Betting

MARSH NOVICES’ CHASE | Three ante-post selections to consider

Our Cheltenham ante-post series heads into day three – starting with the Marsh Novices’ Chase

Published

5 months ago

August 19, 2021

Reece Charlton

2B6Y2FN Samcro ridden by Davy Russel (left) and Melon ridden by Mr P W Mullins during the Marsh Novices Chase during day three of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.

With the first two days covered, our Cheltenham Festival ante-post series heads into the Thursday with the Marsh Novices’ Chase coming up first.

The 2m4f chase, which was introduced in 2011, has seen the likes of Vautour and Defi du Seuil claim success in the contest.

Our team have made their predictions for the 2022 renewal of the contest, in hope of pinpointing a serious contender for the race come March.

Here are three selections to add to your Marsh Novices’ Chase calculation for next season.

MY DROGO (8/1 – Various)

A seriously promising sort under the guidance of Dan Skelton, My Drogo could well become a force in the novice chase division next season.

The six-year-old was impressive over hurdles last term, winning all four of his starts over the smaller obstacles including the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

He obliterated his rivals in the 2m4f contest at Aintree, clearing away from the field to win by nine and a half lengths.

2D5XAHK Trainer Dan Skelton (left) with brother, jockey Harry Skelton during day two of the Showcase at Cheltenham Racecourse — My Drogo holds plenty of promise for Dan Skelton

He is extremely versatile but the distance of the Marsh looks tailor-made for him, with his price of 8/1 holding significant value at this stage.

BLUE LORD (28/1 – Betway)

Hailing from Willie Mullins’ yard, Blue Lord could well be a surprise contender in this contest come March next year.

The gelding was unfortunate in the Supreme, as he surely would have finished second had he not fell at the last.

Paul Townend opted to ride him at Punchestown and the Irish Champion Jockey had stated in the past that he should be fine over two and a half miles.

The six-year-old could be interesting over fences next term, with his odds of 28/1 potentially holding some each-way value at this stage.

Trainer Willie Mullins after Turban won the Underwriting Exchange Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Steeplechase at Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Ireland. — Willie Mullins could have a decent chasing prospect in Blue Lord

MCFABULOUS (33/1 – Bet365 + Betway)

Last season didn’t go to plan for McFabulous, but tackling fences could well be the making of the seven-year-old.

The gelding claimed success in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle and the Relkeel, but he struggled to justify favouritism in the National Spirit Hurdle and he tanked in the Aintree Hurdle.

Paul Nicholls has stated his confidence in his recruit, stating after his Relkeel success that he will be a ‘super chaser’.