Noel Novices' Chase Guide 2021

The first runner of the race is the Paul Nicholls trained Pic D'Orhy who has been a frustrating horse for yard since going fences, possessing a lot of ability but not finishing as many races as he should of.

As a hurdler he was very similar being up and down with his runs, but his best event to date came back in February 2020 when landing the Grade Three Betfair Hurdle.

Sent chasing last term He was very below par, not winning easy events that he was favourite for and also showing a tendency to clatter a fence.

This term he has been seen twice, getting off the mark for the first time over fences at Ffos Las and then last time out when looking sure to go close again, took another tumble.

If being able to get round he looks the one to beat on ability.

One of Pic D'Orhy's biggest threats on the day is Favoir for Dan Skelton with the six year old being very consistent over both hurdles and fences.

A smart hurdler the gelding landed five events last term with the best of those runs coming at Haydock in January when taking out the Grade Two Supreme Trial.

Sent chasing by the Skelton's this term he picked up from where he left off last term by winning a good race at Uttoxeter that has seen the form franked on a few occasions.

Stepped up to 2m4f at Cheltenham the trip did not suit and he could only beat one home.

Back slightly in trip last time out he resumed his progression by winning a three runner event over course and distance and he is a likely contender.

Another promising individual switched to fences this term is the Jane Williams trained Gladiateur Allen, who showed last time out just how much talent he holds.

A decent hurdles horse, his best effort came at Ascot when beating a decent field in a Novices' Hurdle and after that competed well in handicap events.

Starting this season over hurdles again, he was a weak third at Ffos Las and then was back in the field when stepping up to three miles in the Grade Three Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock.

Sent chasing to save his season, he went to Exeter in a decent Novices' Chase and staying the 2m3f well he got up in the final strides.

If improving for that run he is a big player at the odds, going back to a track he performs well at.

The penultimate runner of the race is the Gary Moore trained Fifty Ball who was a very smart hurdler last term and this year has tried his hand over fences.

Making his hurdles debut at Fontwell when third, he then backed that up at the same track when a better second.

He got off the mark next time out at Ascot in a good event and then made it back to back wins at Sandown, winning the event by 13 lengths.

Looking for a hat-trick he finished a good second of 22 in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, only being beaten by the smart Soaring Glory.

Looking to round off the season in style he gave his worst run of the season in the County Hurdle at the Cheltrenham festival.

Sent chasing this term he has been slightly underwhelming finishing third of seven at Sandown and then last time out was well beaten at Newbury.

Needs more.

The final runner of the race is the Richard Rowe trained Up The Straight who has been a very underwhelming horse at times, especially last time out.

Starting over fences back on November 2020, he has been seen eight times and has only got off the mark once and that came starts ago in a three runner race.

Last time out he was seen finishing 14th of 19 in the November Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and although this is easier, he needs more.