Neville Hotels Novice Chase: Runners, odds and a verdict for Friday’s Grade 1 ⭐

There are two Grade 1 races at Leopardstown on Friday but one is a rather uncompetitive four-runner affair. The other is a fascinating six-runner novice chase and most of the runners have some sort of chance. The Neville Hotels Novice Chase takes place at 1.45 and we’re providing you with everything you need to know about the runners and given a verdict for the Grade 1 event. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Up To £50 In Sports Free Bets

New customers only. T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org

1. Corbetts Cross

Trained by Emmet Mullins, Corbetts Cross was in the process of running a huge race in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in March, before unceremoniously running out. He got off the mark over fences in a warm race at Fairyhouse last time out. There should be plenty more to come and we can see why he’s the favourite.

2. Favori De Champdou

Gordon Elliott’s eight-year-old is a proper stayer and he won a Grade 2 over three miles in fine style at Punchestown last time out. The more of a stamina test this race becomes, the better it will suit him. It’s likely that the best is yet to come.

3. Flanking Maneuver

This horse is probably one of the least exposed runners in the field. He’s a second season chaser who got off the mark at Fairyhouse last time out. The return to three miles should suit but he clearly has some improvement to find.

4. Flooring Porter

Gavin Cromwell’s charge is a two-time Stayers’ Hurdle winner and clearly has the requisite class to go close here, on that evidence. He was victorious at Cheltenham on his debut over fences in October but was a tad disappointing behind Favori De Champdou last time out.

5. Grangeclare West

Willie Mullins’ gelding easily beat Corbetts Cross on his seasonal reappearance and first start over fences at Naas last month. Useful, if not slightly disappointing over hurdles last term, he should fulfil his potential as a chaser.

6. Tullyhogue Fort

It’s probably best to leave this horse alone. He hasn’t been in great form recently and even his best efforts fall well short of what is required here.

Verdict

Corbetts Cross is a worthy favourite for the race and we think there’s loads more to come from him over fences. His hurdles form is also probably the strongest on offer and he could go far this season.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

Up To £50 In Sports Free Bets

New customers only. T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org

Know All The Angles