Charlie Deutsch: 'It will take a very, very good one to beat him at Cheltenham'

Charlie Deutsch enjoyed his first Grade 1 winner on L'Homme Presse in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase last Saturday and says he is "in the right yard" before another tilt at Cheltenham.

Deutsch and L'Homme Presse cruised to a 21-length success at Sandown, making it four wins from four starts for the Venetia Williams-trained star, and gave his rider a first top-level success after a number of near-misses.

L'Homme Presse is unbeaten in four chase starts and is third favourite for the Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month, although Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs could stand in his way that day.

Speaking on the Racing Post's What A Shout show on Friday, Deutsch was thrilled to finally get the Grade 1 monkey off his back and spoke highly of L'Homme Presse.

"I'd say he's the best I have sat on," he said. "It's all very exciting – we have just got to find out how good he is, really. Obviously it has been smooth and easy so far. He's jumped well, he's relaxed and does everything right.

"All I know is he is very good and it will take a very, very good horse to beat him. I'm looking forward to it and Cheltenham and hopefully it will all go smoothly on the way there."

Charlie Deutsch and Venetia Williams with L'Homme Presse after the Scilly Isles last weekCredit: Edward Whitaker

The jockey has been in red-hot form over the past fortnight, banging in seven winners from 25 rides, and he has another two big rides for the in-form Williams yard on Saturday.

Deutsch rides Funambule Sivola in the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase (3.00) at Newbury on Saturday and also partners Royale Pagaille in the Betfair Denman Chase (2.25) the same day.

Williams will be hopeful of good runs for both with Cheltenham looming. Funambule Sivola holds an entry for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, while Royale Pagaille has been entered for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at the festival.

He added: "It [the Scilly Isles] was a great feeling. We made sure we were miles clear. I have been second in Grade 1s before but this was great. The horses are running really well and I'm in the right yard at the moment."

Turners Novices' Chase (March 17)

Betfair: 11-10f Bob Olinger, 11-4 Galopin Des Champs, 5 L'Homme Presse, 12 Jungle Boogie, 14 Haut En Couleurs, 16 bar

Read these next:

Field sizes explained: why this weekend's numbers have warning lights flashing

2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup: we assess the leading contenders for the big race

New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets. New customers only. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 2 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.