The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase is the second race on St Patrick’s Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival. Run over 2m4f and registered as the Golden Miller, it is a Grade 2 limited handicap for novice chasers.
The race took its current form in 2025, when the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase over the same trip was replaced by this limited handicap. Before that it was run as the JLT and Marsh Novices’ Chase. Paul Nicholls’ Caldwell Potter won the first running of the new race at 7/1.
Because it is now a handicap, the race rewards a different approach to the old Grade 1. Look for unexposed novices whose opening chase marks may underestimate them, horses with big-field handicap experience, and sound jumpers who can hold their position in a competitive field over 2m4f.
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Our 2027 selections will be added once entries and handicap marks are published. In the meantime, see our Cheltenham Day 3 tips for the rest of Thursday’s card.
Previous renewal: Turners Novices’ Chase 2024 preview
Leading the field are four horses that we believe should be in the win. Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning is available at 5/2, and will be trying to turn the tables on Paul Nicholls’ Ginnys Destiny who was victor on course and distance when the two last met.
Going up in trip is Facile Vega, a horse that can be unpredictable but with decent recent form. Willie Mullins’ charge will have Paul Townend on board and stands every chance at 11/4.
The most interesting of the four main protagonists could be Iroko. Trained by the Greenall and Guerriero partnership, he’s had a lengthy break so was likely aimed at this and we expect him to be right there at the finish.
Sharjah is another interesting entry from the Mullins yard and we’re surprised at a 20/1 price so keep this one handy for an each-way, and Venetia Williams saddles Djelo, a handy chaser with more to come. At 18/1, this is another opportunity for a good each-way.
We reckon this could be a great battle between Grey Dawning and Ginnys Destiny, setting us up for another exciting day at Cheltenham.
Previous renewal: Turners Novices’ Chase 2023 preview
Mighty Potter is unbeaten over fences and was seen to best effect on his most recent start when beating Adamantly Chosen at the DRF.
His pinpoint accuracy at his fences helped him gain lengths every time. Even though his bizarre giraffe-like tendencies to hang look as if he’s an awkward ride he galloped straight through the line to win comfortably.
The Gordon Elliot trained gelding has always looked a shade green in all of his races when out under pressure however he does nothing but try when asked to do so.
The one worry for me would be when he came over to England last year in the Supreme he was majorly disappointing and although as I’ve mentioned he’s green maybe travelling might catch up with him.
I respect him at the market and think he’s the best horse in the race but that niggle in the back of my brain worries me about him.
Banbridge won at last year’s Cheltenham Festival in the Martin Pipe and has done nothing but progress since then over fences.
He came over to Britain in November to run in an Arkle Trial in which he flew round and brushed aside some nice horses.
He was slightly disappointing in the Drinmore finishing behind Mighty Potter but maybe that run came too quickly on going he may have found too soft.
Having been on the go fairly early in the season he was given a break and had a nice return in the Irish Arkle finishing second when being found out for speed.
This step up in trip is something he will enjoy and I wouldn’t be surprised if he reversed the placings with the favourite here.
Nicky Henderson won this race back in 2021 with Chantry House after the shock departure of Envoi Allen early on.
He looks to win this race again with Balco Coastal who bumped into Gerri Colombe last time in the Scilly Isles at Sandown.
He was just outstayed that day by a horse who wanted three miles and I was more impressed by how he jumped.
He was poor on his debut over fences but showed a much better showing at Kempton at Christmas.
That step up into graded level last time showed the improvement that he’d found and I wouldn’t devalue his chances here.
Stage Star won a novice handicap over the course and distance and looked thrown in off his mark.
He steps up in class for the Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls but I don’t think he’s as talented as some of the others.
Overall, I think that Mighty Potter has the best form in the race and the stronger possibility of more progression to come.
With both of those factors I believe 5/4 is a fair enough price against some exposed rivals.
Selection – Mighty Potter 5/4