David Pipe hoping Kings Palacecan reign supreme in RSA Chase

David Pipe believes unbeaten novice chaser Kings Palace is his best hope of a festival winner when he lines up in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham next month.

Pipes seven-year-old has been in great form this season winning his three starts over fences in good style and he is held in high regard by his trainer.

This is our best hope of a festival winner. Hes a seriously good horse who has done everything we asked of him. Since he took up jumping his only defeat was at last years festival where he fell in the Albert Bartlett, said Pipe .

Kings Palace was strongly fancied for last years Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle but his supporters were left disappointed when he weakened coming up the homestraight before falling at the last when out of contention.

Lightly raced for his age, Kings Palace has progressed into an exciting novice chaser and he still remains largely unexposed over fences with further progression expected as he gains experience.

Pipe added: This season he has taken well to novice chasing, winning all three races.

The RSA will be different, as they go a quicker pace, but if he runs as we know he can, then he should be a big player.

Bookmakers make Kings Palace a 5-1 joint second favourite for the RSA alongside another exciting novice Coneygree, whose trainer is still pondering over a Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup challenge. The market is headed by Gigginstown House Studs Don Poli, who is 4-1 for the big race.

Philip Hobbs is set to rely on Wishfull Thinking in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham with Menorah set to wait for Aintree in April.

Menorah is marginally preferred in the betting to Wishfull Thinking but Hobbs believes that on balance Menorah has not performed to his best around Cheltenham and is prepared to wait until the Grand National meeting with the ten-year-old.

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David Pipe hoping Kings Palacecan reign supreme in RSA Chase