Ladbrokes' Cheltenham 2010 tips for the 13:30 Jewson Novices' Handicap Steeple Chase

A strong looking field turn out for what is always a competitive race and from a shortlist of The Hollinwell, Nicanor, Dave's Dream and RIVALISTE it is the last named who gets the vote.

Paul Nicholls saddled Chapoturgeon to win this race last year and has a similar type to go to war with in the shape of our selection, who like his stabe companion is only five years old. He arrived from France to take in a pair of decent handicaps prior to Christmas, winning well at Newbury before failing by a nose when bidding for the follow-up at Sandown. He's up another 6lbs for that defeat but needed that to get in here and it's interesting that each of the four winners of this have carried 11st or less. With that statistic in mind, The Hollinwell also makes the shortlist. Ferdy Murphy's charge has long been highly regarded and has gone some way to showing why this season, winning two of his three starts. The horse's sole defeat came to Abbeybraney who runs in the four-miler here on Wednesday, so it'll be interesting to see how he gets on but one thing is for sure, this live danger won't fair for a lack of stamina.
The pair mentioned do make the most appeal but it has to be said both have to prove they can act on better going, but it seems perfect racing ground at Cheltenham and there can be little excuse. Last year's Imperial Cup winner Dave's Dream was spoken of after the race as a potential Gold Cup winner of the future so he'll want to be going close off 138. Nicky Henderson has had a good Festival so far and this one still has the potential to come good despite two hefty defeats of late, with conditions more to his liking. Nicanor is another who hasn't quite achieved the same level of form he showed over hurdles. Indeed, Noel Meade's charge beat none other than Denman here in 2006 before following up at Punchestown. Injury then intervened and the horse had three years off the track, so it's taken a lot to get the gelding here. He arrives on the back of a debut victory over fences though - his first of any kind since that day four years ago - and with confidence restored could go very close as he has bags of ability. There must, however, be a doubt as to whether he'll ever recapture his best and for that reason he's narrowly opposed. None of the other four runners carrying under 11st make much appeal, with Gansey already looking in need of a trip and much softer ground, King's Forest having work to do with a couple of the higher rated horses and Working Title looking harshly treated and a little short in terms of ability as to what is required. Perhaps Tanks For That can find enough improvement for this better ground, but in truth the biggest dangers may lie higher up the weights.

Hey Big Spender has winning course and distance form and fully deserves his weight, China Rock has been taking on the best Ireland has and is nicely treated on hurdles form, whilst prior to disappointing last time Seven Is My Number had looked smart. Take The Breeze thrashed Dave's Dream at Newbury but has plenty of weight and prefers to slog in the mud, Jered lacks the physical scope to make as good a chaser as he was a hurdler and Copper Bleu hasn't looked a natural since taking to the bigger obstacles. The fifth running of the Jewson can provide Paul Nicholls with back-to-back wins, with Rivaliste getting our vote.

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