'He'd be my best chance yet' - Ben Jones eyeing Grade 1 breakthrough on The Jukebox Man in Kauto Star Novices' Chase

As chasing debuts come there haven’t been many more impressive than the one which The Jukebox Man produced when landing the Grade 2 John Francome at Newbury last month, a race that has a rich history. So can he become the latest winner of that to land a Grade 1 event?

The Jukebox Man jumped to the front early on that day and put in some impressive leaps before powering clear in the straight. It looked as if he would win by a wide margin at one stage, but he was closed down to a two-length victory by runner-up Masaccio on the run-in.

It was still very good on the eye, but The Jukebox Man did hang and jump left at times in the straight and was definitely tiring near the finish. That raises a question mark over whether he was quite as superior as it looked and the switch to a clockwise venue may also be a problem.

He has never run on a right-handed course before under rules and Newbury runner-up Masaccio, who is back to reoppose, is rated only 143. A two-length defeat of him probably doesn’t give The Jukebox Man the right to be as short as he is now to beat 147-rated Hyland.

However, Hyland is another who has the right-handed question to answer. He has never won going this way and is rarely seen on a clockwise circuit, so it will be fascinating to see whether he can reproduce his classy Cheltenham form at this entirely different course.

He will be a huge player if he can because both his Cheltenham wins this season have been well advertised since. Transmission, who was 15 lengths behind in second in October, won at Cheltenham next time and the second and third from his last race have run well in defeat since.

The runner-up to Hyland last time, Resplendent Grey, went on to finish second behind Handstands, who is from the same yard as The Jukebox Man, at Sandown next time when Welcom To Cartries was two places behind in fourth. If there is a surprise he may provide it.

Welcom To Cartries jumped and travelled well on his chasing debut that day and lost two places only in the last half-furlong, when he probably showed he needed his first run since April. Improvement can be expected and his best form last year was at right-handed Ascot.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

Jones has plenty of belief in The Jukebox Man

Ben Jones believes The Jukebox Man is his best chance yet of a Grade 1 breakthrough in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.

The Harry Redknapp-owned six-year-old, who is trained by Ben Pauling, was placed in three Grade 1 novice hurdles last season, including when second in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival and the Sefton at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

Jones took over from Kielan Woods in the saddle for The Jukebox Man’s impressive debut win over fences in the Grade 2 Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury last month.

Ben Jones: hoping for a first Grade 1 win on The Jukebox Man

The Jukebox Man beat the reopposing Masaccio by two lengths that day and is the top-rated horse in this five-runner line-up, with 1lb to spare over Hyland on official figures.

Jones said: “He did it nicely at Newbury. He made a couple of mistakes, so if he can jump better this time he should have a nice chance. He definitely stays three miles and it makes sense to go up in trip on better ground.

“It doesn’t look an overly strong race compared to previous runnings and he’d be my best chance yet of winning a Grade 1. He’s one of the better horses I’ve sat on.”

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Hyland
He’s been remarkably good all along and he keeps growing up the whole time, and he’s been improving, which is what we like. He stays and he must have good ground, but he’s earned his ticket to a race like this. It’s a big step up again but with the good ground we’ve got to have a go.

Alan King, trainer of Masaccio
He really enjoys jumping fences and has taken to his new job encouragingly, winning at Newbury, then chasing home the highly regarded The Jukebox Man in a Grade 2 race there last time.The way he stayed on after getting outpaced turning in suggests he could be suited by stepping up to three miles. He relaxes and settles well enough to give himself every chance of staying the trip now.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Welcom To Cartries
He ran well at Sandown but he just needed that run and the ground was slow enough for him. He likes good ground and the likelihood of that here will suit him well. The Jukebox Man is the one to beat but he's an improving young horse who could run well.

Oliver Greenall, joint-trainer of White Rhino
We were thinking of going to Warwick with him next month but saw the entries for this and decided to take our chance. He has jumped well in his two chase wins and the track and ground should suit him. He has a little to find on ratings but there is scope for further improvement.
Reporting by Jack Haynes

2024 King George VI Chase runners, tips and ratings: David Jennings' pinstickers guide

It's a very modern King George, and here is why you should go against the story

Willie Mullins hoping fitness edge and mares' allowance can be decisive for Lossiemouth in big Constitution Hill clash