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National Hunt Chase (4 miler) 2019

Ibis Du Rheu ended a lengthy spell in the doldrums with his first win over fences at the eighth attempt in the mallardjewellers.com Novices’ Chase.

Without a win since landing the 2016 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the Festival, the seven-year-old set the record straight to complete a quick double for Nicholls – who won the race 12 months ago with Black Corton – and Harry Cobden.

The extended three-mile contest looked to be heading the way of long-time leader Theatre Territory, but having bided his time Cobden delivered the 11-2 shot with a winning run over the last before pulling out just enough to score by a length.

Nicholls said: “I never had him right last year for some reason, but he has improved. Today in the paddock I knew he was right.

“The ground was heavy last season, which he hated, and he is much better on better ground, he gallops all day on that and he was fit today.

“I said to John Hales (owner) that he will be a great horse to run in the four-miler at the Festival and one day he will be a National horse.

“We could enter him this year at Aintree, as it is his third season over fences. He is a horse we can have a lot of fun with now he is right.”
 
There is every chance he could be RSA bound, even more so if their other staying chasers don’t make the grade. BBB going for the 4 miler is probably dependent on Delta Work, Champagne Classic and Cracking Smart putting in some good performance.

Gordon has said 'he'll start off over fences sooner rather than later and he might end up being one for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival'. Plans obviously change and you are right he could end up in the RSA, but the fact Gordon has cited the NHC this early in the season would suggest 4 miles is the plan.
 
Ibis likely to have Will Biddick on? I like it when Nicholls has a plan.
 
The two things putting me off Ibis is he is dependent on good ground and if they do target Aintree there’s nothing stopping them missing Cheltenham all together. Im being picky but at 20/1 3rd fav I have to be. Not for me
 
Gordon has said 'he'll start off over fences sooner rather than later and he might end up being one for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival'. Plans obviously change and you are right he could end up in the RSA, but the fact Gordon has cited the NHC this early in the season would suggest 4 miles is the plan.

He only mentioned that in one stable tour and then contradicted himself in another. Also, Gigginstown choose their races so if they want him in another race then that is what will happen. I think his best chance is the 4 miler but it’s one of those bets that you probably won’t know his race until March.
 
He only mentioned that in one stable tour and then contradicted himself in another. Also, Gigginstown choose their races so if they want him in another race then that is what will happen. I think his best chance is the 4 miler but it’s one of those bets that you probably won’t know his race until March.

That’s why I took him to win any race as well as NHC.
 
Thought that was a very good trial for this race there from Blow by Blow.
 
Yeah very surprised they pushed him out. Most of Gordon's not running anywhere nr their best imo.

Backed at 20/1
 
I don't see him as a 4 miler, but I know many on here believe he is so best of luck with him.
 
Seems like massive overreaction from bookies. Satisfying run in my opinion.
 
Gordon had nominated Blow By Blow as one of his main hopes for the Drinmore so we'll see what happens now.

Incidentally, in April Some Neck was 28l behind Kemboy.:encouragement::cool:
 
Am i right in saying "Some Neck" is ineligible for this race ?
 
Am i right in saying "Some Neck" is ineligible for this race ?

He's eligible to run being a second season novice. The trip might be on the short side though as I've always felt he needs at least 6 miles.:devilish:
 
Willie thinks he’s eligible as he mentioned the race afterwards