2021 National Hunt Novices Chase

[Kevloaf]

I'm a little surprised they haven't gone back to hurdles with if the cap fits tbh as he's not looked close to a natural jumper of a fence

Beat Fiddlerontheroof who is solid if not spectacular in this division on his debut.

Placed 3rd (beaten 7L) in a Grade 1

I also thought they would go back to hurdles, but I think it makes sense to persist over fences now as he won his first chase start and would lose his novice status. It would be there only chance to have a crack at a novice chase at the festival this year. His jumping is terrible, but at this distance everything might just happen slow enough for him. I actually give him a chance, don’t think the distance will be an issue, I’ve backed today and NRNB for the festival, so fingers crossed.

Makes more than a bit of sense, they'd be bananas to go back over hurdles.

[Kevloaf]

Kevloaf

I’ve backed ITCF for today but I’m not convinced Cheltenham is his track, to me it looks like his best form comes on galloping tracks.
It’s probably not lost on Harry Fry either, rarely do you get a horse of his ability getting well into 5th season and just the one trip to HQ...

Yeah it might not.... the reason before was the Rooney's though and their issue with Cheltenham.... if double green had owned him, he'd have had more than one trip.

He was Supreme fav before getting injured wasn't he too.....

Not an issue for me at this stage....plus it's NRNB

[Istabraq]

Yeah it might not.... the reason before was the Rooney's though and their issue with Cheltenham....

That Cheltenham exclusion was all for about a month wasn’t it ?

[Kevloaf]

That Cheltenham exclusion was all for about a month wasn’t it ?

I'd say it's unlikely when they announced it publically it was the first time they'd thought about it though?

He was only beaten 7L by Paisley Park over 3m too in the Cleeve on his only visit.

I have no issue with the track, not saying it's his optimum, but not a problem.

[Kevloaf]

Whilst all eyes are on Royal Pagielle today to win/run well and run here.....

I've decided today to add If The Cap Fits for the NH Chase at (12/1) NRNB with PP. 2.5 pts e/w

If he beats Yala Enki over 3m4f, he'll have proven two things...

1. He's well worth his rating of 152, (Yala Enki is 161)
2. The step up to 3m4f is no problem, and that coupled with his run in the Kauto Star, means 3m6f should suit too and he'll have proven more stamina than most.

The double green should be able to secure a good amatuer if needed, and if not that have either James Bowen or Daryl Jacob



Yala Enki really should be winning today, so I don't think the bookies would push out ITCF if beaten (although they might) ... if they do I'd perhaps chance him again depending on how he runs.

As the highest rated hurdler that went chasing, I'd want him onside no matter what in the NH Chase just on a class angle in what isn't usually a deep race.






Just to mention, already done the Royal Pagaille angle.
Not interested in If The Cap Fits to win today 'and' either as I think it's a really stiff task.... he could easily 'run well' though and be second and his credentials be enhanced.... if he's within 9L of Yala Enki it's a big run!

That is absolutely lovely. That is a belting run from If The Cap Fits in my opinion.

Left at 12/1 NRNB which I think is a great bet!

[Kevloaf]

A bit of a boost to Secret Repeive as well for this race?

[Garrison Savannah]

Wouldn’t trust ITCF to jump clean enough to trouble the winners enclosure at the festival.

[jonthehammer]

Wouldn’t trust ITCF to jump clean enough to trouble the winners enclosure at the festival.

Same, Yala Clouted about 3 of the last 4 fences and he still couldnt win.

[Olliemagern]

Never touched a twig in the Peter marsh. Get pat on his back rich and let’s not get greedy

[Quevega]

Makes turning down the Gold cup chance really tricky.
Mid 160's now for sure.

[Spectre]

That'll do! Hopefully no talk of the Gold Cup. He'll piss up in the NH Chase.

[Nortons who]

Makes turning down the Gold cup chance really tricky.
Mid 160's now for sure.

I agree, surely Rich Ricci will want to go for Gold after that. Also no Ruby or Willie to interfere, although maybe they will still try...

[charlie]

Royal Pagaille was mustard!

He’s only 7 so I hope they go here with him 2021 then Gold Cup 2022 when he’s 8.

[isitmarchyet]

He'd be my most likely winner here now, even over Galvin, but I reckon they'll have a crack at the Gold Cup. Can hardly blame them really. I would...

[Kevloaf]

That'll do! Hopefully no talk of the Gold Cup. He'll piss up in the NH Chase.

As a lover of horse racing......part of you must want to see what he can do in the Gold Cup as a novice?

Personal bets aside....