Can the 12-1 Pricewise pick for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase cement his Cheltenham claims at Navan?

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Gordon Elliott is hoping Better Days Ahead can put the finishing touches to his preparation for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham by winning a Grade 2 which he has farmed in recent years. 

Elliott has won three of the last four runnings of the 3m novice chase, most recently with American Mike last year, and the trainer is responsible for the top three in the market this year, with last season's Albert Bartlett winner Stellar Story and mud-lover Three Card Brag joining Better Days Ahead in the line-up. 

But it is Better Days Ahead, last year's Martin Pipe winner at Cheltenham, who most eyes will be on. Tipped up by Tom Segal in his ante-post Pricewise column for the Brown Advisory at 12-1, he is now as short as 6-1 with Paddy Power for that. 

Ante-Post Pricewise on the Cheltenham Festival

Our Ante-Post Pricewise service has returned a profit in each of the last six years and anyone following the advice would have secured a return on investment of 169 per cent in that time. Winners last year included Champion Chase hero Captain Guinness at 33-1, Oaks heroine Ezeliya at 16-1 and Betfair Hurdle winner Iberico Lord at 12-1.

Access the full series and the remainder of his ante-post tips by signing up to Racing Post+.

Better Days Ahead stormed home in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time, but failed by a head to reel in stablemate Croke Park. That form has been franked since by the winner, who made Ballyburn pull out all the stops at the Dublin Racing Festival. 

Elliott said of Better Days Ahead: "I loved the way he came home at Leopardstown and we're hoping to go to the Brown Advisory with him. I think that race would really suit him, especially the uphill climb to the line. Nothing would be coming home better. 

"He won his beginners' chase at Navan and, after we took him out of Leopardstown last weekend, we felt this race would be ideal for him. He seems in good form and everything has gone well over the last few weeks for him."

Stellar Story has not scaled the heights expected of him over fences so far, but it is still early days. He holds an entry in the Brown Advisory, too, but also the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle.

Stellar Story: won last season's Albert Bartlett Novices' HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Three Card Brag made it fifth time lucky over fences in a beginners' chase over course and distance last time and has the Grand National as his ultimate aim. 

Elliott said: "Stellar Story was disappointing at Leopardstown over Christmas. He didn't jump as well as he can there, so hopefully he can get back on track here. 

"Three Card Brag was good in his beginners' chase the last day and finally got his act together over fences. We think he's a Grand National type, so he definitely has a chance here. Conditions will be fine for him and he obviously likes the track."

Willie Mullins last won this race in 2016 with Measureofmydreams but subsequent Thyestes and bet365 Gold Cup winners Nick Rockett and Minella Cocooner were second and third for the trainer last year. 

Therefore, although Mullins' representative Chosen Witness has plenty to find on the figures having been well beaten by stablemates Ile Atlantique and Champ Kiely on his two outings over fences, he could be an interesting handicap proposition down the line. 

Rank outsider Arctic Skua looks out of his depth in this sort of company and completes the five-runner field.

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