Keith Melrose with his thoughts on a competitive novice handicap chase

1.15 CheltenhamTimeform Novices' Handicap Chase | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | RTV

If there is a non-Pattern handicap over jumps that deserves an upgrade, a more worthy candidate than this race does not come to mind. It works as a festival trial, too. Mister Whitaker completed the double in the Close Brothers two years ago and last year's winner Kildisart was a creditable fourth in the JLT.

This year's running has brought together another group of highly promising sorts. In general, those winning lower-level handicaps are less interesting than some of the others. Imperial Aura is favourite, having pressed Pym for a long way off level weights last time. His chance is clear.

Mercy Mercy Me won a similar event at Sandown earlier in the month, which is reflected in an 8lb rise, but he could easily improve again granted a test of stamina. Similar applies to Gowiththeflow, up 5lb for finishing second last time but had the winner not given them the slip he might well be coming here with a 1 against his name.

Sully D'Oc AA is another who has been shaping as though well handicapped. His jumping needs to improve, but a slew of mistakes did not stop Kildisart 12 months ago.

The field should not lack for early pace. Cloudy Glen tends to stride on and has been ridden notably aggressively on occasion. On The Slopes and Champagne Court may not be as hard-wired front-runners, but should race close enough to keep him honest. The greater the test, the better for the likes of Jarveys Plate, Court Master and On The Slopes himself.

The main tip in this race is to watch and learn as there are certain to be plenty of future winners thrown up. For a bet on the day, the tentative vote would go to Gowiththeflow.
Keith Melrose

Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase prices

Simpy The Betts 25-1
Champagne Court 25-1
Imperial Aura 25-1
Encore Champs 33-1

Key stat

No favourite has won this race in the last ten years, with the best finishing position a market leader managing being third (Spiritofthegames in 2019).

What they say

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Jarveys Plate
He was unlucky in a Grade 1 last time as he got hampered at a key time and was beaten further than he should have been. I'm delighted with him and we're looking forward to running. Connor takes off 3lb which is a help too.

Jeremy Scott, trainer of Champagne Court
He came back a little dirty after his last run at Plumpton. He made a bit of a noise that day, which we think was the fact he was a bit dirty, but we've stuck a tongue-tie on anyway. Whether he's that well handicapped I'm not sure, but he's in good form.

Champagne Court: two from two over fencesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Harry Whittington, trainer of Simply The Betts
He's a horse we've always liked and we were pleased with his first two races over fences. His best form is left-handed and he jumped out to his left at Kempton last time before really staying on. He's got a good engine.

Ian Robinson, syndicate manager for Imperial Racing, owners of Imperial Aura
He's a nice horse and he's well handicapped, there's no doubt about that. The stable's horses aren't running great and we've had blood tests on the horse and decided to give it a go as he needs another run if he's going to go to Cheltenham. Hopefully if he's missed the bug then he should run a good race.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Mercy Mercy Me
He stayed on strongly to win last time and I think he's an improving horse. I'd like to think he has a good chance again.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Cloudy Glen
It was a deserved win for him last time even though the race cut up to a match. He's in good order but it's a very competitive race.

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