Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase: Two Taffs revival on the cards

The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase is for horses with a BHA rating up to 140, however due to the race’s popularity, the reality is that you probably have to have a horse rated at least 137 to ensure a run (bottom weight was 136 last year – 35 entries this year are rated at least that). The in-form pair of Zamdy Man and Foxtail Hill are guaranteed a run at the head of the weights should connections choose this assignment, and both are respected given their current vein of form. However, the horse that makes most appeal at the current prices is the Dan Skelton-trained Two Taffs (16/1).

We highlighted the claims of Two Taffs ahead of the jumps season in our Fifty to Follow publication, describing him as a “Well-made gelding who will make a chaser but still looks well treated over hurdles; strong traveller but proved he stays 21f last term and one to follow in handicaps around that trip”.

As it turned out, Skelton wasted little time over hurdles, switching the horse’s attention to chasing following a reappearance win at Carlisle and then a below-par effort in the “Fixed Brush” Hurdle at Haydock (well-backed). Two Taffs has suffered defeat in each of his three starts over fences to date, including when 6/1-on at Catterick in January. However, it is the promise he showed when second to Poker School on his chasing debut at Kempton which has more merit as a form line, and he also shaped better than the bare result when third in the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick last time. He looked back in form that day and was unlucky not to finish closer to the front pair, yet to be asked for his effort when badly hampered after three-out, just as the principals were pressing on. He had no chance after and wasn't unduly punished.  From a form point of view, the Kempton win was the second over fences for the progressive Poker School, and the third – San Benedeto – has won twice since. Three others from the race have also franked the form with good runs in defeat. As a result of his three runs over fences, Two Taffs has now been allotted a mark of 137 – 1 lb lower than his hurdles perch – and it looks a mark that he can win from.

As you’d expect in such a competitive race, there are plenty of horses that can have a strong case made for them, including another Skelton runner, Value At Risk, who was back to form when winning at Bangor last time. Burtons Well failed to see things out when fourth at the track last time, shaping much better than the bare result, but this likely better ground should help him last home, while Potters Legend was second in that same race and is respected, especially given he has more experience over fences than many of his potential rivals. Romain de Senam, who ran such an eye-catching race when second in the Fred Winter at last year’s Festival, is another for strong consideration, as he looks to have been targeted at this race for some time, however it is Two Taffs who looks the best bet at 16/1.

Recommendation: 

Back Two Taffs for the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase each-way at 16/1

Read our Kim Muir preview here

Read our Pertemps Final preview here