Watch: NotLongNow Previews Cheltenham’s Novice Chasers & A 40/1 Arkle Tip

As the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival continues, week four of NotLongNow keeps the focus firmly on the ante-post picture at Prestbury Park.

In association with Bet365, the Racehour’s Cheltenham-focused series returns to one of the most exciting and competitive divisions across the four days.

Host Rory Jiwani is once again joined by Ed Quigley and betting guru Pat Cooney, with this week’s episode strengthened by the addition of Gary Connolly. 

With opinions sharpened and markets beginning to move, the panel set out to identify which novices could rise to the top when it matters most in March.

Novice Chasers Under The Spotlight

The heart of the discussion centres on the novice chasing division, a category often defined by rapid improvement, fragile jumping and shifting reputations. 

Ed leads the analysis, outlining what separates a good novice from a genuine Cheltenham contender, while Gary offers his trademark no-nonsense take on which horses might be overrated.

Pat adds crucial market context, explaining how ante-post prices in novice races can be especially volatile as form lines collide and confidence ebbs and flows. 

Arkle Outsiders & Big-Price Confidence

Attention then turns to the Arkle Trophy, where the panel put forward two eye-catching outsiders at 33/1 and 40/1 with horse racing betting sites.

Rory presses the panel on why these bigger-priced options could be worth keeping onside, and the reasoning behind opposing some of the shorter-priced favourites.

Gary and Ed make compelling cases for their selections, focusing on jumping style, pace and Cheltenham suitability, while Pat outlines how quickly those prices could contract with one strong run.

* Do you agree with what the guys had to say, or do you have some strong opinions of your own? Let us know in the comments below!