Cotswold Chase Tips: Irish Raider Can Claim Spoils

On a packed day at Cheltenham for Trials Day, the feature chase race is of course the Cotswold Chase. Just six line up, but four at minimum have a big shout and Billy Grimshaw previews the contest for us here...

With only six runners this race did not take too long to study, however coming up with a confident tip proved a much different story. The two outsiders Delta Work (surely using this as a prep) and Tommie Beau (outclassed) were easy enough to put a line through but I can see the arguments for the remaining quartet and would not be able to put anyone off with any degree of certainty. Chantry House is eleven now but bounced right back to form last time out and his yard are flying at the moment at Seven Barrows, and while a repeat of his win last time out here won't be good enough I do believe he had more to give in that contest and it'd be folly to rule him out entirely.

Despite Paul Nicholls having a pretty low key season, I'd not be in a hurry to lay Stage Star either as we know he excels when given an easy lead in small field races like this and although this is his first go at three miles, I can't imagine team Ditcheat will be wanting to change tactics here just because he is going past two and a half.  He has some very smart form indeed on his CV and the win in the Turners stands out, for all the favourite L'Homme Presse does bring stronger formlines. Nevertheless, he is nearly 9 times the price and that will appeal as a bet for plenty.

Venetia Williams' yard form was enough to put me off backing the even money favourite in here, for all he was very good on reappearance in that crazy race at Kempton which was blown apart by Il Est Francais, the King George. Sometimes the very top of the class at any yard can perform when the also rans in the stable are not, but I do think with three classy rivals L'Homme Presse is too short to back. He is a prominent runner and will love the pace set by Stage Star, but so will my fancy GENTLEMANSGAME.

Firstly, let's address the negatives. Gentlemansgame is giving weight away all round here, including six pounds to L'Homme Presse. Beating that horse at peak form while giving him six pounds will put Gentlemansgame firmly in the Gold Cup picture, and that could be fanciful. He is also running for another yard going through a quiet spell in Mouse Morris, so any worries I have for L'Homme Presse due to the Williams form should be replicated here. Nevertheless, at the prices he is the one for me.

His win in the Charlie Hall last season was the last time he tasted victory but it was a mighty effort and he ran a smashing race to be third behind the exalted duo of Fact To File and Galopin Des Champs last time out. In the fullness of time, I'm fairly sure that third will look better than third in the 2024 King George, with those two a short price to be 1-2 in the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

He is another who likes to get on with things and will relish the test I am anticipating Stage Star will make it, and with the six pound concession to L'Homme Presse probably levelling the playing field of bare form in terms of their previous runs, at three times the price it makes sense to side with the sole Irish raider that is here to actually win. I'd be lying if I said he was my Nap of the day but 3/1 looks a great price for a horse with such high class form and I'll take a chance Mouse has him cherry ripe for this valuable prize.