Britain vs Ireland: strong representation increases hype for novice chases

There has been plenty of chatter over the last 12 months surrounding the Irish domination at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival.

The vast majority of horse racing fans seem to be expecting a similar display come March, but where do the British-trained runners stand with their Irish counterparts? In the seventh instalment of this series, Ross Millar takes a deep dive into the four novice chases.

BROWN ADVISORY

Ten-year rivalry: Ireland 4 v UK 6

Best of the Irish: Galopin Des Champs?

He looks more likely to head to the Turners on Thursday, but Galopin Des Champs would hold outstanding claims if he lined up here. His ability is there for all to see. A longer trip might suit him better as a slower gallop will allow him to jump fluently, but he has enormous potential and will take some beating wherever he goes.

Best of the British: Bravemansgame

The home team has a number of strong chances in this event. Ahoy Senor has a huge engine but I have reservations about whether his jumping technique will stand up to this test. On the other hand, L’Homme Presse has no such concerns as he is an excellent and economical jumper. However, he will need to prove his stamina over this 3m trip. More of a concern is that Venetia Williams has reported a few snotty noses in her yard recently. Bravemansgame has received an exemplary preparation for this race and has been highly tested, passing with flying colours every time. His jumping is as good as I’ve ever seen and two wins over 3m - where he saw out the trip well - has allayed stamina concerns.

Eyecatching Irish outsider: Beacon Edge

Last year's Stayers’ Hurdle fourth Beacon Edge has slipped under the radar in the run-up to this year's festival. His latest run at Navan really impressed me - he only finished half-a-length behind the talented Farouk D’Alene despite conceding 7lb and, although he may lack the star quality of a few in this field, he is a tough and consistent sort.

Eyecatching British outsider: Dusart

Very few appeal at bigger prices. Dusart has looked a work in progress, yet he remains unbeaten over fences despite jumping out to his left. He is held in high regard by Nicky Henderson and might show himself in a better light.

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

This has the makings of a great race. Bravemansgame has looked exceptional all season, given that Galopin Des Champs is a questionable runner you would have to say that the Brits look the likeliest winners at this stage.

Edwardstone: Arkle favourite who has impressed since switching to chasing. David Davies

ARKLE

Ten-year rivalry: Ireland 5 v UK 5

Best of the Irish: Blue Lord

Riviere D’Etel is a talented mare, but she will reoppose Blue Lord on 2lb worse terms than when narrowly beaten in the Irish Arkle and the stiff hill at Cheltenham should suit Willie Mullins’ gelding better. He was the only horse who looked like getting anywhere near Appreciate It in last year's Supreme before falling at the last and has made up into a better chaser than hurdler.

Best of the British: Edwardstone

If he wasn’t brought down on his seasonal debut, Edwardstone would arrive at Cheltenham with an unbeaten record this season. He is comfortably the best of the British and has already bagged a Grade 1 win in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown. His jumping has looked assured and measured, and he appears to be far more settled this year.

Eyecatching Irish outsider: Haut En Couleurs

Haut En Couleurs isn’t a big price, so can’t really be considered an outsider, but he is worthy of a mention. Arriving off the back of a fall isn’t ideal, but his jumping had looked assured until that point and he finished third in last year's Triumph Hurdle on his first hurdle start outside of France. Proven at the track and competing in a moderate heat, he deserves plenty of respect.

Eyecatching British outsider: Elixir De Nutz

Colin Tizzard’s horses are in much better form than this time last year and Elixir De Nutz is considered a live outsider in the Arkle. He impressed me on his most recent start when he made all over 2m2f at Kempton and, despite having at least a stone to find, his front-running style means the only trouble he’ll encounter will be of his own making. If he gets into a rhythm he is capable of running a solid race.

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

With Haut En Couleurs offering strong back up to Blue Lord, the depth appears to lie with Ireland. Edwardstone has had a good season but might find this a step too far.

Stattler (right): won his maiden hurdle at Leopardstown in December

NATIONAL HUNT CHASE

Ten-year rivalry: Ireland 6 v UK 4

Best of the Irish: Stattler

Patrick Mullins might have had Stattler picked out as his National Hunt Chase mount early in the season and it is easy to see why. He has looked composed jumping fences and showed enough pace to win over 2m5f at Fairyhouse in December, despite being an out-and-out stayer. This step up in trip should suit.

Best of the British: Pats Fancy

Threeunderthrufive, who is unlikely to run here, and Does He Know are the shortest priced British-trained entrants. The latter is a highly-strung individual and might struggle to handle the preliminaries. Rebecca Curtis has previously won this race with Teaforthree, and her Pats Fancy looks to be in a similar mould. He looks to have stamina by the bucket load, jumps intelligently and has a relaxed style of racing, which is essential for this test.

Eyecatching Irish outsider: Frontal Assault

The Kim Muir might be his main aim, but Frontal Assault would undoubtedly outrun his odds if connections re-routed him here. He showed good form in 3m hurdles - particularly on soft ground, which seemed to draw out his abundant stamina - but is yet to try further than 2m5f over fences. He could be much better than we have seen so far and an extreme test would play to his strengths.

Eyecatching British outsider: is there one?

It is very hard to find an angle for a British contender at big prices. I couldn’t find one, can you?

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

Not only does Ireland hold all the aces in regards to horsepower in this race, but they are also able to call on a pool of amateur jockeys that are significantly more talented. It’s hard to see how they won’t win this.

Galopin Des Champs: unbeaten in two starts this season. Donall Farmer

TURNERS

Ten-year rivalry: Ireland 7 v UK 3

Best of the Irish: Galopin Des Champs, Bob Olinger

Bob Olinger was an impressive winner of the Ballymore at last year's festival, but his jumping this season has left me underwhelmed. He looks far from natural when getting in tight and a race of this quality can prove unforgiving. Galopin Des Champs took a few liberties with his jumping last time when travelling at pace and looks to have outstanding claims if he’s learned from that experience.

Best of the British: L’Homme Presse

The Brown Advisory looks the number one target for L’Homme Presse unless the ground gets very soft. If avoiding the aforementioned bug that’s in his yard, he would have solid credentials if the heavens opened.

Eyecatching Irish outsider: Saint Sam

I would be very interested in Saint Sam if he was stepped up in trip to try this as he impressed me at the Dublin Racing Festival. But there is a good chance that Willie Mullins will opt for another route.

Eyecatching British outsider: Imperial Alcazar

This race has the potential to cut up into a relatively weak affair. Connections of Imperial Alcazar might feel their best chance would come in a handicap, but I’m not so sure. He showed improved form over this course and distance last time and may have more improvement in him.

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

We could get a match race between Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs, unless L’Homme Presse turns up here. I prefer Galopin Des Champs out of the trio, and therefore I believe this prize will head to Ireland.