Turners Novices’ Chase: Sir Gerhard unchanged despite win

Coral left Sir Gerhard as a 6/1 shot in the Turners Novices’ Chase betting while he is also 12/1 in the Arkle odds and 7/1 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

“Sir Gerhard was well-backed for the Turners ahead of his chasing debut, with his odds shortening from 10/1 to 6/1 in recent days, and he remains the latter odds after nothing more than a satisfactory start over the bigger obstacles,” said Coral’s David Stevens.

Of Sir Gerhard’s shuddering mistake, Mullins said: “My heart jumped and he stood so far back at it. I hope his back is all right in the morning as he caught it and did well to stand up and Paul did well to stay on him.

“That is what novices do and it is great to make that mistake early in the race as it puts manners on the horse and he jumped fine after that.

“Paul thought he wasn’t racing, so after the fourth-last sent him up and he was in his hands. He had just been a bit lazy and maybe cantering around on his own on our gallop, he probably thought he was having a quiet day.

“We teach them, especially the staying chasers, to settle on the mornings they’re not working but we were probably overdoing it.

“I imagine he will go to Cheltenham with very little experience and maybe just that run as I don’t see anything else in the calendar for him.

“We might take our chance and go straight there, maybe for the Turners or the Brown Advisory – they’ll be going that bit slower and it’ll give him a chance.

“We’re not that well represented in the three-mile race (Brown Advisory) yet, but who knows what’ll happen between now and then?”

Turners Novices’ Chase odds

3/1 Mighty Potter, Appreciate It

5/1 James Du Berlais

6/1 Sir Gerhard

8/1 Journey With Me

9/1 El Fabiolo

10/1 McFabulous

14/1 Banbridge

16/1 Bar

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All odds and market correct at date of publication