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Previews14 December 2024

Can Joyeuse live up to her pedigree and prove a class apart for Nicky Henderson off a basement BHA rating?

Nicky Henderson: can the Lambourn trainer win this race again?
Nicky Henderson: trains JoyeuseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

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Five years ago Nicky Henderson and JP McManus teamed up to land this race with future Coral Cup winner Dame De Compagnie off a mark of 132 and this season they saddle one with similar potential in the shape of Joyeuse, yet she is running off a BHA rating of 119.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Joyeuse could have upwards of a stone in hand given her connections, and the fact she is the first foal of a half-sister to Champion Hurdle winner Epatante. Her form doesn’t look too shabby either, especially given potential improvement.

Joyeuse beat the now 125-rated Tutti Quanti when landing a maiden hurdle at Taunton in January and is at least 6lb ahead of the handicapper on that piece of form. She also chased home rivals rated 134 and 128 when third over 1m7½f following a long break at Ascot last month.

She shaped like she would come on for that run, keeping on under hands and heels after the final flight, and an extra five furlongs in trip looks certain to suit. She might be a class apart.

If she does prove vulnerable it might because Lucy Wadham has unearthed another classy mare. The Newmarket trainer saddled The White Mouse to win in 2020 and Martello Sky the following year, so her representative Pretending must have a chance. She is improving and could post her fourth career-best performance in a row.

Back-to-back wins at this course in April and Uttoxeter in October were followed by a close fifth off this career-high mark (122) at Wincanton last time. We will find out here whether Pretending has reached the ceiling of her ability or if she can go on again.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway


What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Take No Chances
She carries top weight and is in great form. It was a good run in the Fighting Fifth when she couldn't win, but she still ran creditably. Against the girls here I'd have to give her an each-way chance, but I'll stop short of saying she'll definitely win because she has a lot of weight to carry.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Pretending
It's a massively competitive race, as you'd expect. She obviously enjoys Cheltenham as she's run well there before. She's in great nick. We might ride her a little more conservatively this time as she might have done a little too much on the front end last time.

Tom Symonds, trainer of Royale Margaux
She did nothing wrong when second at Ascot last time and has good course form. We're hopeful.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Molto Bene
She won nicely on her reappearance at Chepstow. I thought the ground might be too quick for her that day so she surprised me. She must have an each-way chance.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Greyval
She's been consistent in her last couple of outings and I thought her run last time was very good. If she can build on that we hope she can go well.


Read the rest of our Saturday previews:

11.30 Fairyhouse: 'He looks the pick of ours' - Triumph Hurdle hero Majborough makes chasing debut for Willie Mullins  

1.50 Cheltenham: 'This has been the plan for some time' - top trainers on their big December Gold Cup hopes  

2.05 Doncaster: 'He's extremely well handicapped' - Chasing Fire among a host of intriguing runners in ultra-competitive chase  

2.25 Cheltenham: Master Chewy up against familiar foes as he bids to bounce back from Tingle Creek fall  

3.00 Cheltenham: 'I'm not sure where his ceiling level is' - can mega improver Skyjack Hijack make it seven wins in a row?  


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