Can Dan Skelton-trained Hoe Joly Smoke get off the mark at the seventh attempt under rules?

The only horse in the field without a win under rules is early favourite Hoe Joly Smoke, so is he being overrated by the layers?

There have been positive signs from the Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old despite his 0-6 career record. He traded at an in-running low of 1.21 on Betfair before fluffing the last at Uttoxeter on his chasing debut last time, while the winner Resplendent Grey hit an in-play high of 30 before his superior engine kicked into play. 

Hoe Joly Smoke probably met a Graded performer there and we will get another gauge regarding the strength of that form when Resplendent Grey contests the earlier Esher Novices’ Chase earlier on the card. Related double enthusiasts should be alive to the possibility of both horses going close.

Hoe Joly Smoke is surely capable of much better as a chaser and Skelton’s 15 per cent record when applying a first-time tongue-tie is about on par with his overall strike-rate (17 per cent). 

There are other interesting profiles. Many may recall Jupiter Du Gite producing one of the most taking juvenile performances of the season at Newbury around two years ago for Gary Moore. Stretching out to 3m is a surprising but potentially worthwhile move. 

Jupiter Du Gite: steps up to three milesCredit: Mark Cranham

Jupiter Allen had his Exeter success franked by the ill-fated Abuffalosolider at Cheltenham’s November meeting and is another low-mileage chaser to note, while cheekpieces are fitted to the progressive Beachcomber for Jonjo and AJ O’Neill. They are 0-7 with such runners since AJ joined the licence.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

AJ O'Neill, co-trainer of Beachcomber
He made the odd mistake last time at Exeter although at Chepstow we were very happy with how he jumped. He's had plenty of practice since so I hope he jumps more like that. The ground will be softer and it'll be interesting to see how he goes on it.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Passing Well
Last season he looked a little weak and didn't see out three miles, but he's stronger now and over two and a half miles at Sandown last time he looked like he definitely wanted to go further. The ground will be fine for him.

Jane Williams, trainer of Jupiter Allen
It's a bit of a better race than the one he won at Exeter but it's a similar track and he likes going right-handed. He jumps for fun so should like it around there. The ground isn't a concern, he'll go on anything bar extremes.

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