RSA Chase: Grands Crus top of the list

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 26 January 2012 / 1

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Grands Crus is currently favourite for the RSA.

"His three starts over fences this term have resulted in a trio of resounding successes..."

Outstanding novice Grands Crus tops a list of 36 for the RSA at Cheltenham on March 14...

The David Pipe-trained seven year-old was second only to the fabulous Big Buck's in the staying hurdle division last season, and his three starts over fences this term have resulted in a trio of resounding successes.

The grey also holds an entry in the Gold Cup, with connections as yet undecided which route he will take.

Bobs Worth, winner of the Albert Bartlett last year, narrowly beat Cue Card on his chasing bow at Newbury, going on to finish behind both Grands Crus and Silviniaco Conti at Kempton.

However, the six year-old was the least experienced of the three, not jumping so fluently, but he ought to show the benefit of that experience come Cheltenham.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Silviniaco Conti has also been entered for this contest, as has fellow Ditcheat inmate Join Together. The latter was seemingly set to head for the National Hunt Chase, over four miles, but he has impressed in his last two starts, convincing connections to enter him here.

Last Instalment is the shortest priced Irish runner, whilst First Lieutenant, Bog Warrior and Hidden Cyclone could also represent Ireland. All boast strong credentials, with the last mentioned currently rated 127P by Timeform.

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Geoff Peacock | 27 January 2012

Cannot understand why Silviniaco Conti is such a massive price for the RSA Chase. I have been waiting patiently for Paul Nicholls to step him up in trip, his breeding suggested to me that he would improve for it and he duly did splitting the 2 best staying novices seen this season. He missed one fence out, unlike Grand Crus, but not as untidy as Bobs Worth, but for that mistake and coming off the bridle at a vital stage, he would have been even closer than the final diminishing margin.
Well done Paul bringing this horse along to improve so much from run to run, if there is any more improvement to come it could be very interesting come RSA day!

Geoff