2023 Josh Gifford Novices Handicap Chase Tips
Cap Du Mathan has regularly been in the frame this season and the eight-year-old will go off top weight in the Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase, with Harry Cobden on board a runner who last appeared at Kempton Park a few weeks ago. The horse was able to finish second over two miles and two furlongs, with more to come from an experienced campaigner.
Harper’s Brook was pulled up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival in a race which was won by Grand National victor Corach Rambler, with the horse also finishing dead last at Prestbury Park in a competitive race at Prestbury Park on New Year’s Day. Ben Pauling will hope for some improvement and there was a win at Bangor on heavy ground this season.
Hudson De Grugy was in the winners’ enclosure on his previous outing, with the six-year-old claiming a narrow victory at Sandown Park in March and it’s worth noting that the horse narrowly edged out Quel Destin on that occasion. Gary Moore will hope that history repeats itself in this race and Jamie Moore is once again on board.
Quel Destin was only beaten by a neck in that race on soft ground over two miles and four furlongs. It’s been a hit and miss sort of campaign for the horse although that was a return to form and there could be more to come in the Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase, with the bookies sure to be offering some price boosts on the action.