Lil Rockerfeller faces quality rivals on swift return from Cheltenham exit

2.30 Ascot
Noel Novices' Chase | Grade 2 | 2m5f | RTV

Lil Rockerfeller makes a quick attempt to get his chasing career back on track only a week after falling at the second fence at Cheltenham.

In a fascinating four-runner affair, the Neil King-trained seven-year-old takes on the unbeaten Vinndication, as well as last-time-out winners Count Meribel and Jerrysback – in a contest won in 2013 by subsequent Arkle winner Simonsig.

Before unseating Wayne Hutchinson at Cheltenham, Lil Rockerfeller had made a polished start to his first season over fences, posting a hat-trick at Uttoxeter, Cheltenham and Exeter.

However, those successes all occurred on good ground and the former Grade 2-winning hurdler is now faced with the soft conditions that have not always suited him in the past.

Part-owner Andy Smith said: "Lil Rockerfeller had an early spill at Cheltenham, after which he proceeded to jump every other fence riderless. He's come out of that fine and this is all about getting his confidence back.

"We did have him in the Long Walk Hurdle on Saturday but we've decided to stick over fences. Hopefully he'll put in a clear round but if the ground went heavy he would be a doubtful runner as he doesn't handle it."

The shortest of the four in the betting at 20-1 for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham is the unbeaten Vinndication.

The Kim Bailey-trained five-year-old has won his bumper, three novice hurdles and his first attempt over fences at Carlisle last month.

Vinndication (left) jumps a fence in the 2m4f novice chase at HuntingdonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Bailey said: "This will tell us if he's any good or not as there will be no hiding place in what looks a strong race. I'm a big fan of Jerrysback, who won at Bangor, and Count Meribel has some good form in the book. Add to that Lil Rockerfeller, who has had only one slip up, and it looks a really good race.

"We were originally going to Cheltenham last weekend but the ground was too quick there and this slower surface is what he wants," Bailey added. "He's come on for his debut, but he'll have to have done."

Count Meribel, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, is unbeaten in two starts over fences after November victories at Carlisle and Cheltenham.

The trainer said: "They all look to be rated pretty much the same and he deserves to take his chance after how he battled to win at Cheltenham last time, despite hitting the second-last.

Watch Count Meribel win at Cheltenham last month

"The ground should be fine for him and he likes Ascot having won there over hurdles."

The field is completed by Jerrysback, trained by Philip Hobbs, who sprung a 50-1 shock at Bangor on his last appearance earlier this month.

With a mark of 144, the six-year-old is just 4lb shy of Count Meribel on official ratings and represents a stable in tremendous form.

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