2023 Festival Novice Chase Entries

Tuesday brought the unveiling of the third set of race entries, drawing attention particularly to the novice chases. March’s 2023 Cheltenham Festival The announcements included entries for the Marsh Novices' Chase and Turner's Novices' Chase.

Entries for the Arkle Challenge Trophy , National Hunt Chase, Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase With several notable entries showing interest in multiple races, it is an opportune moment to assess the ones who have shown promise earlier this season and those who might make a late showing.

Nicky Henderson’s protege, Jonbon , has been highly anticipated ever since his remarkable debut in a Dromahane point-to-point back in November 2020. This impressive half-brother to Douvan was snapped up by JP McManus for a staggering £570,000, and has been living up to his price tag, only facing defeat once to Constitution Hill in last year's Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Jonbon

Now seven, Jonbon remains undefeated in two fence outings, most notably in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown just short of two miles, at the start of last month.

Among the top contenders, his Festival goal appears clear, with the Arkle Trophy being his sole entry at present.

Despite the 22-length loss to Constitution Hill, it’s worth mentioning that Jonbon hasn't had much exposure to a significantly undulating track.

This is unlikely to change before the Festival, as the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase in Warwick has been earmarked for his upcoming trial.

Current odds place Jonbon at 11/8 for the Arkle Trophy. Meanwhile, Dystart Dynamo, Appreciate It, El Fabiolo, and Sir Gerhard keep Ireland’s leading trainer Willie Mullins well in the mix for novice races at the Festival.

So far in Ireland this season, four Grade 1 novice chases have taken place, with half of these being claimed by the Willie Mullins stable.

Irish Contenders

Curiously, none of the aforementioned horses won these Grade 1 races, though Saint Roi did take top honors at the Racing Post App Novice Chase over 2m1f at Leopardstown over the festive period.

In that race, Saint Roi, eight years old now, was ridden patiently before his triumph, having previously pursued Fil Dor at Leopardstown in a beginner's chase at Navan in November.

Though he struggled at the upper echelons over hurdles, current betting suggests his handlers might opt for him to remain local, possibly targeting Fairyhouse’s Gold Cup Novice Chase over the Easter weekend.

The second of Mullins’ Grade 1 winning novice chasers this season, Gaillard du Mesnil , is atypical in that it's his second year as a novice.

He secured placements in Grade 1 contests at Leopardstown and Cheltenham in the previous year and also had a notable run over 3m5f in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

Progeny of Saint des Saints, he impressed in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase over three miles, winning decisively.

A step up in distance seems likely for this grey, given he is the ante-post favorite for future major events.

Indeed, a return attempt at the Irish Grand National wouldn’t surprise anyone. National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham The other pair of Grade 1 novice chases this season fell to the Gordon Elliott camp.

Mighty Potter captured a top-level hurdles victory in the spring, and followed this with a commanding beginner's chase win at Down Royal in November, then succeeded in the 2m4f Drinmore Novice Chase on rain-softened turf at Fairyhouse a month later.

This six-year-old is positioned prominently in the betting circles for favorite contests.

Gerri Colombe boasts an unblemished record from six starts to date, notably clinching an impressive four-and-a-quarter-length victory in the Grade 1 Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase over an extended two-miles-three-furlongs at Limerick in December, marking his first foray into Graded races. Turners Novices’ Chase While he has yet to experience a firm surface, trainer Elliott suggested a step up in distance could be on the itinerary after the Limerick success, with the National Hunt Chase being a potential target.

Appreciate It may not have had many races given his age, but with eight victories from 11 attempts, his track record is undeniable. His ventures over fences have led to two wins from four starts, including a recent victory in a Naas novice chase.

His participation in Cheltenham remains undecided, yet it’s interesting that he has been entered for two different races there.

Sir Gerhard , trained by Mullins, might just be the most intriguing chase contender, having achieved top-level success over hurdles last year and showcasing proven Cheltenham form with a Ballymore win in March. Though he hasn’t yet tackled fences, his connections would surely be tempted to give him a shot at the March festival instead of waiting for Punchestown, a track where he's experienced both his losses in a career spanning eight races.

One to watch from the shadows is James du Berlais , another Mullins charge, who climbed to elite status over hurdles in France as a three and four-year-old but has only raced thrice since relocating to Ireland in the 2020/21 season.

An impressive showing at Fairyhouse over 2m5f at the month's start saw his return from a lengthy hiatus, and he holds numerous Grade 1 entries over a wide range of distances coming up.

Beyond Jonbon, several upcoming UK novices warrant attention, with Stage Star anticipated to race at Haydock this weekend, weather permitting, following his standout victory at Plumpton earlier.

This seven-year-old faced defeat at Newbury last November to Sebastopol, a horse now likely set for Aintree.

UK Contenders

Meanwhile, The Real Whacker has several Cheltenham entries following a Grade 2 victory at the track early in the month. That Dipper win marked a major career milestone, and watching to see if this success continues into the spring Festivals will be intriguing.

Thyme Hill secured a commanding victory in last month’s Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton. While Kempton presents a different challenge than Cheltenham, he has proven ability at Gloucestershire in hurdles and could be a serious contender if aligned towards the Brown Advisory, with Kempton runner-up McFabulous , who bested Thyme Hill at Newbury in November, possibly representing the UK at Cheltenham too.

At WhichBookie, we bring you the finest content and promotional offers daily. Please note, we do receive compensation from some of the links provided on this page.

Fact To File's Shot at the Ryanair Chase: Hype or Reality as Cheltenham 2025 Approaches?