Cheltenham Festival - RSA Chase Preview 2012

The 2012 RSA Chase hinges around David Pipe’s crack novice Grands Crus who will surely be tough to beat should he take his hand in the race.

The seven-year-old grey, who was a fine second to Big Bucks in last year’s World Hurdle, has a 100% record over the larger obstacles following victories at Cheltenham, Newbury and most recently in the highly regarded Feltham Novice Chase at Kempton Park over Christmas, beating Paul Nicholls’ Silviniaco Conti in stylish fashion.

It then seemed inevitable that Grands Crus would be fully aimed at the RSA Chase however connections have since hinted that they may choose to pitch their star in at the deep end by entering him in the Gold Cup.

Such a move would be received as a controversial decision by the racing public following the death of novice Gloria Victis in the 2000 Gold Cup – a then inmate of father Martin Pipe’s yard.

Pipe’s decision may well come down to the standard of the final Gold up entries his charge is likely to remain at novice level should Long Run and Kauto Star make it to Cheltenham safely – despite feelings that the more prestigious race could suit the horse’s style of running.

The 9/4 ante post price about Grands Crus chance in the RSA will be decimated by punters if his participation is confirmed, making the current odds extremely attractive even if a rather dangerous proposition.

Despite holding the light experience of just three runs over fences, Grands Crus is undoubtedly at the head of the form in terms of the staying novice chase division – typified by the beating which he handed out to last year’s Albert Bartlett fourth at Cheltenham in November, who subsequently went onto win the dipper at Prestbury Park on New Year’s Day.

This race will look far weaker in the absence of Grand Crus, so punters wishing to oppose may well choose to seek some decent each way value whether the current favourite lines up or not.

Alan King’s Invictus looks one of the most solid each way bets of the Festival following his recent win. The six-year-old, ridden by stable jockey Robert Thornton, hosed up in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot, beating the likes of Bobs Worth and Silviniaco Conti who have held prominent positions in the ante post market throughout the season.

Providing he gets a clear round and stays held up out of trouble, Invictus should throw down a serious challenge turning for home and as his Ascot win demonstrated – he stays.

First Lieutenant has not had the most straightforward of novice chasing campaigns however he also has to be worth a look based on his Neptune Novice Hurdle win at the Festival last season.

As results prove time and time again, previous Cheltenham form is crucial to any horse’s credentials at the Festival and Mouse Morris’ representative can get right in the thick of things providing he jumps well and gets decent ground.

Bog Warrior and Walkon may also warrant a peek each way but the story of this race really does focus around Grands Crus whether he goes to post or not.

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03/03/2012     © Frixo 2024