From The Horse’s Mouth Podcast Novices’ Chase Guide 2023

Paddy Brennan takes the ride on Alaphilippe for trainer Fergal O’Brien at Cheltenham on Saturday. The six-year-old made his chase debut at Carlisle at the end of last month, finishing 16 lengths behind the impressive Good Risk At All.

He stayed on strongly on that day, and he could come on from that effort back at Cheltenham, where he has some strong form in the book. That includes a close second in the G3 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle in March on soft ground. Likely to go well.

Broadway Boy represents the Nigel Twiston-Davis stable this weekend, with Tom Bellamy taking the ride. He was a strong performer over the Cheltenham fences last month, but he was beaten two lengths by the classy Flooring Porter.

However, he has already won over the larger obstacles this season, as he scored at Worcester over two miles and seven at the end of September, beating Mofasa by over nine lengths. Looks like a classy contender, and connections always pop up with a winner at the Cheltenham November meet.

Cloudy Flamingo will be the huge outsider in the betting on Saturday for the team of Gavin Sheehan and Keiran Burke. The seven-year-old makes his stable debut for Burke this weekend after winning once from seven starts in point-to-points.

He was last seen at the start of March when being pulled up over three miles. He has an awful lot to find in this company on his debut under rules after an extended period away from the track.

Sam Twiston-Davies will take the ride on Good Risk At All for trainer Sam Thomas on Saturday. The seven-year-old made a very eye-catching start to his chase career at the end of October, beating Alaphilippe by a stunning 16-length margin.

He was extremely comfortable on that day, and he could improve on this first start over three miles. Certainly a leading chance based on ratings, and conditions to suit.

Nicky Henderson-trained Mister Coffey boasts the greatest experience over fences this weekend, and will be the ride of Nico de Boinville. The eight-year-old is yet to land a victory in nine efforts over the larger obstacles.

However, he clearly stays this trip very well after finishing eighth in the Grand National and third over a mile and six in the G2 National Hunt Challenge Cup at the Festival. He brings class to this race, but others could be more progressive.

Harry Skelton takes the ride on Weveallbeencaught for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies this weekend. The six-year-old was third on his chasing debut at Cheltenham last month, finishing nearly four lengths behind Flooring Porter.

He appeared to weaken in the closing stages of that race, and was passed for second by returning rival Broadway Boy. However, he could have needed the run, and he was kept in high-quality company throughout last season.