David Pipe eyes four-mile National Hunt Chase for Goulanes

David Pipe: Targeting the NH Chase with Goulanes

David Pipe believes Goulanes could be an ideal candidate for the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old was pitched into Grade Two company for his chasing bow, lining up in the Towton at the West Yorkshire venue last Saturday.

Previously a winner between the flags, Goulanes shone in the extended three-mile-one-furlong heat, holding Super Duty by a head in a thrilling finish.

While he is entered in the RSA Chase and the Jewson Novices' Chase, Pipe thinks the four-mile amateur heat may be his best option.

He told www.davidpipe.com: "Tom Scudamore needed every yard of the trip at Wetherby to get Goulanes home ahead of Super Duty in the novices' chase.

"This was a very good effort from our seven-year-old gelding who was making only his third career start under Rules.

"He is as tough and game as they come and is another who could well be suited by the four-miler at the Festival (he also has entries in the RSA and Jewson)."