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The Real Whacker stunned his rivals with an outsider victory in the Paddy Power Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
The seven-year-old is a 10/1 chance for Grade Two in the Sam Twiston-Davies, with field favorite Monmiral Paul Nicholls the 13/8 favorite for the race better known as the Dipper.
Jumping superbly throughout, the Patrick Neville-trained gelding ran strongly from the off and was not to be caught as he strode to an unassailable lead up the hill.
The Real Whacker came three and a quarter lengths ahead of Monmiral, with Betfair introducing him as a 25/1 chance for Turners Novices’ Chase at the Festival and a 33/1 shot for Advisory Brown in the March showpiece.
Neville is targeting the Festival, but will power some options.
The Real Whacker put everything on Sam Twiston-Davies to win the Dipper
The coach said: “He has a big frame and is a bit babyish. We will remember him. We dropped him back (on the trip), the idea is to put him under pressure, as he jumps so well. He will return here for the Festival. He will be put in a pair – he might even be in the Gold Cup!”
Nicholls kept a lot of faith in Monmiral despite the defeat. He said: “He was a little boy.
“I don’t think he’s done much wrong, but he needs to grow up a little bit and he’ll be fine in time.”
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