Jewson Novices Chase
The Jewson Novices Chase is the opening race of day three at the Cheltenham Festival. It is a Grade 2 novices chase for horses aged five and above. Run over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs, there is a total of seventeen fences to be jumped.
The race was created in 2011 as a new race for the Cheltenham Festival. Race sponsors Jewson had previously sponsored a handicap race for novices from 2005-2010, the Jewson Handicap Novices Chase, which featured on the third day of the festival. The reshuffle has seen Jewson switch their sponsorship to the Grade 2 Jewson Novices Chase which is on day three, whilst the old handicap race is now on the opening day, and was retitled the Centenary Novices Chase.
Being a Grade 2 chase, it is fair to say that the race won’t attract the highest calibre of horses. There are still some likely useful types that will take part in the race, and it offers trainers the potential to place their horses with a chance of winning, rather than struggling in the higher quality Grade 1 races.
Jewson Novices Chase – Seeking Graded Victory
The current market for the 2012 Jewson Novices Chase is interestingly poised with a whole host of horses at the top end of the market that are very unlikely to take part. Peddlers Cross and Al Ferof are in the top three, who both look likely to take part in the Arkle. Grands Crus joins them in the top three of the market and he looks certain to run in either the RSA or the Gold Cup.
What this does is it leaves a whole bunch of horses available at great prices. But unless they are confirmed for this race then it would be foolish to back them in the ante post market. There are several horses that strike as being just shy of Grade 1 glory but there’s every chance connections will take the view that they should take their chance for Grade 1 glory rather than lowering their sights. It is very much a case of waiting to see confirmed runners for the 2012 Jewson Novices Chase before assessing the likely winners of the race.
Noble Prince Takes The 2011 Jewson Crown
Despite being a Grade 2 affair, the inaugural running of the Jewson Novices Chase included some good quality horses. Noble Prince won the race, beating Whisfull Thinking by four lengths. He had showed some smart form before that and the decision to tackle the Grade 2 was clearly a shrewd move by connections. He has been in really good form this season, and is currently favourite for the Grade 1 Ryanair. Wishfull Thinking has proved a frustrating type to follow. He is clearly a very talented horse but has put in several erratic performances and is one to avoid for the time being. Not a lot else has come from the race, though fifth-placed Blazing Tempo delighted punters in July when being heavily backed to win the lucrative Galway Plate.
So whilst we are unlikely to attract a field full of many quality horses, we will hopefully attract a few decent sorts. Be sure to keep an eye out for horses that have this race confirmed as there may be an opportunity to get a decent price for the race at this year’s festival.
