Nube Negra faces just two rivals in Shloer Chase repeat bid

Sunday: 1.45 Cheltenham
Shloer Chase (Registered As The Cheltenham Chase) (Grade 2) | 1m7f 199y | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Skelton: Nube 'as well as I've ever seen'

Some horses take time to find their form, but not Nube Negra, who has won first time out in four of his five seasons of jumping.

He returned from an 11-month break to floor hot favourite Altior at Kempton in 2020 and beat Champion Chase winners Politologue and Put The Kettle On when making a triumphant reappearance in this contest last year.

His task has been made considerably easier with Arkle winner Edwardstone declared a non-runner due to the ground on raceday morning and Sizing Pottsie another absentee, meaning Nube Negra faces just two rivals.

Another fine start to his campaign is on the cards according to Dan Skelton, who said after a recent gallop that the eight-year-old worked: "As well as I've ever seen."

Nube Negra (Harry Skelton) won the Shloer Chase last yearCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The drying ground is also a plus and Skelton added: "Conditions look like they’re going to be favourable for us, that track, two miles and good ground is Nube Negra heaven.

"We've been aiming for this race since the start of the season. He's very effective around this track at this trip on the predicted ground."

What they say

Laura Morgan, trainer of Daly Tiger
The ground would be on the quick side for him but the prize-money is fantastic.

Patrick Neville, trainer of Ganapathi
He's a nice horse and he's in good form so I hope he can pick up some prize-money.
Reporting by David Carr

Sunday's previews:

1.55 Navan: Flooring Porter v Bob Olinger: analysis and insight for a huge Lismullen clash

2.20 Cheltenham: 'We think he's in great shape' - which chaser has his trainer purring?

2.30 Navan: Townend 'worried' by Ferny Hollow's lack of chasing experience on Fortria return

2.55 Cheltenham: 'He couldn't be in a better place' - top trainers on their Greatwood chances

3.30 Cheltenham: Nicky Henderson newcomer bids to emulate Altior in Supreme Trial

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