RACING anorak Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) analyses the field for the opening race on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, the JLT Novices' Chase.
JLT Novices' Chase | Thursday 14th March 2019, 13:30 | ITV1
Thursday gets underway with the JLT Novices’ Chase which has really rose to prominence in the last few years, and is most famous for Vatour’s great victory. This year's renewal looks a pretty good one but I'm looking towards the head of the market for my selection.
Lostintranslation (7/2 Bet365) is a very consistent chaser and comes in to this with a live chance. He stays very well and will appreciate the conditions, however he seems held by the favourite and I'm a little concerned by the form of his stable too, who appear to have gone cold at the wrong time.
Defi Du Seuil (7/2 Unibet) is a previous Festival winner, and after what can only be described as a poor 2018, he's back in the big time now and comes here a Grade 1 chase winner. He has the best form in the race, and they now know not to produce him too soon. Expect him to stalk his prey all through the race and lead about 200 yards out. I expect him to win this.
Best Bets
JLT Novices’ Chase – Defi Du Seuil to win (7/2 Unibet)
