Gemirande bids for another big Cheltenham handicap for hot team of Charlie Deutsch and Venetia Williams

Charlie Deutsch will have allowed himself a little more freedom in the build-up to this race than had been the case before he last rode Gemirande.

A desire to partner the Venetia Williams-trained runner in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham meant Deutsch had to shed 5lb – the equivalent of a two-litre bottle of fizzy drink, two and a half pineapples or a Chihuahua, depending on your preferred unit of measurement – to make sure he tipped the scales at the correct weight.

The sacrifice proved worthwhile as Gemirande took victory by a length with Deutsch in the colours of the Bellamy Partnership, adding yet another major prize to the stable’s haul for the season.

Gemirande carries a much more achievable weight for Deutsch of 11st 2lb as he bids for a third win in a row, although he takes on eight new opponents and does so from an 8lb higher mark than last time.

Williams said: “He wouldn’t want there to be too much rain as he’s one of just a few of mine who don’t want the ground too deep. He’s gone up a bit for that win last time but I’d be hopeful of another good run from him.

“He’s not a particularly young horse, so you don’t necessarily have that same expectation they'll improve, and he’s taking on a different field this time. We’ll have to see how he does.”

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Hitman
He ran well to be second on his comeback at Aintree in October but was hit with a bout of colic after that, so he's been off for a while. He likes the track but may well need this run back off top weight.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Midnight River
He's grand. He's coming down the handicap a little. He ran okay up to a point at Newbury last time and has won around this track before. I'd give him an each-way chance.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Colonel Harry
The Coral Gold Cup had been our big aim for him, for all that it was a bit of a shot in the dark whether he'd stay. He travelled and jumped with great exuberance but didn’t quite stay the final three furlongs. Coming back in trip on this track and with some rain forecast looks like the right move for him.

Henry Daly, trainer of Lounge Lizard
He ran a really nice race at Carlisle and I expect him to come on for it. He’s run well at Cheltenham before and from everything I see he should run well.

Read the rest of Saturday's previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: Broadway Boy out to give excellent Coral Gold Cup another boost in competitive handicap chase

2.15 Tramore: Acid test of Gold Cup credentials for returning Monty's Star in Grade 3 at Tramore

2.20 Musselburgh: Is Corrigeen Rock primed to win a race that punches above its weight?

2.40 Cheltenham: 'We'd expect him to run really nicely' - can Catch Him Derry bounce back for team Skelton in competitive handicap?

3.15 Cheltenham: Red-hot Relkeel to help decide Golden Ace's Cheltenham Festival target - but the market only wants to know one runner

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