RSA Chase 2016 - Festival Focus

We Could Be Heroes - Bryan Cooper and No More Heroes can land the RSA.

In spite of the fact that generally speaking the thought is that the RSA is a slog of real attrition that can rip the guts out of a horse, in recent years we’ve seen the classiest sorts in the race rise to the top.

With what we’ve seen to date this season only two horses set for the race look genuine top class staying chase prospects, with the remainder of the market made up of strong staying sorts who would want the relentless test of stamina the RSA is often billed as but doesn’t always transpire to be.

No More Heroes and More Of That look well clear of the remainder that are likely to take up their engagement in the race, and although Jonjo O’Neill’s former World Hurdle winner is the bigger price it is Gordon Elliot’s charge that appeals most for the novice staying chase event.

I’ve thought of No More Heroes as a future Gold Cup winner since his Bumper days and his novice chase campaign to date has done nothing but strengthen those thoughts.

He was a good novice hurdler last season and while he looked every inch a chaser killing time until his destiny called, he still managed an unlucky third in last year’s war of an Albert Bartlett.

Festival Focus - World Hurdle 2015

Tout Infinity and Beyond - Un Temps Pour Tout can justify the hype in the World Hurdle.

It could look like there’s an element of stealing other people’s tips here given that two tipsters that I have a lot of time for have also put up the same horse that I’m about to for the World Hurdle as well in recent days.

However a look back at my ten to follow post for this national hunt season from last September will show that even back then I was weighing up this horse for the top contests over hurdles this term.

I am of course talking about David Pipe’s expensive French import Un Temps Pout Tout.

Not yet seen this season, Pipe recently announced that he is set to reappear in the Cleeve Hurdle next Saturday with a World Hurdle tilt the aim.

As such, in a wide open looking renewal of the staying contest now looks the time to back him, as a good run – and he does go well fresh – in the Cleeve will surely see his price come in further.

A stand out 20/1 at the moment with Ladbrokes (although they aren’t NRNB at present, but the risk looks worth it) the Pond House inmate built on his high class French form with three good efforts last season after making the switch to Pipe for an astronomical fee.

World Hurdle Preview - Festival Focus

I've Got The Power - Annie Power can beat the boys in the World Hurdle

I had thought about delving in to the World Hurdle before the weekend when there was inevitably going to be some fluctuation in the market with four of the main contenders for festival Thursday’s showpiece locking horns.

Alas time got the better of me but my thoughts haven’t really changed in the aftermath of the Cleeve and Annie Power’s run at Doncaster – if Annie Power takes her chance in the World Hurdle she can win it.

With her going over two miles at Doncaster many were convinced that was an indication that she will run in the Champion Hurdle rather than its longer companion. However Willie Mullins already has two for that race (including the favourite) and though Annie Power is with different owners I can’t imagine they’d make Ruby Walsh get off her – which he surely will if it’s a choice between her and Hurricane Fly.

He’s also unlikely to abandon Quevega in her bid for further Cheltenham history in the Mares race which really only leaves one option and with Boston Bob running an absolute shocker in the Cleeve that leaves Mullins with no real contender for the World Hurdle too, so step forward Annie Power.