‘MY BEST CHANCE OF THE FESTIVAL’
PAUL NICHOLLS CLAN DES OBEAUX
Cheltenham Gold Cup Friday (3.30) GAINED a first Grade 1 victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton over Christmas 2018, following up in rescheduled Denman Chase at Ascot before fifth, racing prominently before fading from the final fence, to Al Boum Photo in the Gold Cup.
Second to Road To Respect in top-level Champion Chase at Down Royal in November before thumping stablemate Cyrname by 21 lengths for a second King George triumph in December.
Last year, we went from Kempton to the Denman Chase, which was put back a week, and then to
Cheltenham. This year we are coming in with a different preparation because we’ve worked out that he is best when fresh. People say he doesn’t act round there, but he was just beaten by Whisper in a novices’ chase and finished second in a Caspian Caviar Gold Cup under top weight when he was half the horse he is now. We will ride him with more restraint this year and he is lethal when he is very fit and fresh. I think he is my best chance of the week.
Devastating in the King George but nagging doubt Kempton’s three miles shows him in a better light than three and a quarter miles round undulating Cheltenham. ODDS: 7-1
Ryanair Chase Thursday (2.50) GAME in victory when defying Aso to lift the Ryanair Chase 12 months ago and stepped forward from defeats at Aintree (Old Roan Chase) and Haydock Park (Betfair Chase) to land Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton Park from Keeper Hill in January.
He completely underperformed in the Betfair but he had grade four ulcers — as bad as it gets.
We got then cleared up and tuned him up for Kempton. I thought he’d win and he did it nicely. He has improved a lot since.
He loves this time of the year, is back where he wants to be, he loves the New Course at Cheltenham and he’s ready to defend his crown.
Almost certainly needs to improve on last year’s effort to win a strong-looking Ryanair Chase, but one thing is for certain — he won’t give up his title without a fight. ODDS: 5-1