'She's top-rated and clear even with the penalty. I think she should win this'

Wigley Group Lady Godiva Mares' Novices' Chase (Listed) | 2m4f, 4yo+ F&M | RTV

The chase programme for mares has been controversial now it has touched the Cheltenham Festival, but races like this are a welcome addition to the Pattern, particularly at an early stage of the season.

A majority of the runners have already shown fairly useful form over fences and are now being tested before Christmas. A handful ran in a similar event at Bangor last month, which was won in good style by Zambella.

It is hard to argue against Zambella being the best of that group again. She went through the race like one bound for Graded races and both Liberty Bella and Diva De Vassy were left toiling.

Diva De Vassy has won since, but it is felt that it fell her way. Three out at Huntingdon still leaves around five furlongs to run, but had you wanted to back Midnightreferendum at that stage you would have to have stooped to around 1-3 to get on.

That price seems more than fair given not only the amount of running Midnightreferendum seemed to have left but also the impression she left when winning at Fontwell on her chase debut. She has improved quickly and markedly for the switch to fences. That is to be expected from a daughter of Midnight Legend – on average his progeny improve for fences more than just about any other sire.

There is a little more to learn about both Pink Legend (another Midnight Legend) and Legends Gold (by Gold Well). The latter was going to win at Uttoxeter last time – it was merely a matter of by how far – while Pink Legend seemed to outlast Stolen Silver as much as outclass him at Bangor last time. She was receiving weight, but a face-value interpretation of the form would make her a major player.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Zambella
She was very good on her chase debut at Bangor. I think she's well weighted again as she's the top-rated and clear even with the penalty. I'm very happy with her and I think she should win this race.

Alex Hales, trainer of Flow Away
There are not a lot of options for these fillies so it makes just as much sense to come here as going for a beginners' chase somewhere. I'm looking forward to it and she's a filly we like and who we think will do well over fences. She just lacks a little experience compared to the others in this.

Rebecca Curtis, trainer of Legends Gold
She seemed in good form and is none the worse for her fall last time, she's schooled well. I've been impressed with her two runs over fences and she was running well before falling last time. She's back in trip for this, but I think ridden handily she should be fine here.

Alan King, trainer of Midnightreferendum
She won well on her chase debut at Fontwell only to fall three out at Huntingdon next time: she didn't do a lot wrong there, she just got in a bit tight and unfortunately the landing gear didn't quite come out in time. I'm glad to say she's had three good schools since and doesn't appear to have been worried by her fall. Although this looks a decent contest, she's entitled to be in it and there's not a lot between them on ratings.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Pink Legend
It's a step up in grade from her last run and it looks a competitive race. Hopefully she can run well, but I do think there's a lot more depth in this race compared to last time.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com