11 November 2023 , 18:01
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Paul Nicholls plans to take on all-time great Constitution Hill with Rubaud – the star of his brilliant four-timer at Wincanton.
Ditcheat's 1-2 favourite galloped on relentlessly to win the JenningsBet Elite Hurdle with plenty to spare. It capped a great afternoon for Nicholls, also on target with Meatloaf (10-11f) and Knappers Hill (4-5f) ridden by Harry Cobden, plus Freddie Gingell's mount Huelgoat (4-1).
Rubaud's four-and-a-quarter length domination puts him on course for a Boxing Day clash with Nicky Henderson's titan, unbeaten in a seven-race streak.
"Someone has got to take Constitution Hill on," Nicholls said. "The plan is to go to the Christmas Hurdle (December 26). Rubaud is improving rapidly – we don't know what is in the back of the tank."
Nicholls was denied a five-timer by fellow local trainer Anthony Honeyball in the feature 62nd Badger Beer Handicap Chase.
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The 14-time champion's two runners, Threeunderthrufive and reigning titleholder Frodon, filled the places behind Blackjack Magic (5-1).
At Down Royal, Gordon Elliott celebrated five successive winners, headlined by Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Gerri Colombe. His gritty neck call in a three-way finish – from Envoi Allen and stablemate Conflated – earned a 5-1 quote from William Hill.
"Hopefully the sky is the limit," said Elliott, whose horses rewarded backers at combined odds of 22-1. "He'll improve a good deal for that – and will probably have one more run before the Gold Cup."
Gerri Colombe is second favourite for the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup (PA)Gesskille has connections dreaming of the Grand National after his impressive BoyleSports Grand Sefton Handicap Chase triumph.
The 100-30 favourite previously finished runner-up twice at Aintree's famous course, losing out to Al Dancer by a nose 12 months ago.
But a change of headgear eked out a little more from Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's pacesetter. Pestered by three rivals at the elbow, Gesskille dug deep for Henry Brooke, with a loose horse to run alongside.
The pair crossed the line with two lengths in hand of Percussion, the third from last year's edition.
Greenall, whose father Lord Daresbury was the track's chairman for 25 years, said: "It was the first racecourse I came to as a child. so it is very special."