Cheltenham 2025: Don’t Passe on 16/1 about classy novice

Another week, another antepost tip for Cheltenham 2025 - and it's another Willie Mullins inmate I'm writing into the book as we approach the busy festive period.

I've already put up Majborough for the Brown Advisory, but he starts his chasing career over two miles and could just as easily end up in the Arkle, so I think it's an ideal time to get some cover for the three-mile novice contest.

On top of that, I think there's a serious bit of value in the market that I just can't pass on. Pardon the pun.

Willie Mullins' IMPAIRE ET PASSE is available at an industry-best 16/1 at time of publication which, to my eye at least, sticks out like a sore thumb.

I was at Fairyhouse for his chasing debut over an extended 2m5f and I felt the lukewarm reaction to his 12-length victory was harsh. Very harsh, in fact.

I've watched it back since and his jumping was brilliant. He switched off at times throughout the race and had to be reminded once or twice by Paul Townend, but I don't mind that at all with three miles in mind, especially given how easily he was picking the bridle back up.

He had plenty in hand at the finish and beat all the 'right' horses. The runner-up Staffordshire Knot was second to Brighterdaysahead in the G1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree's Grand National meeting, the third-placed Big Stage was a respectable third behind Firefox and Mossy Fen Park on his chasing debut at Down Royal and Answer To Kayf, who was fourth, occupied the same place in this year's Martin Pipe.

For me, it was the performance of a staying chaser - and I suspect he'll be tried over such a trip at Christmas.

The six-year-old son of Diamond Boy is one of seven entries for Willie Mullins in the G1 Long Distance Novice Chase over three miles at Leopardstown on Boxing Day and one of just two that have already had a run over fences. Dancing City is the other, but I can't see him being turned out so soon after a tough enough race at Punchestown the other day. I'd be very surprised if any of the others go straight there on debut.

He's certain to meet some of Gordon Elliott's best in that division in Dublin - the likes of Croke Park, Better Days Ahead, Stellar Story and Co - who will certainly test his capability to stay the trip.

There's good reason to expect he will. His best performance as a novice hurdler was his Ballymore triumph over 2m5f on soft ground, when he powered six and a half lengths clear of Gaelic Warrior. Carrying three pounds more, he was almost four seconds quicker than Langer Dan who won the Coral Cup later on the card. Then, his best performance in open company was at Sandown over 2m5½f as he proved a couple of lengths superior to the aforementioned Dan Skelton runner.

When there's a pace to aim at and he's not left on his own in front, he seems to settle significantly better which is ideal for a Brown Advisory type. I suspect he'll be ridden with patience in every run this season.

The major criticism of Impaire Et Passe last term was about his strength in a finish. He certainly looked a bit tame at times, but he had excuses and it's easy to forget he was still a young and inexperienced horse.

Going by his appearance at Fairyhouse, I think he's done plenty of growing up over the summer and I'm really excited to see what he can do for the rest of the campaign.

He'll need to win at Christmas, providing I'm right about his target, if he's to go down this route - if he's beaten I wouldn't be surprised to see him skip the Cheltenham Festival entirely - but if he does the business I think we could easily be looking at the new Brown Advisory favourite.

Ballyburn I expect to go down the two-mile route, as could Majborough. After that, you're looking at Dancing City and The Jukebox Man - two nice types, don't get me wrong, but for me Impaire Et Passe is the classier proposition. Similar comments apply to the likes of Better Days Ahead, Stellar Story and Co.

My suggestion is to take the price on Impaire Et Passe now. If he's indeed declared for that Grade 1 over three miles, that price is likely to disappear. If he wins, and let's say Ballyburn and Majborough rip up trees over the minimum trip, is he not the favourite in waiting?

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