Punting pointers as top hurdler Wholestone bids to go two from two over fences

3.45 Cheltenham

Matchbook Most Trusted Betting Exchange Novices' Chase | 3m | 5yo + | RTV

Great opportunity for classy Wholestone

This is an unusually strong novice chase for the time of year, the depth of quality no doubt aided by recent rain and the guarantee of cut in the ground.

None of the eight runners has an official hurdles mark lower than 132, but there is no question that Wholestone is the standout on form with his hurdles mark of 153 and after an easy chase win at Perth, where he came home alone.

His three Cheltenham wins from no fewer than 11 starts at the track include two at Grade 2 level, and although he came up short in the big staying hurdles at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring, his earlier Ascot win was of a merit none of his rivals could match.

Nigel Twiston-Davies: excited by Wholestone going chasingCredit: Edward Whitaker

Nigel Twiston-Davies is excited by him and said: "He was a very classy stayer over hurdles and I'm hoping he might be an even better chaser. He's already had a go over fences at Perth, where he won. I'm looking forward to him."

Experience is key

The last ten winners of this novice chase were all previous winners over fences, and all bar two of them were already multiple chase winners.

Last year's winner Lil Rockerfeller was unusual in that he had run just once over fences, winning at Uttoxeter. The 2017 winner Black Corton had already won four times.

Dinons: the Irish raider is experienced, having won three of his five chasesCredit: John Grossick

Dinons, whose trainer Gordon Elliott won this race with Chicago Grey and Traffic Article, has already won three of his five races over fences, while Boyhood and Wholestone have both been successful in their only previous start.

Poor race for favourites

Nine out of the last ten winners went off at single-figure odds, but only two of them started favourite. Lil Rockerfeller, a 5-6 chance, was the first winning favourite since Just Amazing in 2009.

What they say

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Aye Aye Charlie
He didn't do a lot wrong over hurdles and he's a half-brother to our Midlands National winner Chase The Spud, so we've always felt chasing would be his job. He likes Cheltenham and we are looking forward to it.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Minella Warrior
He had a good season over hurdles and we are looking forward to starting him over fences. It's a competitive race but I've been very happy with his schooling.

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Mulcahys Hill
I'm putting his first season over fences down to the after-effects of a hard campaign over hurdles the season before. He's come back looking absolutely brilliant, and he's schooled well. He's fit enough, and if he gets into a nice rhythm and produces his top form, he'll run well, as what I'm seeing at home has all been very encouraging.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Present Ranger
He's probably out of his depth at this stage of his life but I'm keen to get him started over fences on a nice track with not too many runners.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father Colin, trainer of Rockpoint
He's not the most consistent but he's a fair horse on his day and we've tweaked his wind, which was a job that had been coming for a while. He's a Grade 2 novice winner over hurdles at Cheltenham and if he reproduces that sort of form he's got a chance. He jumps particularly well.

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