The Turners Novices’ Chase – otherwise known as the Golden Miller Chase and formerly called the JLT & Marsh, is a championship race for novices and is the opening race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival
Run over a distance of two & a half miles on the new course, horses often run here before going on and becoming challengers in the Ryanair Chase or even the Cheltenham Gold Cup in future years.
Read on for Turners Novices’ Chase betting odds, tips, and free bets.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Thursday, March 14th - 1:30pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £98,472 |
| Distance: | Two-miles & four-furlongs |
| Race Type: | Grade 1 Novice Chase |
| Age: | 5-Years+ |
| Course: | New Course |
| Weights: | 11st 3lb (5yo), 11st 4lb (6yo+), 7lb allowance for mares |
| Where to watch? | ITV Racing, Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Turners Novices’ Chase Betting Offers & Free Bets
Turners Novices’ Chase Tips
Punters will be aiming for a winning start to day three of the Cheltenham Festival, and the Turners Novices’ Chase is always a popular betting event.
If you need some betting pointers, Alan Kelly has the race covered with a 22/1 each-way fancy!
Alan Kelly - Djelo (Each-Way)
I think this 2m 4f Grade 1 novices’ chase is more open than the betting would suggest. Market leader Grey Dawning gives the impression another half a mile would suit better, while Facile Vega has hardly set the world alight since this talented hurdler was sent over fences.
Following a setback, Jonjo O’Neill’s Iroko has not been seen since making a winning debut over fences at Warwick four months ago. The most solid claims are those of Paul Nicholls’ Ginny’s Destiny, but at around 3/1 the mount of Harry Cobden makes no appeal from a value perspective.
One horse who has been overlooked in the betting is DJELO from the Venetia Williams stable and I expect a big run from Charlie Deutsch’s mount, who was taken out of the Arkle in anticipation that this extra four furlongs would prove more suitable for the Montmartre gelding.
Unbeaten on his first three starts over fences, there were genuine excuses for the six-year-old’s two subsequent defeats. Knocked over at the first fence by the wayward Matata in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase at Lingfield, Djelo looked to be given a lot to do when runner-up to the enterprisingly ridden Nickle Back at Sandown on his most recent start. If Djelo is within hailing distance of the leaders turning for home, I will be surprised if anything is finishing stronger up the Cheltenham hill.
Turners Novices’ Chase Betting Odds
This year’s Turners Novices’ Chase looks like a wide-open contest, with horses from both sides of the Irish Sea having real chances.
The betting is headed by the Dan Skelton-trained Grey Dawning and Facile Vega, the daughter of the great Quevega who won a staggering six times at the Festival.
What Happened Last Year?
Stage Star won the 2023 Turner Novices’ Chase, putting in an excellent front-running performance under jockey Harry Cobden.
Sent off at 15/2, Stage Star made virtually all of the running, staying on strongly up the Cheltenham hill to give trainer Paul Nicholls his first-ever winner in the race.
Turners Novices’ Chase Key Stats
- 11 of the last 12 winners were aged 6 or 7
- 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 win in a Grade 1 or 2 race
- It’s a strong race for favourites, with nine of the last 12 winners coming from the first three in the betting
Previous Winners of the Turners Novices’ Chase
Check out the last five winners of the Turners Novices’ Chase in the table below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Stage Star |
| 2022 | Bob Olinger |
| 2021 | Chantry House |
| 2020 | Samcro |
| 2019 | Defi Du Seuil |
FAQs
What is the Turners Novices' Chase?
The Turners Novices’ Chase formerly called the JLT & Marsh, is a championship race for novices, and is the opening race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.
How far is the Cheltenham Turners Novices' Chase?
The Turners Novices’ Chase is run over two and a half miles, with seventeen fences jumped.
Who is the leading trainer in the Turner Novices' Chase?
Willie Mullin has trained the winner of the race on four occasions - Sir Des Champs in 2012, Vautour in 2015, Black Hercules in 2016, and Yorkhill in 2017.
More Cheltenham Tips
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