Colin Tizzard's Lostintranslation produced a spirited fightback to reel in Defi Du Seuil to win the Grade 2 Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, which saw both runners cut for the JLT Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and it was to be one of the most noteworthy racing results of the day.
Robbie Power sent Lostintranslation to the front in the early part of the race and the 3/1 shot produced some sparkling jumps throughout the 2m 4f 127y contest to maintain his advantage over Defi Du Seuil, Black Op and the disappointing On The Blind Side.
However, as they approached the home straight, Barry Geraghty galvanised Defi Du Seuil and the Philip Hobbs-trained raider soared to the front as they battled up the run-in. But, as the JP McManus-owned raider tried to pull clear, Power managed to unearth a second win in Lostintranslation and he found more under Power's urgings and went on to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths.
Unsurprisingly, the bookmakers were quick to slash the winner for the Grade 1 JLT at the festival in March and having been 20/1 before the off Tizzard's raider is now as short as 6/1 for the novices' chase showpiece in the spring.
Defi Du Seuil may have been defeated on Tuesday afternoon, but having been available at 14/1 for the JLT prior to today's race he was trimmed slightly into 12/1, while some bookmakers have gone as short as 7/1 for the former Triumph Hurdle hero to record another victory at the Prestbury Park extravaganza.
Watch the thrilling finish of the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day here:
