Setting The Scene
The Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase has quietly established itself as one of the more competitive Class 2 contests of the spring calendar. Named after the former jockey turned trainer who saddled the great Desert Orchid, this £40,000 prize at Ripon attracts a quality field despite the relatively modest purse.
Saturday's renewal sees just five declared, but don't let the small field fool you. This is a proper test over two miles four furlongs, and with the going described as Good to Good to Firm in places, we should see these novice chasers at their best. The 90/10 ratio suggests predominantly good ground with just patches of quicker surface - ideal conditions for most of these.
The Contenders Assessed
Go West (Paul Nicholls) arrives as the class act on ratings, carrying top weight of 12st on a mark of 139. The eight-year-old gelding brings solid credentials to this, flagged as a distance winner which immediately catches the eye over this extended trip. Freddie Gingell takes the ride for the champion trainer, and you don't often see Nicholls runners at this level without serious intent. The weight burden is substantial, but class horses find a way.
Millforce (Henry Oliver) represents the chief danger on paper, rated 132 and getting 7lb from the favourite. The seven-year-old has been campaigned intelligently by Oliver, who's carved out a reputation for placing his horses to perfection. Lee Edwards knows this horse well, and at 11st 7lb, he looks competitively treated if reproducing his best form.
Calimystic (Nicky Henderson) brings the course form to the table - always a significant factor at a track like Ripon where local knowledge counts. The Seven Barrows inmate drops to 11st 3lb off a mark of 128, and Nico de Boinville rarely gets these big-race rides without genuine chances. Henderson's record in staying chases speaks for itself.
Palamon (Dan Skelton) is another flagged distance winner, which immediately puts him on the shortlist. The six-year-old carries 10st 10lb and sports first-time tongue tie, suggesting connections feel there's more to unlock. Harry Skelton knows exactly what this horse needs, and the Skelton team have been in cracking form this season.
Kahavari (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero) completes the field as the apparent outsider on ratings of 115. However, he gets a handy 10st 4lb and also wears a first-time tongue tie. Jack Tudor is a capable pilot, and this partnership have pulled off surprises before.
Going And Tactical Considerations
The Good to Good to Firm conditions should suit most of these, though it's worth noting that both distance winners - Go West and Palamon - will relish the sounder surface. Ripon's chase track is a fair test without being overly demanding, and with just five runners, there should be no early pace pressure.
Expect a steady gallop early with the real business conducted from three out. The extended trip means stamina will be at a premium, and those flagged distance winners suddenly look very appealing. The good ground should also help the older horses, particularly Go West, who might have struggled on heavy winter surfaces.
Value Picks And Dangers
While Go West commands respect at the head of the market, there's a case for thinking the weight might just anchor him here. Millforce looks the most obvious alternative, getting that crucial 7lb swing and representing a trainer who doesn't travel horses lightly.
The real value might lie with Palamon, whose distance-winning credentials and first-time tongue tie suggest there's improvement to come. At six years old, he's potentially still on an upward curve, and the Skelton team's strike rate with their staying chasers is formidable.
Don't completely dismiss Kahavari either. The ratings gap looks substantial, but novice handicaps can throw up surprises, and that tongue tie application hints at untapped ability.
Who Will Win The Josh Gifford Novices' Chase?
This shapes up as a fascinating tactical battle between experience and potential. Go West brings proven class but carries a penalty for that quality. Millforce offers the best balance of ability and handicapping, while Calimystic's course form gives him a live chance.
My selection is Palamon each-way. The combination of distance-winning form, a lenient weight of 10st 10lb, and that first-time tongue tie suggests Dan Skelton has found the perfect opportunity for this improving six-year-old. Harry Skelton's partnership with the horse is another positive, and their record over staying trips is exemplary.
What Are The Key Form Clues For This Race?
The distance winner flags for both Go West and Palamon are crucial pointers over this extended trip. Calimystic's course form at Ripon shouldn't be underestimated either - this track has its quirks, and previous winners often return to score again.
The first-time tongue ties on both Palamon and Kahavari suggest their connections believe there's more to come. In novice company, these small adjustments can make significant differences to performance levels.
How Important Is The Going For This Contest?
The Good to Good to Firm surface should play to the strengths of the older horses in the field. Go West, in particular, will appreciate the sounder conditions after what's likely been a winter campaign on softer ground. The 90/10 ratio suggests consistent conditions throughout, which should ensure a fair test for all runners.
Younger horses like Palamon and Kahavari might also benefit from the quicker surface, as it tends to emphasise natural speed and jumping ability over pure stamina - though over this trip, staying power remains paramount.
