CHELTENHAM

Cheltenham 1.30 ... Noakarad De Verzee 1 Pt E/W @ 28/1

Noakarad de Verzee ran his first race under rules here in 2008 at 33fl under this jockey when joint 2nd favourite so wasnt unfancied but although completed, had lost his chance after hitting a fence.
Normally a sound jumper and has progressed well since then with all 3 rules success' under this pilot with other success' coming in PTP races. Has been staying on well in his races since then at 24fl suggesting the step back up in distance here will suit.
David Maxwell (owner/rider) not the most stylish of jockeys but gets on really well with this horse and had the field off the bridle last time out, always doing enough to hold off challenger Tony McCoy on the fav in the run for home, which not for the first time hes had the champ beaten.
Won his penultimate run also at Hereford when well backed, when also prominent from the start with a strong gallop and ran them into the ground. It could be argued he prefers flatter tracks but ran a good 2nd at Sandown in December and a winner at Uttoxeter he should handle the stiff climb for home at this course. A win quite possible here with a Jockey who has a 33% strike rate riding his mount, who looks a dour stayer and is in his stongest task to date, but priced for some e/w value against the field and coming from this smaller yard is one who has been under estimated by the layers IMO.

Noakarad de Verzee 1 Pt E/W

Unplaced ... Full Result>>