Why L'Homme Presse will need to answer some fresh questions to win the Dipper

Saturday: 1.25 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Novices' Chase (Registered As The Dipper Novices' Chase) (Grade 2) | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Since moving to Cheltenham in the mid-2000s, The Dipper has been a reliable draw for some top novice chasers. Its intermediate trip does not so much appeal to both extremes (few two-milers have turned up) as act as a handy bridge for future stayers.

In the last two years, the race has been more notable for its beaten horses. Champ looked in control when falling two years ago and Protektorat was second in a rearranged running at Wincanton last season. Before that recent winners had included Lostintranslation, Seeyouatmidnight and Whisper.

Against that backdrop, and with the added context that nine of the last ten winners have recorded an RPR of between 154 and 164, this could be termed a disappointing renewal.

No horse in the race yet has form of that level over fences; in fact, there's not really any Graded form to speak of among the nine runners.

Millers Bank might well have won a Grade 2 at Newbury last time had he stood up, but he would have been fortunate in doing so as Pic D'Orhy had departed a couple of fences earlier when looking comfortable.

Fantastikas was well held by Threeunderthrufive in the same grade at Doncaster last month and is likely to do better over the three-mile trip he raced over that day than shorter.

The Glancing Queen has won at Listed level, albeit against her own sex. She has taken notably well to fences and was particularly impressive at Warwick last time.

This is in theory a much tougher test, but she gets weight all round and is expected to handle conditions. She ran her race when fifth in the Dawn Run here in March and has form in all sorts of ground on the soft side of good.

She makes as much appeal as any from a betting perspective, although it is admitted that L'Homme Presse deserves favouritism.

His win in a graduation chase at Ascot a fortnight ago was impressive and, although the bare form hardly leaps off the page, time comparisons with other chases on the card reflect quite favourably on him.

If there is a caveat on L'Homme Presse, it is that his Ascot win was marked by speed and none of his British form so far has come on ground as soft as this.

He will have to answer some fresh questions to win, acknowledging that on form his level might already be good enough to take what appears a below-average running.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

L'Homme Presse faces biggest test

In trademark fashion the Venetia Williams operation moved into overdrive during December as the rain – absent for much of the autumn and early winter – finally arrived.

Few of her winners have been as impressive as L’Homme Presse, who contributed successes at Exeter and Ascot.

L'Homme Press: faces a steep rise in classCredit: Edward Whitaker

A mark of 128 at Exeter massively underestimated the son of Diamond Boy, who then proceeded to make light of an 8lb weight rise to win by 13 lengths from Legends Ryde at Ascot.

His slick, accurate jumping was a big feature of that commanding victory, and the handicapper promptly put him up another 12lb to 148.

He looks destined for better things, and the fact that he is likely to start a hot favourite in his first Grade 2 is testament to the impression he made.

Williams acknowledges this represents a steep rise in class, but is looking forward to running him at Cheltenham.

“It’s a step up again,” she said. “He came out of his race at Ascot very well, and there are not that many opportunities for him. It will be his first taste of Cheltenham.”

If he runs as well as he did at Ascot, racegoers could be in for a treat.

What they say

Jane Williams, trainer of Gladiateur Allen
He's a talented horse but he does have a bit of an uphill battle on his hands when he decides to blunder his way around things. We have a bit of a plan but his racecraft isn't there yet, he needs more practice. He can be a bit of a monkey but hopefully we're finding the key to him a bit over a shorter trip and over fences.

Tom George, trainer of Come On Teddy
We were very pleased with his first run over fences when he won at Uttoxeter. He did it very nicely that day and has come on from last season. He finished third in the Pertemps Final last term and this looks a good stepping stone.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Fantastikas
He has a bit to find on ratings with some of them, but he jumps nicely and there's plenty of prize-money available. We're there to get some of it.

Alex Hales, trainer of Millers Bank
He must have a big chance. It was very disappointing to give away a Grade 2 at Newbury last time – he was clear when departing two out. We've done loads of schooling with him since, and are keen to get some Cheltenham experience into him if we want to go for something exciting in the spring. Venetia's horse looks the one to beat, but I wouldn't underestimate the mare [The Glancing Queen]. Alan [King] will have a good idea to where he stands. I think it's between the three of them, and it's lovely to have a runner in such a good race.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Oscar Elite
He was travelling really well when he fell three out at Cheltenham in November – it looked like he was going to play a big part in the finish. For some reason he didn't run so well at Huntingdon last time. It will be lovely ground at Cheltenham and it's the right race for him.

Alan King, trainer of The Glancing Queen
The Glancing Queen is pretty smart. She had won a point before I bought her and from the first time we schooled her over fences in the autumn she's been very accurate.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Cheltenham going expected to be soft

Cheltenham's traditional New Year's Day card, which features two Grade 2 events, is likely to be staged on soft ground following further rainfall at the track.

Clerk of the course Jon Pullin altered the going description on Friday morning after four millimetres of rain fell on Prestbury Park. "I have updated the ground to soft all round," Pullin said. "We had 4mm this morning, but it's been dry for the rest of the day.

"It's likely to remain dry overnight and into tomorrow morning, although there is the slight risk of a light shower."

More New Year's Day race previews:

1.40 Musselburgh: 'He's a bit of an enigma' – Olly Murphy unsure what to expect from Strong Glance

2.00 Cheltenham: why Alnadam's delayed Cheltenham raid might prove to be beautifully timed

2.10 Musselburgh: progressive Tommy's Oscar seeks hat-trick for in-form Hamilton team

2.20 Tramore: 'All the roads lead to Cheltenham' – Al Boum Photo poised for four-timer

2.35 Cheltenham: 'He's in the form of his life' – can Malzard strike again on Kansas City Chief?

2.40 Fairyhouse: festival clues galore as top mares Put The Kettle On, Elimay and Mount Ida clash

3.10 Cheltenham: 'He's always good fresh' – Relkeel Hurdle trainer quotes and big-race insight

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horseracing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.