In the latest of GG’s Cheltenham Festival previews, Karl Hedley (@Karlhedley1) analyses the main contenders in the Northern Trust Novice Handicap Chase and gives us his Cheltenham tips
ANALYSIS
This race was added to the festival roster back in 2005 and was then known as the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase. It remained so up until 2010 and from 2011 onwards, the race has had a variety of sponsors.
The 2m4f trip has remained unchanged, though, and the eldest ever winner of the racewas nine-year old Ballyalton, who won it back in 2018. Two five-year-olds have won in Chapoturgeon in 2009 and A Plus Tard, who was victorious here last season.
The Irish seem to be improving in this race and the prize has gone back across the Irish Sea in two of the last three seasons, but neither Gordon Elliott nor Willie Mullins have won this race despite multiple efforts in the past. Below are a few of the main protagonists who could easily get amongst the shake-up if allowed to take their chances on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
SENSULANO
Sensulano was far from disgraced in a Grade 2 hurdle behind Magic Of Light at Ascot in January. Prior to that she won a Listed novices’ chase at Warwick, so has experience of winning over the larger obstacles.
She won a mares hurdle over course and distance in December 2018, so she is proven around the track and she gives the impression that she would be well suited by any cut in the ground.
She has been placed over further than 2m4f, so plenty of use could be made of her proven stamina. She is an intriguing contender for Noel Williams should she make the line-up.
SPYGLASS HILL
Spyglass Hill made the most of a return to2m4f at Gowran Park last time when getting the better of Milan Native. That was his first ever win over the larger obstacles and there ought to be more to come from him.
Trainer Henry de Bromhead took this race last season with A Plus Tard and they look to have another live contender, especially with Rachael Blackmore likely to come in for the ride.
Spyglass Hill was considered good enough to be entered for a Grade 3 novice chase at Naas and still held every chance before coming to grief at the second-llast. Having won subsequently, he clearly learned a lot and it would be foolish to discount this one from last year’s winning yard.
BACK SPYGLASS HILL AT 16/1 HERE
EARLY DOORS
Early Doors has previous Cheltenham Festival winning form as he took the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle last season. He has subsequently been sent chasing and, although still a maiden over fences, he has shown more than a modicum of ability.
The step back to two miles was much against him last time, but the fact he managed to stay on for second behind Yaha Fizz, is all the more credit to him and this stiffer test of stamina will suit him far better.
If taking his chance, he will likely be partnered by Mark Walsh, who has been on board for all three chasing starts this season. There is absolutely no doubt that the pair will improve for the longer trip and horses returning to the Festival have gone well previously.
The fact he remains a maiden is interesting as the handicapper will not have gotten to the bottom of him just yet. There is definite room for improvement and that is factored into his price.
ESPOIR DE GUYE
Espoir De Guye was last seen running away with a convincing win in a handicap chase at Ascot before Christmas. He revelled in the underfoot conditions that day to win by at least ten lengths under a positive ride from Charlie Deutsch.
He comes here very much on an upward trajectory and remains unexposed. Although he has no previous experience of running at Cheltenham, his trainer is well renowned for teasing further encouragement from her horses as the Festival draws nearer.
With every likelihood of further improvement, a huge run could be on the cards, particularly if conditions remained on the soft side.
BACK ESPOIR DE GUYE AT 16/1 HERE
Conclusion
Ireland have started to pay closer attention to this race in the last couple of seasons and it’s for that reason I am sticking with a horse who is proven at the Festival and will improve when stepped back up in trip.
Joseph O’Brien is the trainer for the big occasion, so it will little surprise to see him rejuvenate Early Doors to gain a repeat success albeit in a different race, and under different conditions this time around.
Mark Walsh has got to know his likely mount as the season has progressed and there ought to be more to come from this JP McManus owned seven-year-old. Having been placed in races of up to three miles, he ought to have stamina in abundance, which you will need in a race of this nature.
Karl Hedley’s selection