Some of the best chasers of the modern era have started out in this race, and five novices line up for the Grade 2 Boodles Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Aintree at 2.25pm on Saturday. Like the Molyneux Hurdle earlier on the card, it has been saved in the schedule after being moved from Wincanton.

Paul Nicholls has won it 12 times, from See More Business in 1996 to Blueking d’Oroux last year, and he looks to have the one to beat again in Challow Hurdle winner No Drama This End, on whom Sam Twiston-Davies is taking over from Harry Cobden, who will ride Mickey Bowen‘s Off The Jury instead if Friday’s winner takes part just one day later. Dan Skelton‘s Talk To The Man, already a winner over fences, as well as Ben Pauling‘s Taurus Bay and Alan King‘s Favour And Fortune, complete the field after Chanceawetmorning was taken out by Gordon Elliott.

2. Favour And Fortune – Alan King/Tom Bellamy

Very talented handicap hurdler who has a solid record at this track, including finishing runner-up in the inaugural Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle, as well as twice placing in handicap company at the Grand National meeting over 2m4f. He secured those places off big weights and therefore sets the standard here due to his experience, albeit he does not have the potential upside of his trio of rivals. Is nevertheless respected given early markets appear to underrate him.

3. No Drama This End – Paul Nicholls/Sam Twiston-Davies

Comparisons to Denman have placed a target on this grey’s back, but he has dodged most arrows so far. Easily won a pair of Grade 2 novice hurdles last term before extending his winning run to three in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury last December. Did that with consummate ease, but then blotted his copybook in a serious way at Cheltenham. There were excuses though and his win to conclude the season at Perth once again displayed his engine. Should take to chasing well and have the speed and stamina to excel at this trip.

4. Off The Jury – Mickey Bowen/Harry Cobden

A game winner in handicap company at this meeting on Friday, but that means he is very unlikely to take his part in this. He would need to step up a fair amount if he does.

5. Talk To The Man – Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton

Was not the first horse this season to find improvement for the switch to Dan Skelton from Paul Nicholls when winning at Worcester last month. Had shown a promising level of ability for the Ditcheat yard up until finding Grade 1 company too hot at the National meeting. Looked a natural on his chase debut and that experience should stand him in good stead. Has a bit to find with No Drama This End on hurdling form, but there are a number of factors which suggest he can close the gap here.

6. Taurus Bay – Ben Pauling/Ben Jones

Yet another talented novice hurdler last season who tries his hand at chasing in this race. Was beaten a short head on Trials Day at Cheltenham last season, that Grade 2 second propelling him to the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. He was well beaten that day at the top level, but it is far too soon to be giving up on him. As a point-to-point winner, he has the experience and ability to play a part.

Rising Stars Novices’ Chase Racecard

Joe Napier’s Rising Stars Novices’ Chase Selections

Favour And Fortune is respected, but given only four runners are likely, he will probably find at least one too good and cannot be backed each-way. NO DRAMA THIS END has some form to match his reputation, but it certainly isn’t bulletproof after his Cheltenham Festival blip. That said, he asserted well when asked to beat inferior rivals last term, including in the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury and he can beat Talk To The Man, who has the benefit of chasing experience after his winning start for Dan Skelton.

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