December 14 / 13.50 Cheltenham

13.50

Good To Soft

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

  • Prize money: £71187.5
  • 2m 4f 127y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
View Course
Nyetimber December Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.20

Form: /550-1 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
On a career-high mark and not guaranteed to get an easy lead in this field but is certainly one to bear in mind, having looked better than ever at Ascot (2m5f, good) last month on seasonal debut when making all for an emphatic success that took his chase record to 4-14.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

17

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Gemirande

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.

50/1

18th

17

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Gemirande

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track.

50/1

17th

10

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Gemirande

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Found a new level of form in late 2024 with wins at Ascot (2m5f, good) and over C&D (good to soft); disappointing here next time but he was still going well when nearly down three out over C&D in January and the 6lb higher mark than for his latest win may not be beyond him; considered for yard that's won this race three times.

12/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 119-84 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Initiated a notable handicap double with a win over 2m on this card 12 months ago (for Sophie Leech); made very promising late headway upped to 2m4f in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here on debut for Dan Skelton, looking a likely type for this prize; usual cheekpieces now reapplied; highly interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Madara

11st 4lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

3-1 favourite when easily winning the 23-runner Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month in reapplied cheekpieces (retained); hit with a 10lb rise but that may not stop this 7yo, who could still have more to offer.

4/1

1st

9

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Madara

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Four chase wins for other yards, most recently in February 2024; 0-4 for this trainer but he achieved a lifetime best when close up on the New course (about 2m4f, good to soft) in December 2024, off this mark to an improver; has a strong record in other races here and looks to retain all his ability since back from an absence; regular cheekpieces refitted; rock-solid contender.

4/1

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 3

15:07 Kempton

Madara

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Useful on his day, particularly in cheekpieces which were missing when he seemed to need the outing over Christmas on return from 12-month layoff; with the headgear again left off, the market may offer extra guidance.

11/4

11/2

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 13PP-5 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Largely respectable record at Cheltenham features a win (off 1lb higher) in this race last year when the cards dropped perfectly and he collared Il Ridoto, who helped force a strong pace, in the final strides; it's all systems go with reappearance (fifth in the Paddy Power) under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 203y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Fugitif

11st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Richard Hobson

No win since late 2023 and he hasn't got a lot going this season; he had run well but looked on the retreat when unseating in Outlaw Peter's race here 11 days ago (visor replaced usual cheekpieces).

12/1

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Fugitif

11st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Richard Hobson

Winless since December 2023 and hasn't posed a serious threat this season; however, he was best of the rest behind easy winner Guard Your Dreams at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) last time and continues to drop down the weights; handles various ground; not ruled out in first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces).

8/1

2nd

3

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Fugitif

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Richard Hobson

Quirky customer who is without a win since December 2023 and has become frustrating; that said, he ran well for a long way in a valuable Ascot handicap (2m5f, soft) three weeks ago and is another 4lb lower here.

15/2

Form: 00-143 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Solid record in 2m4f novice handicaps since switched to fences, winning at Warwick then making the frame twice at Cheltenham; faces a tougher assignment in this field but remains well treated if judged on best hurdles form, which includes a Grade 2 success here three years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Guard Your Dreams

11st 12lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Brought down at the first fence in the Plate at Cheltenham last month; made most of the running when winning easily at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) in February and, although now 8lb higher, he was rated higher over hurdles earlier in his career; versatile ground-wise; one to note.

15/2

8

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Guard Your Dreams

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Fell in the Ultima last March but he has often run creditably over fences here and handles most surfaces; however, he's on his highest-ever chase mark following a Warwick win (about 2m4f, heavy) last month and now looks up against it.

25/1

1st

5

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Guard Your Dreams

11st 2lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Absent since clear second of 14 at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last May but it's worth remembering his narrow C&D (good) win in October 2024 came after a layoff; versatile regarding ground and current mark is workable; a possible.

11/2

Form: 14UP-1

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Ended last season with two non-completions but got round and beat Ga Law at Chepstow (2m3f, good; sole run this term) two months ago, returning to best form; respectable fourth (off this mark) in this contest last year and again has frame possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Grandeur DAme

10st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Well treated on the pick of his Cheltenham form at about this trip, as when just touched off by Moon d'Orange last January, but he was pulled up last time out and these very competitive races tend to be beyond him.

40/1

6

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Grandeur DAme

11st 1lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Has rather mixed record over last couple of years but gave good account when keeping-on third in valuable Cheltenham handicap (2m4f, good) on New Year's Day and will be suited by the slower ground here.

9/2

1

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 3

14:47 Stratford

Grandeur DAme

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Not much went to plan on his final two starts last season but he enhanced his very good record when fresh with a good win at Chepstow (2m3f, good) last October and bettered that performance when very close second in valuable Cheltenham race (2m4f, soft) in January; major player.

7/2

Form: 08P-51 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Made it third time lucky in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here (2m4f, good) four weeks ago and now bids for another crack at this prize, having made a bold bid from the front 12 months ago when collared by old rival Fugitif only in the shadow of the post; career-high mark is the only drawback.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:30 Ayr

Il Ridoto

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

9yo who hasn't been at his best this season but there have been signs of spark and he failed to stay 3m2f when well beaten at the Cheltenham Festival last time; continues to drop down the weights and could be in the shake-up back down in trip and in grade.

9/1

15th

6

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024.

25/1

3

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:52 Chepstow

Il Ridoto

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Cheltenham regular who looked as good as ever when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup there (2m4f, good) last November; only 1lb higher today but seemed in need of the run when reappearing in this event last season and perhaps this race will again tee him up for Cheltenham next month.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: /1P5-4 CD BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 162

Form & Verdict
Only fourth of five when favourite for the Old Roan seven weeks ago but should relish the return to Cheltenham, having gained last three wins here, most recently in the 2023 Paddy Power Gold Cup when recording a very smart handicap performance (RPR 169); possibilities even off top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Stage Star

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Best known for his 2m4f exploits that include Grade 1 novice wins over hurdles/fences; however, put up a good fight against odds-on L'Homme Presse when upped to 3m1f in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (soft) most recently, emerging as the best horse at the weights; one of a few runners who remain unexposed at this sort of trip.

13/2

3rd

7

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Stage Star

11st 10lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Best known for his 2m4f exploits that include Grade 1 novice wins over hurdles/fences; however, put up a good fight against odds-on L'Homme Presse when upped to 3m1f in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (soft) most recently, emerging as the best horse at the weights; one of a few runners who remain unexposed at this sort of trip.

13/2

2nd

2

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Stage Star

11st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, led after 1st, faced challenge before 2 out, soon disputing lead, hung left run-in, no extra towards finish

9/1

Form: 111-15 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Has had wind surgery (his third) since never-dangerous fifth over the National fences at Aintree last time; has form figures of 231111 over conventional fences, the most recent win in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen (2m5f); progressive but faces a stiffer task off current mark in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

15:51 Market Rasen

Sure Touch

12st 0lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Hasn't been running well for a while now, since winning the Summer Plate over C&D in July 2024; too well handicapped to dismiss with confidence, though, and a tongue-tie belatedly returns.

11/2

5th

2

5th Sep 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

15:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Sure Touch

12st 0lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

Won last year's Summer Plate at Market Rasen after an absence so his 99-day break was no excuse when never counting in that race in mid-July; the cheekpieces tried there are swiftly removed but he's not been running great for a while now.

6/1

Form: 1P2-22 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Landed the 2022 Paddy Power Gold Cup and ran well behind Il Ridoto in the latest edition of that contest, taking his form figures in Cheltenham handicaps to 112; in a consistent vein of form generally (runner-up in last three appearances) and again holds very solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Ga Law

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Looked as good as ever when third in first-time blinkers in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown (extended 2m6f, good) in April when last seen; however, he's won just once since November 2022 and has something to find against today's opponents; reapplied cheekpieces replace the blinkers.

7/1

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 1

14:57 Wetherby

Ga Law

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Looked as good as ever when third in first-time blinkers in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown (extended 2m6f, good) in April when last seen; however, he's won just once since November 2022 and has something to find against today's opponents; reapplied cheekpieces replace the blinkers.

7/1

3rd

5

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Ga Law

11st 6lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Best known for his exploits in the big 2m4f handicap chases at Cheltenham; however, even on his best form he has something to find in this field and he's been pulled up the last twice; first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces.

40/1

Form: 114P-1 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Struggled at the Cheltenham Festival but resumed his progress in fine style at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) on reappearance, taking his strike-rate over fences to 4-6 and record in handicap chases to 3-3; gained the other win in Sandown Grade 1; could defy new mark, the way he's going.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Le Patron

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase here (1m7f, heavy) in December 2023 and comfortably won handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last November; the return to Sandown is an interesting angle but he's been well beaten the last twice and needs to be better than ever today; headgear applied.

16/1

8

26th Apr 2025

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Le Patron

11st 5lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Won the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase here (1m7f, heavy) in December 2023 and comfortably won handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last November; the return to Sandown is an interesting angle but he's been well beaten the last twice and needs to be better than ever today; headgear applied.

16/1

5

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 1

15:37 Ascot

Le Patron

11st 10lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Record of 4-7 over fences includes a Grade 1 novice win last term and impressive handicap performance at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) on reappearance; perhaps unsuited by the return to Cheltenham last time; has something to find at the weights but looks interesting as a second-season chaser who could rate higher still.

16/1

Form: U51-PU CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Unseated rider four out in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here last month; has a respectable Cheltenham record otherwise and ties in with Madara on form shown on this card last year; registered a ready success in Grade 2 handicap over C&D (good) in April and has the ability to get involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

In Excelsis Deo

11st 11lb

J: Mr S J Kenny

T: E Bolger

Won a Grade 2 handicap over 2m4f a couple of years ago for Harry Fry before losing form; some good efforts in point-to-points, including recent win under this jockey; previously, was only around 7l off stablemate Solitary Man over 2m4f at Cork (disqualified, rider weighed in marginally light).

12/1

7th

12

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

In Excelsis Deo

12st 0lb

J: Emma Fitzgerald

T: E Bolger

Rated in 140s at peak over fences, best form over much further, others preferred.

14/1

11th

5

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

In Excelsis Deo

12st 0lb

J: Mr S J Kenny

T: E Bolger

Solid overall form in points, highlighted by a defeat of Its On The Line at Cragmore in January; unseated rider in Belclare contest won by Asian Master; stablemate Solitary Man has superior claims.

7/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.40
Straight Forecast £22.34
Tricast £96.71
Trifecta £239.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Madara

TOPSPEED:

Ga Law

RP RATINGS:

Gemirande

WEST COUNTRY:

Fugitif

Daily Record:

Il Ridoto

Telegraph:

Stage Star

The Times:

Madara

D Express:

Madara

The Sun:

Madara

The Star:

Madara

Daily Mirror:

Gemirande

POSTDATA:

Ga Law

LAMBOURN:

Ga Law

Daily Mail:

Fugitif