Foxhunter Chase Preview- Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 13/03/2020

Foxhunter Chase Preview- Cheltenham Festival

March 13, 2020 16:10pm - Cheltenham

Distance: 3m 2f 70y

Grade: (Class 2) (5yo+)

Runners: 23

Winner: £26,685

Going: Soft

The St James`s Place Foxhunter Chase keeps the momentum going after the excitement of the Gold Cup. It is run over the same course and distance but only features amateur jockeys. It has produced some spectacular performances over the years.

Hazel Hill is back to defend his crown but his preparations were hampered by a shock defeat to Minella Rocco ay Wetherby in the build-up to this. He has fallen down the order as a result but can be expected to bounce back from that blip but will find it tough retaining that crown.

Speaking of Minella Rocco, the 2017 Gold Cup runner-up looks to be back to his best and will head off as a worthy favourite after that convincing run at Wetherby. Last year`s second-place horse Shantou Flyer won by 23 lengths on his return at Fakenham and has been fine-tuned with this race in mind. Expect a fierce battle with all three in contention if they jump cleanly.

Albert Bartlett Spa Novices Hurdle Winners - past six years:

2014: Tammys Hill (9) - James Smyth (Liam Lennon)

2015: On the Fringe (10) - Nina Carberry (Enda Bolger)

2016: On the Fringe (11) - Nina Carberry (Enda Bolger)

2017: Pacha Du Polder (10) - Bryony Frost (Paul Nicholls)

2018: Pacha Du Polder (11) - H C Tucker (Paul Nicholls)

2019: Hazel Hill (12) - A Edwards (Philip Rowley)

Latest Betting odds:

Minella Rocco (3/1), Billaway (7/2), Hazel Hill (5/1), Staker Wallace (5/1), Shantou Flyer (5/1), Caid Du Berlais (12/1), Top Wood (25/1), Law Of Gold (33/1), Don Poli (40/1), Alcala (40/1), Dylrow (66/1), Rewritetherules (66/1), Bishops Road (66/1), Kalabaloo (100/1), Duhallow Tornado (100/1), Mr Mercurial (100/1), Marcle Ridge (100/1), Southfield Theatre (100/1), It Came To Pass (100/1), Stellar Notion (150/1), Sausalito Sunrise (150/1), Chosen Dream (150/1), Arctic Skipper (150/1).

By Neil Morris

Published on: 13/03/2020

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (13/03/2020 11:55:54) but are subject to change.