Had a read through this thread last night and I noticed Kev pulled out a horse of Neil Mullholland, Impulsive Star, and I've round to thinking he might be onto something.
Owned by Waley-Cohen he's pretty much guaranteed to run here and of course will have his son on board who is one of the best amateurs around.
Some key trends for this:
Must have had at least 3 chase runs
Previous Cheltenham experience crucial
Securing one of the top pilots equally crucial
Focus on 7yo and 8yo (Minella Rocco won at 6 but he since went close in a Gold Cup so exceptionally talented)
All of these strengthen the case for Impulsive Star who was backed into fav in last years Pertemps where he was simply taken off his feet by the pace, that won't happen here.
The horse has been crying out for extreme test of stamina from an early age, he got within 8l of Wholestone in his novice hurdle days typically staying on and closest at the line, this race has to suit.
50/1 NRNB looks to be exceptional value.
Of course there are trends that that don't fit:
Hasn't competed in G1/G2 chase
Hasn't yet won a chase
Isn't owned by JP
But 50/1....