'He's got a great chance' - who will join a classy novice chase roll of honour?

Friday: 2.20 Cheltenham
SSS Super Alloys Novices' Limited Handicap Chase | Class 3 | 4yo+ | 2m4f | ITV4/RTV

The list of names to have contested this race while it was a standard novice chase is an impressive one, with winners like Dynaste, Taquin Du Seuil and Protektorat, not to mention beaten horses Might Bite, Splash Of Ginge and Oscar Whisky.

Yet the match race that took place last year, however eventful, between My Drogo (fell two out) and Gin On Lime (all but fell at the same fence) was seemingly the last straw and the switch to handicap conditions does at least seem to have boosted numbers.

It would be a surprise if any of these eight were able to deliver Grade 1 success by the end of the season. Partly that is because none are rated higher than 137. Closer scrutiny of the runners does not unearth any outstanding potential either, so it could be suggested this race will prove not to be all that by Cheltenham handicap standards.

It is understandable that Pull Again Green, who was third when favourite for a similar race at the Showcase meeting here last month, and progressive three-time chase winner Hereditary Rule were put in as early market leaders. There are a couple of others, both slightly out of the compressed weights, who deserve further inspection.

Unanswered Prayers was given some stiff assignments as a hurdler and ran with credit to be beaten less than five lengths in fifth in Chepstow's Silver Trophy last time. He also shaped as though the run will bring him on, and he is bred to take to fences.

Pedigrees are encouraging for Super Six too, as both of his half-brothers to make the track became staying chasers. He had a solid strike-rate in bumpers and over hurdles and, while his chasing debut was disappointing, he would be entitled to come on for the run and this trip will suit in time. He may not be a star in the making, but the new conditions of this race makes the dream of a Cheltenham win a reality.

Race analysis by Keith Melrose

McConnell eyeing more Cheltenham joy with Hereditary Rule

John McConnell was in unstoppable form at last month's Cheltenham Showcase meeting, registering three winners from just eight runners, and Hereditary Rule represents his sole chance to get on the scoresheet at Friday's fixture.

Daryl Jacob will be having just his third ride for the Meath-based trainer when partnering the joint topweight, who is seeking a hat-trick after winning over fences at Cartmel in August before capitalising on a lower hurdles mark at Downpatrick in September.

John McConnell on Hereditary Rule: 'He's done well since being sent over fences'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jacob was aboard for Hereditary Rule's second of three chase wins at Ayr in May.

McConnell said: "He's done well since being sent over fences. Unfortunately he suffered a bit of a cut when winning last time at Downpatrick and it's been a bit of a tight squeeze to get him ready for this.

"He's travelled over well and we're hoping he'll run a good race, but it's Cheltenham – it's competitive."

What they say

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Pull Again Green
He's in good form. We felt we left him a little bit short last time and Paddy [Brennan, jockey] said he blew up coming to the end, but he travelled well coming down the hill. We feel he'll have come on for that and hope he can go well.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Railway Hurricane
He's been frustrating over fences as he's been hard to win with but he'll pop up along the way and this would be a great place for him to do that. He's been pretty consistent. It looks a suitable race and I think he'll be fine on the ground.

Railway Hurricane: bids to get off the mark at the 15th time of asking over fencesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jane Williams, trainer of Honneur D'Ajonc
He disappointed on his return at Ffos Las on his first start over fences but he was a good novice hurdler last season and we hope he can show better this time.

Chris Gordon, trainer of Unanswered Prayers
I think he's got a great chance. He's 2lb out of the handicap but this looked a suitable race relative to what was coming up for him. He seems in good order and has schooled well. He's been very consistent. When you're sending horses over fences you're always hoping they might find a little extra improvement and this is a nice, scopey type.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Super Six
We thought it was worth giving this trip a try. The ground was too quick for him at Ffos Las and this will suit him much better. He goes there with a chance.
Reporting by Mark Boylan

Friday's previews:

1.45 Cheltenham: Grey Diamond out to deliver more handicap success for Sam Thomas and Dai Walters

2.55 Cheltenham: 'Class horse' Ballyandy is a rock-solid favourite - but is he beatable?

3.30 Cheltenham: Can Willie Mullins weave some more Cheltenham magic with Hubrisko?

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