The Towton Novices Chase (Saturday 3 February) is a Grade 2 Novice’s Chase run over 3 Miles and 45 Yards at Wetherby. The first running in 1996 was won by the Mr Mulligan, who went on to win the following year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other high-profile winners include Halcon Genelardais who went on to win a Welsh National, Wayward Prince who went on to win a Scottish National, and Blaklion who is currently favourite for the 2018 Grand National.
Towton Novices’ Chase Trends
- Seven of the last 10 winners have been aged 7, one 6, one 8 and one 9
- Only 3 favourites and one joint-favourite have been successful in the last 10-years
- SP’s of the last 10 winners have ranged from 5/6 to 33/1
- Nigel Twiston-Davis has trained 2 of the last 11 winners
2018 Towton Novices’ Chase Main Contenders
Elegant Escape
One of the most consistent novice chasers around this season, with 1 win and three seconds in 4 runs. However, despite that win, he has yet to prove he is right out of the top-drawer. Finished 13-lengths behind Ballyoptic at Exeter earlier this season.
Ballyoptic
Was by far the best hurdler of the horses who may line-up in this, and looked like he might take high-rank amongst the novice chasers this season when jumping and galloping Elegant Escape into the ground on his chasing-debut. However, jumping errors have cost him dearly on his last two runs, and he finished well-behind Elegant Escape at Kempton over Christmas. He also fell in a hurdle race at Wetherby on his only previous run at the track.
Captain Chaos
Fell at the sixth fence when running in last year’s renewal, for which he was 6/1 in a 6-runner field, and he’s eligible to run in the race again having not won over fences last season. Won twice over fences this season though, including over course and distance last time. The runner-up has boosted that form since, but he still has around 6lb to find with the principles.
Barney Dwan
Had some decent form over hurdles, including a decent second to Presenting Percy at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. Not always convinced with his jumping of fences though, and finished well-behind both Ballyoptic and Elegant Escape earlier in the season. Won his first chase last time, but the runner-up has been thrashed twice since.
Keeper Hill
Consistent sort who tends to run to marks in the high 130’s, though he may be improving as he beat a 139-rated rival by 8-lengths last time, and that horse had previously been good enough to run fourth in the Ladbrokes Trophy. Best hurdles run came in February last year, and he has an each-way chance with his trainer red-hot at the moment.
Our Towton Novices’ Chase 2018 Horse Racing Betting Tip:
Ballyoptic has the best engine of these, and he will probably win if putting in a clear-round of jumping. However, that’s a big if. Elegant Escape could also go well, but his stable has yet to hit top form this year. Therefore, it may be worth chancing an each-way bet on Keeper Hill, who looked like he may have improved last time, and he may make further progression with his trainer in excellent form.
2018 Towton Novices’ Chase Tip: Keeper Hill each-way