2023 Hampton Novices Tips
Complete Unknown looks set to go off favourite for the Hampton Novices’ Chase and the Paul Nicholls-trained charge was fairly impressive at Ffos Las last time out. The seven-year-old was sent off at 15/8 and duly obliged with a victory over two miles and five furlongs, although he will be stepping up in trip here and it will be interesting to see whether he stays the course.
Minella Crooner is a talented horse from the Gordon Elliott stable and the seven-year-old could be vying for favouritism according to the latest racing odds. It’s always hard to equate the Irish form with that in the UK, although the horse was able to oblige at Fairyhouse in a Beginners Chase at the beginning of December and perhaps there is more to come from this runner.
As mentioned, Nicholls has more than one lively contender for this race and Stage Star could be the best each-way value in the race. With eight runners lining up, there could be a chance to secure three places and there wasn’t a lot to discern from the horse winning a two-runner race at Plumpton, although the horse did beat West Cork in a Novices’ Chase at Warwick in November.
Galia Des Liteaux is another interesting runner and Dan Skelton will hope that his charge bounces back after being pulled up in his last outing. City Chief is an interesting runner for Nicky Henderson although he will have to find improvement on last season, with a fifth placed finish in a competitive Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown a fairly strong showing.