Cheltenham Marsh Novices' Chase 2021: Tips, Runners & Prediction

The Marsh Novices’ Chase revolves around one horse, and it’s very hard to see how Envoi Allen gets beaten. 

Despite a late change to the Henry de Bromhead yard, the Cheveley Park Stud star is still very much the one to beat here and as he has done time and time again, be far too good for his rivals. 

His victory in last year’s Ballymore was one of a superstar in the making. Davy Russell and Envoi Allen cruised past his talented rivals on the run-in with ease, much to the delight of the Cheltenham crowd. He never looked in trouble, which has been the story of his career and there’s no reason to suggest this race will be any different. 

He’s taken to fences effortlessly, jumping brilliantly and showing his devastating turn of foot without ever having to be asked many questions. He’s now won all 11 of his races and unless he’s suddenly upset by his change of scenery, it’s very hard to see what beats him. 

Racing fans have a superstar on their hands. Whoever lines up against him at the Festival this year is going to have an extremely tough job. 

Shan Blue is worth mentioning and you could argue 8/1 is slightly overpriced from an each-way point of view given the field will cut up. 

Dan Skelton’s contender is the best of the British contingent and was unbeaten in three starts over fences before being out battled up the Sandown hill last month by a rejuvenated Sporting John. 

Energumene and Monkfish are both in the market but it it’s highly likely they won’t turn up here. With that in mind, it’s likely Shan Blue will be a shorter price on the day and you can currently get three places on him in what will probably be a small field. However, he will surely be picking up place money at best here. Envoi Allen has had the beating of him already in the Ballymore and it’s very hard to see how he can turn the form around. 

The without Envoi Allen market is tempting and if you are that way inclined, you could back Shan Blue at 7/2 without the favourite. 

Marsh Novices’ Chase Prediction

However, it will probably pay to play the simple game here. Sometimes you just have to admit a favourite is a class apart, and this is very much the case with Envoi Allen. The 5/6 on offer at the moment is probably value too. It’s likely he will go off far shorter on the day. It may be boring, but it’s very hard to see past Envoi Allen, so take the 5/6. 

Find all the very best expert insight and predictions for this year's Festival on our Cheltenham Tips page. For special offers and bookmaker signups head to our Cheltenham Free Bets page.

Marsh Novices’ Chase Favourite

As mentioned above, Envoi Allen is the odds-on favourite contest for this race at a best price of 5/6. He’s taken a massive 78% of all bets for the race since the ante-post market on oddschecker opened. Punters have been backing him for a long time now, with 4/1 available before he went chasing this season. 

• Envoi Allen 5/6
• Energumene 5/2
• Monkfish 6/1
• Shan Blue 8/1
• Chantry House 8/1
• Chatham Street Lad 14/1

Marsh Novices’ Chase Runners 

33 runners are currently entered for the race of the maximum 20, but it will certainly be less than that come the day of the race. You can see the current ante-post betting for the race here. 

Marsh Novices’ Chase Winners