Pulteney Land Investments Novices´ Handicap Chase

The Druids Nephew 14/1 ew (Lads,Fred)

This must be one of the best handicapped horses of the whole meeting off a mark of 135.

Ran a screamer here last year in the Albert Bartlett when out running his odds of 100/1 finishing 6th and in front of the likes of Mount Benbulben, Rocky Creek,Sea of Thunder etc.

But its really the form of his Chase wins that makes him a good betting proposition here at 14/1, if with a bigger name trainer i have no doubt he would be clear favourite.

Started off his chase career at Ascot in November in a race that has worked out extremely well. Had them all in trouble 2 out but was just pipped on the post by Hadrians approach under an inspired Barry Geraghty ride.

- Hadrians Approach a nose in front - went on to finish 2nd in the Grade 1 Feltham behind Dynaste and went down by just a shd when beaten by Unioniste at Newbury last time and is now rated 147

- Rolling Aces 3l behind in 3rd - won on next two starts. Firstly at Newbury beating Merry King who himself is fancied for the 4 miler at the Festival. And next time out at Wincanton gave 3lbs and an 11l beating to Opening Batsman in a Novices Chase. Last time out was probably his most impressive run when going down by just 2l trying to give 9lbs to that same improved rival in The Racing Plus chase when the front 2 were clear of the field. And Rolling Aces is now rated 153

- Kapga De Cerisy 5l behind in 4th and in receipt of 9lbs from The Druids Nephew - has won his last 2 starts very easily and include a 15l beating of Fago at Sandown and is now rated 140

- Act of Kalanisi over 5l behind in 5th won next time out beating Ciceron by 7l and now rated 137

- Representing Celtic 20l behind in 6th - has won 3/3 Jumpers Bumpers since and was travelling very well today when coming to grief

- Handy Andy 30l behind in 5th won 2 runs later and now rated 123


The race has worked out extremely well and shows how well treated The Druids Nephew could be off 135

1. Hadrians Approach 147
2. nose. The Druids Nephew 135
3. 3l. Rolling Aces 153
4. 5l. Kapga De Cerisy (getting 9lbs) 140
5. 5 1/4l. Act of Kalanisi 137
8 30l. Handy Andy 123

Disappointed over 3m next time at Kemtpon on soft but it was said he cut a leg early and tweaked his back so i can forgive that run!

Bounced right back to form last time out when in receipt of 11lbs from Grandioso and defeating him very easily by 10 with the decent yardstick Tony star well held when coming to grief.

Grandioso boosted that form greatly last time when winning the G2 Pendil Novices Chase at Kempton from Molotof and is now rated 145.


All in all i cannot fathom why he is not half the price he is now given how undoubtedly well handicapped he is, goes on all ground, possibly the strongest form in the race and is being aimed here. Looks a standout bet each way at the current 14/1!