Martin Dixon's Cheltenham Best Bet

Race: National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase

“He’s a horse who I’ve always liked and has been very consistent throughout his career since joining James Owen, who he’s been with him for a couple of years. I also believe he’s a proper stayer.

“I therefore think he will appreciate the step up in distance in the National Hunt Chase, and he shaped really well at this track in November when he was beaten by Wade Out. That was on testing ground, and it was also his first start of the season. I thought he shaped like the best horse in the race there and just got run out of things after the final fence. 

“He was dropped to an inadequate trip at Doncaster on his latest start, and that gave him his third run over fences, which got him qualified plus was also valuable experience for him. 

“I think he’s been aimed specifically at this contest, and it’s a race that will suit him perfectly.”