Is Fox Norton a cunning bet in 2017 Queen Mother Champion Chase?

Fox Norton emerges as major contender in Queen Mother Champion Chase ante post tips

Fox Norton is now 7/1 second favourite with Coral for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival following a stunning success in the Shloer Chase, but does he have what it takes to lower the colours of red-hot ante-post favourite Douvan?

The six-year-old was put firmly in his place on two occasions by Irish ace Douvan last season, finishing 11 lengths behind Willie Mullins’ charge when third in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival before occupying the same position when beaten 32 lengths in a Grade 1 at Aintree.

However, Fox Norton has looked a totally different proposition in winning both his starts this season and the gap between them on official ratings is closing fast.

After storming to an easy 11 length success in a hot handicap at Cheltenham when in the care of Neil Mulholland, the gelding posted a career-best performance in the Grade 2 Shloer on his first start for new handler Colin Tizzard after being bought by leading Irish owners Ann and Alan Potts.

Improving at a rate of knots

Fox Norton jumped for fun and travelled ominously well throughout in the hands of Aidan Coleman before taking up the running three from home and only having to be ridden out to score impressively by 11 lengths.

That success came off a rating of 161 and Fox Norton is sure to go up a few more pounds for it given the manner of the victory.