The first day of Cheltenham's three-day December meeting takes centre stage this afternoon and we begin with a fascinating four-runner novice chase. Kings Palace looked a potential superstar when beating Sausilito Sunrise (12.30) 4L at the Open meeting here last month but the latter is 8lbs better off and the forecast heavy overnight rain might make this a thorough test of stamina over an additional furlong.
Sausalito Sunrise did not jump with the same fluency as Kings Palace last month but, if his fencing holds up, he could cause a bit of a shock. Kings Palace is currently 10/1 at BetVictor for the RSA Chase with the selection double those odds.
This is no two-horse race, however, with Vivaldi Collonges making his chase debut for Paul Nicholls. The 5-y-old has the scope to make up into a high-class chaser and he receives weight from the other principles. It promises to be a most informative contest.
Gallery Exhibition (1.05) drops back in trip having scored at Catterick last time from a 7lb lower mark. Trainer Kim Bailey ended his long Cheltenham drought when Charingworth scored at the Open Meeting last month and Galley Exhibition looked a chaser to follow last time although he wouldn't want too much overnight rain.
The Ould Lad (2.10) also looked a horse to follow when winning at Leicester last month and, despite being 4lbs out of the handicap, he can land his hat-trick stepping up in grade. The selection was raised 12lbs for that success so one could actually argue he is 3lbs well in at the weights and he may never have the opportunity to race off 10st again in his career.
In the last Padge (3.45) receives 10lbs from dual hurdle winner Seedling and the form of his half-length second to Shantou Bob looks very good given the winner was beaten a nose in Grade 2 company last time.
At Doncaster Nicky Henderson saddles 90 rated flat horse Hassle but preference is for Shwaiman (12.45) from a yard (James Fanshawe) that do so well with their jumpers. The selection was an infrequent winner on the level (one from 16) but his sole success was gained at Doncaster and he could make up into a decent novice in time especially over an additional half a mile.
At Bangor Melodic Rendezvous (12.20) makes his chase debut for Jeremy Scott and he looks to have found an ideal opportunity to make a winning start over the larger obstacles. He may be best served over 2m 4f in time but today's soft ground will suit and he should have too much class for Monkey Kingdom who has yet to impress in three starts over fences.
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