RSA Novices` Chase Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 15/03/2017

RSA Novices` Chase Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 15, 2016 14:10pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 3m 80y

Grade: 1

Runners: 12

Winner: £99,662

Going: Good to Soft

Experts are divided over Might Bite but he is set to start the RSA as favourite on Wednesday. He certainly looked impressive before falling at the last when clear at Kempton on Boxing Day but his record at Cheltenham is less convincing, suggesting that he might prefer the flatter courses. Still not a bad pick at a price of 7/2.

Stablemate Whisper has the experience and staying power to be a contender here. A recent return to chasing has proved to be a calculated move with two wins on this course over 2m4f this season. Should start at a decent price due to drifting off the radar following his previous hurdles blip.

Those two could be challenged by Acapella Bourgeois who has shown some steady improvement since taking to the fences, winning twice at Navan including a three-miler last time out. Could contend if in the right mood.

If you fancy backing an outsider, look no further than Marinero. With only a single win to his name since taking up the discipline, his lack of experience over fences will put some off. However, he is a regular placer and the course, distance and conditions should suit him. May just sneak a place and will be well priced.

Betting odds and tips

Might Bite will be favourite but Whisper could cause a surprise here and looks good value. Meanwhile, long shot Marinero might just sneak a place and should start off at 20/1 or higher.

You can back Whisper at 7/1 with Bet365, while Marinero is worth an each-way punt at 25/1.

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

RSA Novices` Chase winners - Last three years:

2014: O`Faolain`s Boy (7) - Barry Geraghty (Rebeacca Curtis)

2015: Don Poli (6) - Bryan Cooper (Willie Mullins)

2016: Blaklion (7) - Ryan Hatch (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 15/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/03/2017 08:06:53) but are subject to change.