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The final race of the day is for Amateur Jockey's only: WellChild National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Novices' Chase (Grade 2)
This race isn't everyone's cup of tea and is often dominated by the class horse in the race. We've seen the likes of Stattler and Galvin win this race the last couple of years, but what is an interesting statistic is that only one favourite has won it in the last ten years, so be careful!
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Cheltenham 5:30 – Minella Crooner 6/1 (1pt ew)
Many people's banker of the week runs in this race, and it's the short-priced favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil. On form, you'd have to say he probably deserves to be the price he is, he finished 3rd at the Festival last year in the 3m Novice Chase, finishing strongly behind L'Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor. Since then he has finished third in an Irish National running off a heavy weight of 11st 8lbs.
This year he finished 2nd to Mighty Potter, who is another deemed ‘banker' of the week in a couple of day's time. He has won a Grade 1 race this year, albeit not a great Grade 1, but the runner-up has since won a Grade 2. All the reasons to back him are there, but at 10/11 I think he is worth taking on.
Mister Coffey will be a fancied runner from the Nicky Henderson team. They've acquired top amateur jockey, Mr Derek O'Connor to ride him, and he rode him for his prep run in a competitive handicap at Uttoxeter last time. He travelled nicely through that race and did stay on strongly to suggest this trip will be within reach. However, the form of that run doesn't weigh up to get firmly in contention.
John McConnell is a trainer you have to respect when he sends one to the Festival. His horse, Mahler Mission should stay today's trip, as he has always looked like a real stayer over slightly shorter trips. However, my main concern is his jumping. He does tend to lack fluency at his obstacles, but if he has a clear round, he could be in the places.
My fancy for this race is Minella Crooner, who has to prove that he stays this far, which is the case for most of the horses in this race, but from what I've seen he looks in need of a trip like this. He was a decent Novice hurdler last year, finishing 2nd in a Grade 1, which the form now looks quite good as the winner finished 2nd at the Festival last year, losing to The Nice Guy who went on to win another Grade 1 at Punchestown. Since going chasing, Minella Crooner has won once and hit the frame twice.
I was most impressed with his recent run over 2m 7f when finishing behind Velvet Elvis. That horse is going for the Aintree Grand National and goes there with a good chance in my opinion. Minella Crooner that day was tapped for a bit of speed but was staying on very strongly in the final furlong until the jockey lost his irons. He is not a quick horse and should hopefully relish the new trip today. I think he could upset the apple cart at the prices.
