Independent Newspapers Novices' Chase betting and odds preview

Events / Editor / 20 October 2007 / Leave a Comment

An early indicator to the best two mile novice chaser of the season, Cheltenham's Grade 2 Independent Newspapers Novices' Chase has a solid record of producing a high quality winner, normally at the head of the betting market and at relatively short odds.

None of the last five winners have started at longer odds than 100/30, all have been the subject of strong betting support, and most have run with credit at the Festival meeting the following March.

Trainer Paul Nicholls in particular seems to target this race with one of his best novice chasers and has been on the mark in recent years with Azertyuiop and Thisthatandtother, although his Natal, the subject of some major bets on the day, let his supporters down last year when only second at odds-on to the subsequently smart Fair Along.

There is normally a serious revision of ante-post betting odds for the Arkle Chase in light of the result of this contest.