13:30 Cheltenham: Texas Jack is a major each-way player

It is hard to find too much fault in Dynaste’s chances in the Jewson Novices’ Chase, but given that he is just 6/4 for victory, punters must be better served in backing Texas Jack each-way at 20/1.

Connections appear to have made the right decision with Dynaste in opting for the Jewson over 2m4f rather than the RSA Chase at 3m and he would have been the one to beat in either race.

The anticipated soft ground was the reason for the Jewson decision and even though conditions are likely to be firmer than first thought, he is not short in the speed department either.

It is also a fillip to his chances that the first three last year arrived at Cheltenham on the back of a victory and not only is Dynaste 3-3 over fences, he has course form too over a similar trip.

Punters attempting to pick a flaw may point to the fact that the only two winners of this race to date were Irish and this bodes well for Texas Jack at 10/1.

He was only beaten a nose over 2m5f last time when possibly hitting the front too soon and it can certainly be argued that Boston Bob would be trading around the 6/1 mark if he went for this race over the RSA Chase.

The RSA Chase victory of Lord Windermere is a further boost to his chances as Texas Jack has finished in front of him on his last two starts.

Paul Carberry should be able to stalk the horse into the race and he is yet to be out of the first three in a trio of Grade One outings in novice chases, with the Jewson still a Grade Two contest.

Captain Conan is 6/1 and he is another that is unbeaten in three chase starts and is the leading challenger of Nicky Henderson.

However, he was far from impressive on his first start at 2m4f at Sandown last time and he will have to perform much better to feature here. The good news is that the better ground should help in this regard.

Aupcharlie (6/1) has found one too good in successive starts over 3m and so this drop back in trip could help if the early pace is quick, while Module is also worth a mention at 10/1 as he should relish the left-handed track.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.