13:50 Cheltenham

Saturday 14 December 2024

All12:1012:4013:1313:5014:2515:0015:35

Nyetimber December Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 5m 13.93s

Stage Star⁴⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 162| BF| CD

11/1

Won Grade 1 Golden Miller at 2023 Festival and took form up another notch with victory in Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on return last season. Not in same form since though not disgraced in Old Roan at Aintree on return.

Form: 15/1P5-4

Ga Law^p²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 156| CD

8/1

Twice a winner in premier handicaps here in recent seasons and good runner-up efforts both starts this term, including when 4½ lengths second to Il Ridoto in Paddy Power Gold Cup. Can make presence felt again.

Form: 71P2-22

Le Patron¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Freddie Mitchell⁽⁵⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 153

11/1

Won first 3 starts over fences last term, taking Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown. Well held next 2 starts but back with a bang in handicap at Newbury 2 weeks ago, jumping superbly under this rider. Needs considering.

Form: 1114P-1

Fugitif^t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: R Hobson| OR: 150| CD

6/1

Narrowly beat Il Ridoto in this last year off 1 lb higher. Ended season out of form but sure signs of a revival when fifth in Paddy Power Gold Cup on return so big run now expected.

Form: 413PP-5

Il Ridoto^t,p²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Miss Olive Nicholls⁽⁷⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149| CD

8/1

Likeable sort who was just denied by Fugitif in this last year off 6 lb lower. All the better for return when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup here by 4½ lengths from Ga Law but career-high mark to defy now.

Form: 308P-51

Sure Touch³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: K Brogan| T: O Murphy| OR: 142| DWS

33/1

Had a productive 2022 over hurdles, winning 4 times, and further progress over fences last season, completing 4-timer in Summer Plate at Market Rasen. Winning run came to an end in Grand Sefton at Aintree and others look better treated now.

Form: 3111-15

In Excelsis Deo^p²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Bryan Carver| T: H Fry| OR: 142| CD

14/1

Career best when winning the Silver Trophy over C&D in April. However, let down by jumping both starts since, including in Paddy Power Gold Cup here on return.

Form: 2U51-PU

Madara^p²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-6| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 140| C

11/4

Much improved for Sophie Leach last term, winning good 2m handicaps here and at Leopardstown. Lacklustre display on Ascot reappearance (only run for Kieran Burke) but back to best starting out for this yard when fourth in Paddy Power Gold Cup here, finishing with running left. More to come.

Form: 6119-84

Gemirande²²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 136| D

11/2

Better than ever when making a winning return at Ascot 3 weeks ago, storming clear. Career-high mark to deal with now but he's respected.

Form: 23/550-1

Guard Your Dreams²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 136| C

12/1

Smart hurdler at his best who, in line with yard's fine form made a successful return/chase debut in novices' handicap at Warwick (20f) in October. Similar form when hitting the frame in similar events next 2 starts but up against it tackling open company now.

Form: 400-143

Grandeur D'ame⁶³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: A King| OR: 136

12/1

Enhanced good record fresh when scoring at Chepstow on return. Respectable fourth in this last year off this mark so in the mix.

Form: 514UP-1

Forecasts

Madara (11/4), Gemirande (11/2), Fugitif (6/1), Il Ridoto (8/1), Ga Law (8/1), Stage Star (11/1), Le Patron (11/1), Guard Your Dreams (12/1), Grandeur D'ame (12/1), In Excelsis Deo (14/1), Sure Touch (33/1)

FUGITIF won this last year off 1 lb lower and another big run is on the cards after his encouraging comeback in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Madara caught the eye starting out for this yard in the same race and rates a big threat, while Le Patron looks back on the upgrade after his dominant reappearance win at Newbury.