31 December 2023 , 18:04
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STAGE STAR is fancied to give his rivals weight and a beating in the Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase (2.05) at Cheltenham this afternoon.
Paul Nicholls’ son of Fame And Glory has a perfect record over the larger obstacles at the home of jump racing, having won each of his three chases at Prestbury Park.
After scoring over course and distance on Cheltenham’s Trials card last January, Stage Star followed up in the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase at the National Hunt Festival in March.
And Harry Cobden’s mount made it 3-3 over Cheltenham’s fences in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month, overcoming a mistake at the final obstacle to beat Notlongtillmay by four lengths.
The handicapper has reacted with an 11lb rise in the weights, but Stage Star still has plenty more to offer.
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Irish raider BOB OLINGER is expected to confirm his renaissance by landing the Grade 2 Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (3.15).
Henry de Bromhead’s dual Cheltenham Festival hero suffered an alarming dip in form last season but returned in style by landing Navan’s Lismullen Hurdle in mid-November, and should make light of his Grade 2 penalty.
The step up to three miles worked the oracle for ED KEEPER at Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup fixture, and a 9lb higher mark may not be enough to prevent the follow-up in the Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle.
The Paddy Power Handicap Chase looks a good opportunity for INCH HOUSE to rack up the hat-trick, while LIBBERTY HUNTER has plenty going for him in the Close Brothers Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (12.55).
At Musselburgh, FRERE D’ARMES , who went under by half a length to the progressive Boothill at Ascot on his most recent outing, is capable of going one better in the tote.co.uk Auld Reekie Handicap Chase (2.20).
A nose separated MATCHLESS from a fourth win over timber at Doncaster 30 days ago, but Jennie Candlish’s six-year-oold gets the nod for compensation in the tote.co.uk Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (1.10).
Bob Olinger is fancied to win the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (3.15)