Keith Melrose casts his expert eye over fascinating four-runner contest

2.25 Cheltenham
SSS Super Alloys Supports Racing Welfare Novices Chase | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Half of this field were also novice chasers last season, which would be unusual for what is normally a highly competitive affair. At least part of that situation arises from the unique novice rules this season.

Southfield Stone won his first chase on February 1 and as such will remain a novice until the end of this month. He has already taken advantage by winning here last month, when his experience played a significant part and he was more superior than the margin suggests.

Paint The Dream is a maiden over fences and his second in the Dipper on New Year's Day is a little flattering, as he would only have been a well-held third had Champ stood up. Part of the reason he has not yet won a chase is because he is a three-miler playing over shorter, although he would not be the first such horse to win this.

Protektorat: won on his chase debut at Carlisle last monthCredit: John Grossick Racing

Similar comments apply to Mossy Fen, whose chase debut came here last month over three miles and, not for the first time, he was caught out by a muddling pace. The Grade 2 Leamington, his best run as a novice hurdler, was run at a comparatively decent pace.

The likely favourite is Protektorat, who won on his chase debut at Carlisle last month. He tended to jump left but that is of no great concern, certainly not going this way around. Of slightly more concern was his pronounced knee action.

All of his best hurdles form was in the mud and, while Carlisle's ground was described as good to soft, it was changed to soft by the end of the meeting and that call seems to have been belated.

It is fair to say that less testing conditions remain an unknown for Protektorat and there is reason to think he may be at his best when the mud is flying.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Southfield Stone
He jumped and ran well last time. I hope his experience will count. It looks as though Dan Skelton's runner is the main opposition but ours is well and I hope he'll improve for the run.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Protektorat
We've been happy with him since Carlisle and he schooled well yesterday. This is a better race and Paul's horse brings a different level of form to the table so he will have to up his game but we're happy with him and looking forward to it.

Sam Twiston-Davies, rider of Mossy Fen
He's looked a different horse at home since his comeback run at the track last month and this step back in trip should suit.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Paint The Dream
It's a competitive race but he has previous course experience which will help. He ran well in the Dipper and goes there in top shape.

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