Just three face Crus Grands Crus will face just three rivals in Thursday's Gpg Novices' Chase at Newbury. David Pipe's star made a big impression on his chasing debut earlier this month at Cheltenham, and although connections considered a crack at the Betfair Chase last weekend, they have decided to keep the grey to novice company for now. He put up a good performance at Cheltenham, bar the one mistake, and we hope he can do the same again," Pipe told At The Races. "We are still learning about him, he's only six. Hopefully he's still improving. "I would say, personally, at this stage the Arkle is unlikely." His chief rival looks to be Nigel Twiston-Davies' Viking Blond who also has experience over fences, having won at Chepstow before filling fourth behind Join Together at Cheltenham last time out. Paul Nicholls, who trains Join Together, will be represented by chasing debutant Sonofvic, who won both his starts over hurdles last season. Daryl Jacob will take the ride. Completing the quartet is Nick Williams' Alfie Spinner, who chased home Viking Blond at Chepstow on his debut over the bigger obstacles.
