Cheltenham Festival - Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase Preview

It is no surprise that over a trip of four miles, the National Hunt Chase takes the most time to complete out of all races and the Cheltenham Festival and it is a contest penned heavily on tactics and intrigue as opposed to speed and thrill.

But all potential winners still require a decent finishing spurt at the end of the stamina sapping journey and Teaforthree may be the horse who holds all the aces this time around.

Rebecca Curtis’ eight-year-old has shaped up as a ready candidate for the race for quite some time and it is public knowledge that the trainer has aimed her charge specifically at the marathon contest since the start of the national hunt campaign.

Barring a no show in behind Grands Crus at Kempton, a race which was used assumedly to keep the horse ticking over, Teaforthree has been a model of consistency and has recorded two victories at Chepstow on the back of a fine second in behind Join Together at Cheltenham.

That horse has since gone on to beat the highly regarded Mossley – a result which did much to frank the form of Teaforthree who will once again have the benefit of champion jockey A.P McCoy on board.

Like many of the other runners in the line-up, Teaforthree will be tacking four miles for the first time and will need to prove that he can see out the extra distance over an undulating, galloping track.

However Curtis believes that a marathon of this kind could bring about an even better horse and Teaforthree looks way ahead of his rivals considering that the contest is a level weights affair.

Pricewise also picked up on the horse’s chances, naturally driving down Teaforthree early ante post price of 16/1 – however there is still some value to be had at half the odds and at the very worst Teaforthree should definitely make the frame.

The main dangers look likely to be headed by Allee Garde from the Willie Mullins yard.

The seven-year-old has recorded some top efforts this season, including when third in a Leopardstown Grade One behind Last Instalment over Christmas.

Ruby Walsh is set to pick up the ride and the Irishmen has already spoken of highly about his chances.

Allee Garde is currently second best in the betting ahead of Teaforthree, with Mullins other raider Soll at the head of the market.

It is quite surprising to see Soll as such a solid favourite considering that his last chase win at Down Royal came over two-and-a-half-miles.

Although the seven-year-old clearly possesses the talent, there has to be a huge question mark regarding his stamina and he will have to be ridden extremely patiently in order to see out the trip.

With a four race winning streak behind him, Paul Nicholls’ Harry The Viking also merits respect whilst Alfie Spinner from the Nick Williams can get involved at a decent price.

The useful if inconsistent Irish challenger Oscar Dan Dan can also get in the mix if able to produce his best form over a track and distance which is likely to suit.

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09/03/2012     © Frixo 2024