2.20 Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase 3m 100y (Grade 1)

Better Days Ahead: Beat dual Grade 1-winning hurdler Slade Steel on his chase debut. This Martin Pipe Hurdle winner was also Grade 1-placed over this trip last season, but seems to jump better going right-handed.

Buddy One: The most experienced of these over fences, if you discount point-to-point form. Grade 1-placed over hurdles, he made a smart start over fences, but has failed to measure up twice since.

Croke Park: Was underestimated in the Drinmore and shouldn’t be again, especially as he returns to a staying trip.

Stellar Story: Justified favouritism on chase debut in a Grade 2, but that was a three-runner race, and it may not hold the same status in the future. He may not have learnt much on that occasion, but he is an Albert Bartlett winner, so should not be discounted, particularly in such a small field.

Verdict

A disappointing turnout may back those questioning the decision to discontinue the two-mile Grade 1 novice chase.

At the time of writing Stellar Story sits third in the betting and seems to offer some value against the top two. His Grade 2 chase debut lacked merit in a small field, but we can’t forget his Grade 1 win over hurdles. That said, it came on heavy, so perhaps on this ground, one of his two rivals are a safer bet, siding with Croke Park.