Clan looks to be peaking at right time for Nicholls

Layoff after Boxing Day victory can pay dividends

CLAN DES OBEAUX can lay all stamina doubts to rest by staying every yard of the extended three and a quarter miles to claim the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup this afternoon.

He may have been only fifth in chasing’s blue riband prize last year behind Al Boum Photo, but it was only from the final fence that he was run out of at least a place.

There is every reason to believe he is a stronger horse this time round and at the age of eight, he may be reaching his peak. That seems to be the case, judged on his two runs so far this season.

Clan Des Obeaux delighted trainer Paul Nicholls when finishing second to Road To Respect in Down Royal’s Champion Chase, before winning the King George VI Chase for the second successive year at Kempton on Boxing Day.

His display to beat his esteemed stablemate Cyrname by 21 lengths was even better than the previous year, when he had Thistlecrack back in second place.

Nicholls’ decision not to run him again before Cheltenham can pay off.

Al Boum Photo looks the main danger as he seeks to repeat last year’s victory, while Lostintranslation would be a threat if he could repeat the form he showed when winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Dan Skelton has kept ALLMANKIND fresh for the JCB Triumph Hurdle after a brilliant first half to the season.

The Alcester trainer did think of running him on Festival Trials Day in January, but is happy he scrapped that plan after a convincing win at Chepstow at Christmas. SELECTIONS CHELTENHAM: 1.30 Allmankind, 2.10 Stolen Silver, 2.50 Thyme Hill, 3.30 CLAN DES OBEAUX (NAP), 4.10 Hazel Hill, 4.50 Greaneteen, 5.30 Column Of Fire.

FAKENHAM: 1.55 Coole Well, 2.35 Echiquier, 3.15 Sorbet, 3.55 Corri Lindo, 4.35 Eskendash, 5.10 Full Irish.

LINGFIELD: 1.45 Miss Elsa, 2.20 Luncies, 3.00 Unforgiving Minute, 3.40 Centurion Song, 4.20 Omnivega, 5.00 Pledge Of Peace.

DOUBLE: Clan Des Obeaux and Allmankind