The Ladbrokes Novices Chase is the new name for the Grade 1 Chase, formerly known as the Fuller’s London Pride Novices Chase, and it is run on the Friday of Newbury’s new two-day Ladbrokes Winter Carnival (December 1). The race will be run over 2 Miles 3 Furlongs and 187 Yards, and in the last decade it has been won by Bobs Worth and Coneygree, two horses who went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
10-Year-Trends
- 6 Winners have carried 11-1, 3 winners 11-8, and 1 winner 10-7
- Winners have been aged 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, including three 6-year-olds and three 5-year-olds
- Nicky Henderson has trained 3 of the last 9 winners
- Paul Nicholls has trained 2 of the last 4 winners
- Barry Geraghty has ridden 3 of the last 9 winners
- SP’s have ranged from 2/9 to 10/1
Major Contenders
Yanworth
160+ rated hurdler, despite never looking the best of jumpers, and jumping frailties saw him fall on his second start over fences. Had looked likely to make up into a top-chaser when winning on his chase debut, but second has since been well-beaten since, and the jury is out.
Willoughby Court
Impressive winner over hurdles at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, and made a winning debut over fences last time despite putting in one or two hesitant jumps. However, as he has never won on his seasonal debut previously, he is expected to have made plenty of improvement since. Interesting that his trainer Ben Pauling used to be Nicky Henderson’s Assistant Trainer.
Modus
Trained by Paul Nicholls, but is in the same ownership as Yanworth, and there must be a doubt about his participation as he would have to concede 5lb to all his rivals. Impressed in two runs over fences so far though, and would have a chance if turning up.
Adrien Du Pont
Also trained by Paul Nicholls, but this one was rated a lot lower over hurdles than those in front of him in the betting. Big strapping sort though, who will surely take higher-rank over fences, but maybe one for handicaps later in the season.
Tommy Silver
Another Paul Nicholls trained horse, and he broke his duck over fences at the second attempt. Rated about a stone lower than the principals on hurdles form though, and is another who is likely to be suited by handicaps later in the season.
Reigning Supreme
Lightly-raced Nicky Henderson trained chaser who won twice over hurdles at Newbury last season, and the runner-up in the second of those races has already won a beginners’ chase at Newbury this season. Bred to be a chaser too, and possibly his double-figure price underestimates his potential.
Ladbrokes Novices Chase 2017 Summary
Yanworth was the highest-rated of these over hurdles but it’s hard to be enthusiastic about him at short-odds after he fell last time, whilst Modus is a doubtful runner at this stage. Therefore, Willoughby Court looks a likely winner, with the galloping nature of Newbury expected to suit him. Reigning Supreme isn’t entirely ruled-out though, and could be worth a saver.
Tip: Willoughby Court @