Pencilfulloflead out to stamp Cheltenham ticket in intriguing Grade 3

3.15 Naas
Naas Racecourse Business Club Novice Chase (Grade 3) | 3m1f | 5yo+| RTV

Deep stamina reserves will be required by whoever manages to land this Grade 3, a race that can sometimes provide clues for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, albeit last year's winner Carefully Selected unseated as the 10-11 favourite for that prize.

Florida Pearl Chase scorer Pencilfulloflead is the standout in the field of eight novices and bids to go one better than his near miss in a Christmas Grade 1 at Limerick when just touched off by Colreevy.

Already one of the leading contenders for the Festival Novices' Chase, priced between 12-1 and 16-1, Robcour's strong-staying seven-year-old should be well equipped for this sort of test but the biggest question mark is whether he can give 8lb and a beating to his rivals.

Escaria Ten: imposing sort impressed at Thurles last timeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The biggest threat to the Gordon Elliott-trained performer could hail from his own stable in Escaria Ten, a wide-margin Thurles winner on his last outing six weeks ago.

The mount of Jack Kennedy clearly progressed from his chasing introduction when fifth to Monkfish and there's every chance we haven't seen the best of him yet. He is possibly one who could relish the demands of the National Hunt Chase.

Eklat De Rire, a pretty taking winner at Punchestown in December, looks the strongest contender in Henry de Bromhead's two-pronged attack.

The choice of Rachael Blackmore is unexposed, looks a strong stayer and has plenty going for him, other than being unproven in Graded company.

Eklat De Rire: decisive winner at Punchestown over 3m1½f last monthCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

De Bromhead's other representative Eleazar Des Neiges will need to reverse form with Forza Milan, who came from the clouds to get off the mark over fences at Fairyhouse this month, a race in which Thyestes winner Coko Beach finished third.

Forza Milan's experience is an asset to him here. He is set to have his 13th start over fences and the trip should play to his strengths as he aims to go one better than last year when second to Carefully Selected.

Don't rule out a bold showing from Eurobot for Noel Meade. We didn't see the best of him in Grade 1 company over Christmas when his jumping let him down, but the return to a slower surface could suit this relentless galloper well.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Pencilfulloflead and Escaria Ten
Pencilfulloflead has to give a Graded penalty away whereas Escaria Ten is coming out of a beginners' chase. They're both in good form and should love the ground and trip.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Eklat De Rire and Eleazar Des Neiges
They seem in good form and hopefully the trip should suit them both. I think the ground should be okay for them.

Eurobot: bids to extend Noel Meade's good record in this Grade 3Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Noel Meade, trainer of Eurobot
He didn't really travel at Leopardstown last time but hopefully he runs well, although this looks a hot race. I think he'll be okay on the ground.

James Nash, trainer of Forza Milan
He's stepping up in grade but will love the trip and ground. He seems in great order.

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