Brown Advisory Novice Chase Tips
CIARAN: Last year, Ballyburn was the darling of racing Twitter and now, everyone seems to want to be against him. Why? Because he was beaten by what I have already likened to an aeroplane over a trip too short? I also can’t understand the negativity towards his DRF performance. For me, it was exactly what I would want in a Brown Advisory trial. His jumping was accurate and economical and I loved the way he picked up all the way to the line from looking beat at the last. We know there won’t be a quicker horse in the race and I felt that the DRF win assured his stamina. I like Dancing City as a horse and he was my idea of the winner for this at the start of the year but at that stage, I had Ballyburn in the Arkle. I think class and Paul Townend in the saddle will be the difference here and he is my bet of the Festival at current prices. Verdict: Back Ballyburn (2/1 with Ladbrokes)ADAM: Even though Ballyburn is a short-priced favourite, won Grade 1’s over hurdles & fences and won as he wanted at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, I’m taking him on here and it’s a fairly easy decision to do so. There is just something I don’t like over fences and even though he improved for a step up in trip at the DRF, I think he’s beatable come Cheltenham. Now, I would prefer it if The Jukebox Man hadn’t been ruled out for the season as we’ve lost a very credible rival, but having said that, I still think he has dangers that can get the better of him. Dancing City is the stand-out 2nd fav and I must say, I’ve been really impressed with him over fences. He comes here on the back of only 2 chase starts (not ideal for the trends boys) but he’s been flawless in them and I think he will improve further for the extra furlong and stamina test. I also think last year’s Martin Pipe winner Better Days Ahead shouldn’t be ruled out. Ballyburn may be the sexier type and the one to beat here but I’m happy to have the field running for me come the Wednesday of the festival. Verdict: Back Dancing City (3/1 with bet365) FREE BET: Get the PricedUp Cheltenham sign-up offer.
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