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Jewson Novices Handicap Chase
Race Conditions
The Jewson Novices Handicap Chase (2:00pm) is a Class A listed chase run over two miles and five furlongs. It is open to novices aged five years old and upwards. The total prize fund is £80,000.
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Recent Winners
| Year | Horse | Age | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Finger Onthe Pulse | 7 | T J Taaffe | 9/1 |
| 2007 | L´Antartique | 7 | F Murphy | 20/1 |
| 2006 | Reveillez | 7 | J Fanshawe | 9/2F |
| 2005 | King Harald | 7 | M Bradstock | 9/1 |
Key Trends
All four winners of this race were aged 7.
All four winners won or finished second last time out.
Watch the 2008 Jewson Novices Hurdle:
2007 Review
Trainer Ferdy Murphy’s superb recent record with big price, staying chasers at the Festival was further enhanced by victory for L’ANTARTIQUE in the opener on day three.
The field was well strung out in the end as a result of the furious early pace and the performance of the winner was even more impressive for the fact that he had to endure a troubled passage for much of the way, most notably when being hampered by the departure of Pole Star at the eleventh, where he lost all momentum. He had been consistent rather than spectacular in his starts over fences before today, but benefited from the improvement in the ground. He was also given an excellent waiting ride by his top class jockey, Graham Lee. A further step up in trip may bring about more improvement in the future.
Bob Hall ran a cracker in second on only his fourth start over fences. He had some excellent form over hurdles in Ireland last season before being switched to Jonjo O’Neill’s yard for this campaign. Being so lightly raced he is open to any amount of improvement, and may be another one for whom a step up in trip would suit.
Wee Robbie has always been highly regarded by connections and he put up a career best effort here to finish third. He is still a novice over fences and if he retains that status next season he should be able to run up a sequence.
Rasharrow was fourth. He was both a top class bumper horse and novice hurdler in the past, and this was his third good race at the Festival. The fast pace of these championship races seems to suit him, as does some decent ground. However, given his consistency over the years the handicapper is unlikely to make life easy for him in the future.
The two best backed horses in the race were both big disappointments. New Little Bric was many people’s handicap banker of the meeting and his supporters did at least get a run for their money as he was there or thereabouts for much of the race. However, he came under pressure turning for home and there was little response. He faded to finish seventh and is likely to be put away for the season.
By contrast, King Revo never gave his backers any hope. He wasn’t helped by some sloppy jumping.
The same is true of Knight Legend whose career over fences to date has been blighted by serious jumping errors. He has ability, though, and could pop up at a big price in a decent race if he improves his fencing.
Limited Edition was still travelling well when crashing out at the third last. It was too far out to say what would have happened had he stood up but he is definitely one to keep an eye on.
2006 Review
The Cheltenham Festival wouldn’t be the same without JP McManus landing one of his monster gambles and REVEILLEZ was backed down from 6-1 to 9-2, including one bet of £100,000 at 6-1, before taking the second running of this event for his Irish owner.
Trainer James Fanshawe is much better known for his exploits on the Flat but punters would be well advised to sit up and take notice when he switches one to the National Hunt arena – he has already won the Champion Hurdle twice.
Jockey Tony McCoy also had extra reason to celebrate as this was his first Festival success as retained rider for McManus.
There were concerns about Reveillez’s jumping coming into the race, but extensive schooling, the brilliance of his pilot and the better ground all seemed to improve his fencing, and last season’s Sun Alliance Hurdle fourth seemed to win this race with plenty in hand.
The Paddy Power Gold Cup in November could be a long term target.
The winner and runner up, Copsdale Lad, pulled nicely clear of the third, suggesting that the front two could both be worth following.
Copsdale Lad was unfortunate to remain a novice after his exploits last season when he could easily have won this race but for being brought down when still travelling strongly. He put his added experience to good use here, but must have decent ground and a left handed track to be at his best.
Tumbling Dice also ran well at last year’s Festival, finishing third in the Coral Cup. He may need further in time and is very highly regarded by his shrewd connections.
Direct Flight ran a blinder at big odds in fourth, whilst Le Volfini would surely have made the frame had he not fallen three out. At least this effort shows he acts on quick, as well as soft, ground.
Preacher Boy was another casualty. He didn’t particularly shine here but could still be interesting if stepped up significantly in trip next season, provided his jumping improves.
Celtic Son was another Martin Pipe trained flop and is surely better than he showed here.