Contents
  1. Race Conditions
  2. Betting on the Jewson Novices’ Chase

The Jewson Novices’ Chase (Registered as the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase) is scheduled as the first race on the Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival. Now only in its second year, the contest is over a distance of two miles and four furlongs and may prove popular with trainers seeking an alternative to the two mile Arkle and three mile RSA Chase. It is important not to be confused with the Centenary Novices Handicap Chase (appearing on Tuesday’s card), formally known as the Jewson Novices Handicap Chase.

Although having a grade two status, the Jewson Novices’ Chase should attract quality entrants, some being previous course winners with experience of the difficult fences and ground. The 2011 winner was Noble Prince and this gelding certainly raised his game for the event, giving Tony McCoy his 200th season win and bringing delight to trainer Paul Nolan. This year’s winner, probably competing within a large field, will need a high cruising speed to cope with the furious pace plus stamina for the challenging uphill finish. A horse that has run well against useful opposition over two and three miles may just fit the bill.

Race Conditions

  • The Jewson Novices’ Chase is a Grade 2 Chase.
  • The race will be contested at a start time of 13:30 on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, which is a Thursday.
  • The race is open to horses aged five years old and above; 5 and 6 year olds carry 11st 5lbs whereas 4 years old have a 7lb allowance. Mares also receive an allowance of 7lbs.
  • The race is run over 2 and a half miles (2m 4f).
  • In purse is £90,000.

Betting on the Jewson Novices’ Chase

The race is still in its infancy and therefore no trends have emerged from this race so far. However, here are some starting points for horses you should be looking at:

  • Select a horse who has been placed in a graded novice chase.
  • Favour horses who have run over 2m and at least 2m4f.
  • Go for horses who have won or finished second in their previous outing.
  • Try and back a horse who has won at least one chase.
  • Avoid siding with an older horse (eight years old and up).

Peddlers Cross seems to fit the bill and stands out from the rest in the field.

For the 2012 Cheltenham Festival the leading offers are: Bet365 £200 free bets, BetVictor £25 free bet, and Stan James £150 free bets.