National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup Preview

Published on: 14/03/2016

National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup Preview

March 15, 2016 16:50pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Jonjo O`Neill`s Minella Rocco will start as favourite in this one and has the previous record to justify his position.

After two early novice wins, the bay gelding had a slight dip before returning to form with a second a place at Ascot behind Vyta Du Roc back in February. His trajectory has been planned with this event in mind and he won`t mind some slight give if the ground stays soft.

Noble Endeavour has a good track record and some Festival form under his saddle. The Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old has already won over fences this season, and was second by a nod in the Conditional Jockeys` Handicap Hurdle last year. Last year`s winning jockey Jamie Codd will take the reins for this one.

Colin Tizzard will be hoping that Native River can continue to improve but he will be up against the Neil Mulholland-trained Southfield Royale, who pipped him into third place in the Kauto Star Novices` Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Betting odds and tips

Minella Rocco looks set to peak at just the right time for this race, and provides decent value at 4/1 with Bet365.

Noble Endeavour is also worth an Each-Way punt at a price of 8/1 or better with Bet365.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Cheltenham races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup Preview - Last three years:

2013: Back in Focus (8) - Patrick Mullins (Willie Mullins)

2014: Midnight Prayer (9) - Joshua Newman (Alan King)

2015: Cause of Causes (7) - Jamie Codd (Gordon Elliott)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 14/03/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (14/03/2016 15:39:23) but are subject to change.