Kennedy is something of a late replacement, as when Galvin was last seen on the racecourse in October and this race was nominated as his next target the expectation was for the usual conditions: amateur riders only.

It is worth pausing to consider the wider implications of professional riders in the longest conventional chase at the festival.

Since the National Hunt Chase moved to the Tuesday in 2014, it has without fail been the slowest race on the card. That is not just in reference to time above the Racing Post standard, but the per-furlong difference. In soft-ground renewals the last three years, only one, one and three horses respectively have finished within 30 lengths of the winner.

The National Hunt Chase puts a firm emphasis on stamina and at least part of that is down to the eagerness of a small number of the riders in the field. This year the jockeys are generally a lot more experienced and the ground seems certain to be no more testing, at the least. The result could be a more measured renewal in which class is demanded just as much as stamina.

In terms of trends the class pointer in this year's renewal is not Next Destination, as plenty of Hampton winners have come here next, but Remastered. He is only the second Reynoldstown winner to contest the National Hunt Chase since 2007.

Remastered: leading player for Tom Scudamore and David PipeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

If this renewal is to be turned into a thorough test, it is probably down to Tom Scudamore. Remastered found plenty for him at Ascot and looked all over the type to benefit from a forceful ride whatever the trip.

There are three runners with higher RPRs to their name over fences. It would be only slightly provocative to call Galvin's win here in October summer form – the only rival to give their running was the reopposing Soldier Of Love, who was also active over the summer. Admittedly, Galvin would be top-rated on his second to Imperial Aura at last year's festival anyway.

Escaria Ten, along with Next Destination and Remastered, is the other runner who would have been expected to turn up elsewhere had Royale Pagaille been declared. He was also in the Ultima and his mark of 147 looked pretty appealing for that race. His 20-length win over Ministerforsport in December was hard to weigh up. His subsequent second to Eklat De Rire, who looks set to go for Wednesday's Broadway Novices' Chase, was undeniably smart.

Last word has to go Next Destination. His switch was announced within minutes of Royale Pagaille's by his trainer Paul Nicholls, acting like a man who knows he now holds top pair. Against many observers' judgement, the Broadway had long been mooted as the likelier option for Next Destination. But Nicholls is one of the best race-planners around and keeping this option alive, in case Royale Pagaille waited for the Gold Cup, is odds-on to have been his work. I for one will be investing in the hope that it pays off.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

Nicholls eyes National Hunt Chase first

Paul Nicholls and owner Malcolm Denmark spent three hours on the phone discussing which Cheltenham Festival race to target with smart prospect Next Destination, before agreeing to tackle the National Hunt Chase on Tuesday.

The classy nine-year-old has excelled since joining the Ditcheat ranks at the start of this season, most notably with two impressive wins over fences at Newbury and then Warwick.

But now this former Grade 1 winning hurdler is to face a more stamina-sapping test in this age-old chase which has caught out many a top talent in its long history.

Next Destination: is two from two over fences this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

And regardless of who wins, the 2021 running of the race will be one for the record books with Covid-19 protocols denying the chance for the amateur jockeys to shine with the race restricted only to professionals.

The National Hunt Chase is one of a select group of staying handicap chases to elude the 11-time champion trainer and Next Destination is part of a two-pronged attack for Nicholls along with Soldier Of Love.

Nicholls said: "Next Destination has come back from injury and had a good run over hurdles and won his two chases. He looks like he's got endless stamina and I hope this is the right race for him.

"Soldier Of Love was second to Galvin in a nice race in October and last time he was probably over the top because he'd been on the go since April. He's got a bit to do but he's a tough, genuine horse who always gives a good running."

Going one better?

Brocade Racing's star Native River was second in this race in 2016 before going on to Gold Cup glory two years later. This year the owners run Remastered, their first runner in the race in the five years since.

What they say

David Pipe, trainer of Eden Du Houx and Remastered
The rain would've helped Remastered's chances. He's done really well this season and gives the impression the step up in trip would suit. Hopefully he's got a good each-way chance. Eden Du Houx is a good horse on his day. David Noonan will switch him off and he'll creep around.

Denise Foster, trainer of Escaria Ten
He's just a lovely staying chaser in the making. You couldn't fault what he's done over fences so far. The trip will be fine for him.

Escaria Ten: the mount of Adrian HeskinCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Willie Mullins, trainer of Lord Royal
He jumps very well and a change of tactics last time worked out well. He will be staying on at the finish and could gain a share of the place money at least.

Denis Hogan, trainer of Macgiloney
He has plenty of experience and stays well but I would have preferred the rain to have stayed away.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Nestor Park
He'll really enjoy a bit of a cut in the ground and he's been crying out for this sort of a trip. He's a very talented horse and would have won a couple this season had his jumping not let him down slightly. I don't think it's beyond the realms of possibility that he could be competitive.

Joe Tizzard, assistant and son to Colin, trainer of Ofalltheginjoints
He was wrong up at Doncaster but we've had this in mind for a while. He's in good nick and goes well fresh. It's a competitive enough race but we think he's got a nice race in him.

Nick Gifford, trainer of The Mighty Don
He's more of a good ground horse although he's got form on soft. If he gets into a rhythm then realistically we're hoping to nick a place, and that would have to be his very best form. We're hopeful.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Snow Leopardess
This has always been the target ever since she won at Haydock in November. There's no reason why she can't go very well, I think with the 7lb mares' allowance that puts her in the mix.
Reporting by James Stevens

Tuesday's race previews:

1.20 Cheltenham: will the cream rise to the top in smallest Supreme field in modern history?

1.55 Cheltenham: dangers await but here's why Shishkin should have all bases covered in Arkle

2.30 Cheltenham: Happygolucky has 'outstanding chance' to bring Bass and Bailey glory in Ultima

3.05 Cheltenham: Goshen goes in search of redemption for Moores in Champion Hurdle

A champion on the wane and a challenger ready to reign: who wins the big clash? (Members' Club)

Who do racing's finest experts fancy to win a vintage Champion Hurdle (Members' Club)

3.40 Cheltenham: can Concertista take her place among greats in quality running?

4.15 Cheltenham: Mullins hoping drop in class pays dividends for Saint Sam and Youmdoor in Boodles