Lavelle and Keighley seek five-timers - but Irish raiders could hold the key

Friday: 3.20 Cheltenham
888Sport Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) | 2m4f | 4yo+ | RTV

Just five go to post for this novice event but it couldn't be described as anything other than tricky and competitive.

Ruling out any of the quintet with certainty is difficult, partially due to the tremendous form in which Hang In There and Found On arrive, both seeking a fifth straight win over fences.

Emma Lavelle has done a masterful job of placing top-rated Hang In There, who has recorded his winning sequence in three- or four-runner races at odds of 6-4, 1-20, 4-6 and 2-5.

Martin Keighley: runs Found OnCredit: Edward Whitaker

This is a much stiffer test but he's proven over the trip and is a course winner, having landed a Grade 2 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Trial in 2019.

Found On, representing Martin Keighley, has also done her recent winning in no bigger than four-runner fields at relatively short odds, improving from a mark of 110 to 132 in the process.

Tullybeg couldn't be described as one of Gordon Elliott's stable stars but got back on track with a decent performance at Wexford last month.

He appreciates a sound surface and returns to the scene of an encouraging Pertemps qualifier fifth at this meeting last year.

Champagne Gold runs off 5lb higher than his Irish chasing mark but could have more to offer if building on his solid Galway festival third in Grade 3 company 85 days ago.

Champagne Gold: runs off 5lb higher than his Irish chasing markCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

It's possible a little spacing between runs suits him, and he's probably the one to beat if delivering his A game.

Pull Again Green, last seen winning a 2m4½f novice hurdle here in April, has some useful hurdles form but lacks the chasing experience of his rivals now making his debut over fences.

'It's a hot race but she's got a good chance'

In-form mare Found On has gone on her recent winning spree at trips ranging from 2m5½f to 3m, but trainer Martin Keighley is not concerned about dropping in distance for her toughest test to date.

"She's wrapped up four really good wins over fences now and brings a lot of experience to the race," said Keighley.

"We're dropping back in trip slightly but around Cheltenham that wouldn't be a worry. It's a hot little race but she goes there with a good chance."

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Champagne Gold
He's in good form and seems to be rejuvenated back over fences again. This is a step up for him but his last two runs over fences have been really good.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Tullybeg
He's taken well to chasing and has now won twice. We think there could be a nice staying handicap in him.

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Pull Again Green
We've been waiting for a while to run this horse and he wants good ground, so hopefully we’ll get that. We’ll have to see how it goes on that front as we don’t want to risk him on firmer going. He’s a lovely horse. He’s in great form at home and he’s done plenty of schooling, so we’re looking forward to running him if the ground’s right.

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