4.50 3m. 5f. 201yds. 12 Declared. Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £93,750.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €52,753.00 2nd - €19,875.00 3rd - €9,947.00 4th - €4,969.00 5th - €2,184.00 6th - €1,097.00 7th - €553.00 8th - €262.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - This marathon trip is a step into the unknown for the majority of the thirteen set to take part. NEXT DESINATION is a case in point, but he has a touch of class about him and looks one of the safer options. A Grade 1 winner over flights when trained by Willie Mullins, the son of Dubai Destination is two from two since switching to the larger obstacles, claiming a Grade 2 at Warwick on his most recent start. He was fourth and third on his two previous visits to the Festival and another big performance looks likely from him now. Remastered is also unbeaten since switching to the larger obstacles and he too won a Grade 2 on his latest outing. The son of Network looks an out and out stayer and should have no problems with this step-up in trip. Galvin was second at the Festival last year and has won his four starts since. He makes his debut for Ian Ferguson now and it'll come as little surprise if he manages to take this. Escaria Ten and Lord Royal both have solid claims for Denise Foster and Willie Mullins respectively, with the step-up in trip likely to suit both.