The Brown Advisory Novices Chase Tips For 2025 – Is It Ballyburns’s To Lose?
Formerly known as the RSA Chase, we’ve taken a good look to provide you with some Brown Advisory Novices Chase tips and a comprehensive preview to help guide you through the race.
This race has served as a launchpad to Gold Cup success for renowned contenders such as Denman, Bobs Worth, and Lord Windermere in subsequent years.
It unfolds on the old course, spanning slightly over three miles with twenty fences to conquer, typically taking around six minutes to complete.
Willie Mullins holds the record for the most wins in this race with six triumphs, closely trailed by Nicky Henderson with four victories.
Horses descended from either Oscar or Presenting lineage have clinched the title four times collectively.
With the sole exception of Don Poli in the past decade, winners have predominantly been aged seven or eight.
Gordon Elliott has yet to clinch victory in this race, warranting caution when considering his entries.
Runners To Watch
In 2024, the race was dominated by Fact To File, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Mark Walsh, who won convincingly at odds of 8/13.
The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase has a solid history, with past winners such as Denman, Bobs Worth, and Lord Windermere going on to claim the Cheltenham Gold Cup, cementing its status as a key indicator of future success in the world of steeplechasing.
This year’s renewal promises to be highly competitive, with seven talented horses declared to run.
Ballyburn
Ballyburn stands out as the clear favourite. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, Ballyburn has an impressive record, including a Grade 1 victory at Leopardstown and a previous Cheltenham Festival win in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle.
His recent form, however, has been mixed, with a notable defeat by Sir Gino at Kempton, which might raise some doubts about his consistency.
Despite this, Ballyburn’s overall profile and the Mullins-Townend partnership make him a strong contender.
Dancing City
Another notable runner is Dancing City, also trained by Willie Mullins.
This eight-year-old has shown excellent staying ability as a novice hurdler, winning Grade 1 races at Leopardstown, Aintree, and Punchestown.
His transition to chasing has been promising, with a win on debut at Punchestown, though his recent victory at Naas was harder-fought than expected.
Dancing City’s experience and form suggest he could pose a significant threat to Ballyburn.
Better Days Ahead
Better Days Ahead, trained by Gordon Elliott, is another contender worth mentioning.
Despite struggling to impress in his recent outings, he has a strong background, having won the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last year.
His performances over fences have been somewhat underwhelming, but he remains a potential dark horse in the race.
Lecky Watson
Lecky Watson, trained by Willie Mullins, is unbeaten over fences this season and is likely to set the pace in the race.
His form and speed make him an interesting prospect for a place, though his stamina over the longer distance might be tested.
The Rest
Gorgeous Tom, trained by Henry De Bromhead, and Quai De Bourbon, another Mullins-trained horse, also enter the fray.
Gorgeous Tom was narrowly beaten by Croke Park in the Drinmore, indicating he has the potential to run well, while Quai De Bourbon’s youth and inexperience might hinder his chances against more seasoned opponents.
Lastly, Stellar Story, trained by Gordon Elliott, rounds out the field.
While he has shown some promise, his recent form suggests he might struggle to keep pace with the top contenders.
2025 Brown Advisory Novices Chase Tips
Ballyburn is my standout selection for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
Trained by the masterful Willie Mullins and ridden by the in-form Paul Townend, this talented seven-year-old has all the credentials to dominate this field.
His recent Grade 1 victory at the Dublin Racing Festival was impressive, and his pedigree suggests he will thrive over the longer distance.
Despite a setback against Sir Gino at Kempton, Ballyburn’s raw ability and proven Festival form make him a compelling choice.
With his blend of speed and stamina, he is well-positioned to take advantage of his rivals and secure a convincing win. Back Ballyburn at odds of around 11/10 to make the most of this opportunity.
TIP: Ballyburn to Win the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase 2025
Runners & Odds
*odds correct at time of publication
| Number | Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ballyburn | P Townend | W P Mullins | 10/11 |
| 3 | Dancing City | D E Mullins | W P Mullins | 4/1 |
| 2 | Better Days Ahead | J W Kennedy | G Elliott | 6/1 |
| 4 | Gorgeous Tom | D J O’Keeffe | H De Bromhead | 10/1 |
| 7 | Stellar Story | D J Gilligan | G Elliott | 12/1 |
| 5 | Lecky Watson | S F O’Keeffe | W P Mullins | 14/1 |
| 6 | Quai De Bourbon | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | 22/1 |
Conclusion
The 2025 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with Ballyburn leading the field as the favourite.
However, the presence of strong challengers like Dancing City and Lecky Watson ensures that nothing can be taken for granted.
The race will be a true test of stamina, jumping ability, and tactical acumen, making it a compelling watch for fans of steeplechasing.
As the horses take to the track on Wednesday, March 12th, all eyes will be on Ballyburn to see if he can live up to his billing as the likely winner.
Yet, the unpredictability of racing means that any of the top contenders could emerge victorious, making this race one of the highlights of the Cheltenham Festival.
BETFRED
