A small but selective field will head to post, with three of the four runners hailing from the Gordon Elliott stable.
But which one will come out on top?
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Long Distance Novice Chase runner by runner betting guide
Now it’s time to take a in-depth look into runners of the Long Distance Novice Chase and the best horse racing bookmakers to help you make a winning bet.
🏇 3 Croke Park
- Age: 6
- Weight: 11st 10lb
- Form: 17P-11
- Rating: –
- Jockey: Sam Ewing
- Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Odds: 5/2
Croke Park was an expensive purchase from the point-to-point ranks and never lived up to the billing over hurdles. But, the transition to chasing has certainly brought about massive improvement.
His chase debut was underwhelming, even though he won, and not much was expected from him in his next start in Grade 1 company.
Sent off at 22/1 for the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Drinmore, not much was expected from Croke Park, but an easy lead changed all that.
Sam Ewing was able to dictate the pace from the front and kick on up the home straight, where he held off the closing Heart Wood, Firefox, and Gorgeous Tom.
I am very dubious about that form, and it is a race I will take with a pinch of salt.
It’s doubtful that Croke Park will get as easy as a time that he did at Fairyhouse, but if he can kick on again from that win with the step up in trip, he rates a big player.
✅ Grade 1 winner last time out
✅ Strong stayer
✅ Step up in trip will suit
❌ May be vulnerable to his stablemate
❌ Won’t get an easy time up front this time
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐
🐎 Bet on Croke Park with talkSPORT BET 🐎
🏇 1 Better Days Ahead
- Age: 6
- Weight: 11st 10lb
- Form: 4213-1
- Rating: –
- Jockey: Danny Gilligan
- Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Odds: 11/4
The Martin Pipe handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is a race that I always like to follow going forward, and it looks like the race has unearthed yet another Grade 1 performer.
Better Days Ahead was a taking winner of the Martin Pipe and has since made a faultless transition to chasing when beating the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner, Slade Steel, in the process.
That was a performance of a horse that will come into his own over fences and can be even better for the step up in trip.
He jumped well on his chasing debut and had the race in safe keeping jumping the last.
Tactially you can make the running with him or sit him off the pace as he did when winning the Martin Pipe.
But no matter how they choose to ride him, I expect him to take another step forward today and take the world of beating today.
✅ An impressive chase debut
✅ Huge engine
✅ Stong traveller that stays well
❌ Jumped out to his left at Navan
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️
🐎 Bet on Better Days Ahead with Sky Bet 🐎
🏇 4 Stellar Story
- Age: 7
- Weight: 11st 10lb
- Form: 2414-1
- Rating: –
- Jockey: Keith Donoghue
- Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Odds: 6/1
Last season’s Albert Bartlett winner made a winning start to his chasing career in a race not run to suit.
He always looked like a horse that would improve for a fence, which is the case.
I’m finding it hard to see why Stellar Story is at such a high price, as he has done nothing to suggest that he should be as high as he is in the betting right now.
He’s a big stamp of a staying chaser, but the only problem here is if the race is to be run at a stop-start gallop.
The faster they go, the better Stellar Story’s chances become.
He is not ruled out lightly and commands a lot of respect.
✅ Grade 1 winning novice hurdler
✅ A strong stayer
✅ Won well on debut, considering the gallop
❌ Won’t want a slow gallop
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️
🐎 Bet on Stellar Story with Paddy Power 🐎
🏇 2 Buddy One
- Age: 7
- Weight: 11st 10lb
- Form: 24-134
- Rating: –
- Jockey: Jack Gilligan
- Trainer: Paul John Gilligan
- Odds: 16/1
Since making a successful chase debut at Galway, Buddy One’s jumping has become an issue.
He has been less than fluent at his obstacles, hanging in the air, and slow away, which he can not afford to do today.
I feel that Buddy One may be targeted for a handicap at the Cheltenham Festival, notably the National Hunt Chase.
I don’t expect him to be involved in the finish here, but keep a close eye on him as we approach the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
✅ Made a winning chase debut
❌ His jumping is an issue
❌ Doesn’t look up to this grade
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️
🐎 Bet on Buddy One with Midnite 🐎
Grade 1 Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase Verdict
Three out of the four have realistic chances of winning, but preference is for BETTER DAYS AHEAD.
The Martin Pipe winner made an impressive start to his chasing career and can bag his first Grade 1 win today.
Stellar Story may be the one to follow him home.
Current Betting: Croke Park 5/2, Better Days Ahead 11/4, Stellar Story 6/1, Buddy One 16/1.
About the author
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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