(2.5 minutes read)
One of the most prestigious staying handicap chases of the season takes place this Saturday at Newbury. The race has produced a number of winners who have gone on to claim Gold Cup and Grand National glory including the likes of Denman, Many Clouds and Bob’s Worth.
The market is currently led by the highly regarded Complete Unknown from the Paul Nicholls yard, however, this is an extremely competitive heat with plenty in with a shout.
We check out best bets, best odds, and best outsider each way bets from our partner firms, Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Complete Unknown
This progressive chaser from the Paul Nicholls set up has been earmarked for this renewal of the prestigious Newbury handicap for some time. He really impressed in a Kempton handicap last season before running a gallant second to Gold Cup hope Gerri Colombe in the Aintree Grade 1 last April.
However, the horse’s wins have all come on soft and heavy ground and although little rain is forecast, the freezing conditions should provide a tacky surface which may suit: a test of stamina is likely on Saturday. He is a worthy race favourite and is our choice to win at 15/2 with William Hill.
Mahler Mission
Another progressive chaser who may well have won the National Hunt Chase at The Cheltenham Festival last March had he not fallen at the second last whilst four lengths in front.
He has a Grade 2 victory over the highly regarded Churchstonewarrior. Progressive horses do well in this race and Mahler Mission has been well backed in recent days. He is now race favourite at 7/1 with Bet365 and William Hill.
Monbeg Genius
A reliable and consistent progressive stayer who has notched up a couple of wins over 3 miles including two novice handicaps at Chepstow. Monbeg Genius was sent off favourite for the Ultima Handicap Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, running well and finishing third behind Grand National winner Corach Rambler.
He certainly goes into this well handicapped and with strong performances behind him but his opening run of the season where he pulled up after making errors is a concern. 8/1 best with Bet365 and William Hill.
Stumptown
Progressive staying chaser from the Gavin Cromwell yard. He has performed well in handicaps and finished a good second in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival last season. He has had two runs this season back in September and August including a run in the Kerry National where he made costly errors in his jumping. Can figure if back to his best. 10/1 best with Bet365.
Others
Ahoy Senor (18/1 William Hill) certainly has the class if he’s on a good day but carrying top weight takes away a lot of appeal whilst Midnight River (10/1 William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports), Stolen Silver (12/1 Bet365, Bet Victor, Betfred, Boylesports) and Our Power (18/1 William Hill) also have claims if they can bring their A games.
Best Outsider Bets
Cloudy Glen trained by Venetia Williams had a good seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham 10 days ago, running a decent second behind progressive chaser Malina Girl. The yard is also firing at the moment.
This previous winner of the race is also racing on an attractive mark of 142. Good each way odds of 25/1 with Bet365 and William Hill.
Twig runs at attractive odds of 25/1 with William Hill. Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, he caught the eye staying on well in a decent handicap over 3 miles 1 furlong at Cheltenham recently.
Verdict
Although the race lacks a top class performer with serious Gold Cup credentials, it is a competitive intriguing event involving a few very progressive staying chasers who may go onto bigger and better things.
Monbeg Genius holds a lot of appeal on the long-term formbook although the reappearance poor run is a major concern. Therefore, as the Paul Nicholls team are in good form with their handicappers in major events, the chance is taken on Complete Unknown to step up on his latest efforts.
Jockey Harry Cobden is riding out of his skin at the present time: the four timer at Ascot last Saturday is testament to that. Cloudy Glen for a few pennies each way.
Selection
Complete Unknown: WIN with William Hill at 15/2
Cloudy Glen: EACH WAY with Bet365 and William Hill at 25/1
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (4pm 30th November 2023) and are subject to change.
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