The promise of big clashes at the Cheltenham Festival can sometimes fail to live up to expectations, but if all the big guns turn up, then the Broadway Novices’ Chase – known to most of us as the RSA – could be one of the races of the festival.
The ante-post betting for the race is dominated by three major players, all of whom are worth analysing.
Bravemansgame – 11/2 Betfair
Bravemansgame is currently favourite after starting his chasing career with two fine back to back wins against vastly more experienced opposition. On his debut at Newton Abbot, he jumped like an old hand when beating subsequent Fusil Raffles with ease (received over a stone), and he as arguably even more impressive when again putting together a deeply impressive round at Haydock, drawing away from the 155 rated Itchy Feet on the bridle.
Itchy Feet had previously finished second receiving 7lbs from Allmankind in the Old Roan, when finishing ahead of subsequent Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Midnight Shadow, confirming that he achieved far more than he did at Newton Abbot. His next run – in the Kauto Star at Kempton over Christmas – could be one of the highlights of Christmas, and it’s not hard to see why he’s favourite.
However, if there is one possible concern, could it be the trip? Bravemansgame was beaten on his one start over 3 miles last season and whilst that came after a busy campaign, he has shown real speed from the front in two small field graduation chases. It’s something Paul Nicholls has considered too – see this quote after his debut win at Newton Abbot:
“The Rising Stars next and I’m not totally convinced he needs to go three miles yet. We’ll just make a plan with him as the season goes along and mind him.”
Nicholls has said that “he’s got everything you want really – jumping ability and gears and stays well.” In the light of his Haydock win, but it could be worth keeping an eye on.
Ahoy Senor – 11/2 bet365*
Ahoy Senor provided a 66/1 shock when smashing Bravemansgame by seven lengths in the Sefton last season, looking like a transformed horse for a big step up in trip, and since then he’s confirmed that was not a fluke with a promising debut in the Colin Parker Chase, when he was moving well into the race before sprawling on landing and unshipping Derek Fox.
No such mistakes were made at Newbury, when despite errors at the fifth and eighth fences, he dismantled a small but select field by 31 lengths, with Naas winner Mr Incredible left trailing in his wake. There’s no doubt that the race fell apart – and he’ll face opponents on better days – but his show of force was notably impressive and it’s already hard to imagine any contender finishing more strongly up the hill. He’s marginally the biggest of the three market leaders, and can be backed at 6/1 with most Cheltenham bookmakers.
Galopin Des Champs – 11/2 bet365*
The other big contender is Galopin Des Champs, who was transformed for a step up in trip when taking the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at last year’s Festival in impressive style, before then destroying his opposition in the 3m novice hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
The sky’s the limit on that basis, and he can be expected to take high rank this season in all the big novice chases when he gets going.
Other Contenders
For those seeking some bigger Cheltenham odds, two horses jump to mind. Beacon Edge and Vanillier were both beaten by Lifetime Ambition at Down Royal on their chasing debuts, but the pair were tapped for speed and Beacon Edge has since used his stamina to grind out victory in the Drinmore Novices’ Chase while Vanillier has since landed the Florida Pearl at Punchestown.
Vanillier was a wide margin winner of the Albert Bartlett and will relish a return back to three miles.
* Cheltenham 2022 betting odds correct at the time of publication. Odds quotes subject to fluctuation.
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