Mambonumberfive and Steel Ally clash in Kingmaker

Either Mambonumberfive or Steel Ally will taste defeat over fences for the first time in the Bet Smarter With Oddschecker Kingmaker Novices’ Chase on Saturday.

Ben Pauling’s Mambonumberfive is three from three over the larger obstacles, completing his hat-trick in the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton in late December, while the Sam Thomas-trained Steel Ally has impressed in winning at Carlisle and in the Grade Two Noel Novices’ Chase at Ascot.

Steel Ally is rated 4lb higher than Mambonumberfive, but does have to concede 2lb to his big rival, and bookmakers are struggling to split the pair ahead of their intriguing weekend clash.

Of Mambonumberfive, Pauling said: “It will be great for him as he’s so bullish at home and it’s important to get another run into him before Cheltenham, otherwise he would get there too fresh and well.

“It’s always been our plan and obviously it’s short on numbers, but Steel Ally is a very good horse and Mirabad is no slouch either, so it will be a very informative race to see where we sit. Hopefully we can come through this and then look forward to Cheltenham.

“I’m sure it will be competitive, but he goes there in great form.”

Mambonumberfive is a 14-1 shot in William Hill’s non-runner no bet market for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, with Steel Ally marginally bigger odds at 16-1.

Thomas said: “The ground is going to be hard work, but we’re very much looking forward to it.

“He’s coming into the race nice and fresh and I’m hoping he’s going to take all the beating.

“It’s a very hotly contested division, but there’s not many of us this time around. We’ve got to get this weekend out of the way and if that went well then obviously Cheltenham would be very much in the picture if the owner (Dai Walters) wants to go there.”

The meeting is subject to a 7.30am precautionary inspection.