Jack Richards Novices Handicap Chase Betting Preview – Cheltenham Day 3 Tips (2025)

The Jack Richards Novices Limited Handicap Chase is the second race on Day 3 of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and 20 runners have been declared for one of the biggest horse racing betting heats of the season.

We’ve known the early entries for the Jack Richards Novices Limited Handicap Chase for some time now but decisions have been made and all eyes will be on Prestbury Park on Thursday afternoon.

Here, we look at some of the leading players in the Cheltenham odds for this year’s race, with a Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase selection ahead of the 2025 renewal.

2025 is the first season the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase will take place at the Cheltenham Festival, and whoever wins it will be the inaugural winner.

PIC ROC could well be the first name to go on the new trophy as Ben Pauling’s seven-year-old is in excellent form this season, but without actually winning.

Pauling nominated Pic Roc as one of his best chances of success when he finalised his plans recently for the Cheltenham Festival. Although he is  yet to strike in three chase starts, Pauling feels he is capable of raising his game in the Cotswolds.

“I’m equally happy with Pic Roc – he would almost be my nap of the week for a big run,” the trainer added.

“The thing with Pic Roc is he’s just finding his feet and although he hasn’t won this season, he’s run two very good races in defeat and I know we can have him better at Cheltenham”.

Paul Nicholls said Caldwell Potter was “a very nice horse but not a champion” after he finished second to Gidleigh Park in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase at Windsor.

The Grade 1 winner made headlines when purchased for €740,000, but hasn’t yet met the lofty heights expected of him, but that could all change in this 2m4½f Handicap Chase on Thursday.

At odds of around 14/1 he has to be given a live chance given his back form, and he certainly looks like an each-way play at the very least.

Sean Bowen produced a fine ride on Moon D’Orange to edge out Grandeur d’Ame in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase here in January, and the champion jockey “elect” has been booked  to ride once more.

Trainer John McConnell was on the cold list at that time, but confidence was high as Moon D’Orange was backed down to favouritism alongside Ginny’s Destiny. The seven-year-old battled on well that afternoon and course form can be very advantageous at Cheltenham.

Plenty was expected of Lord Of Thunder this season, who finally put everything together over fences on his latest start over an extended two miles seven furlongs at Newbury, getting the better of Pic Roc in the process.

Although the seven-year-old also held an entry in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase on Thursday, the  Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase on the same day was the Tizzard’s preferred option.

SELECTION: PIC ROC