Mission impossible? Coole Cody out to crack Paddy Power-Caspian Caviar double

1.50 Cheltenham
Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 2m4½f | ITV4/RTV

Evan Williams believes Coole Cody faces an "impossible" task doubling up last month's Paddy Power success in the Caspian Caviar – as he looks to become only the fourth in history to win Cheltenham's two famous handicaps in the same season.

The nine-year-old, who has Adam Wedge back on board this time, has been raised 6lb for last month's three-and-a-quarter-length success.

Exotic Dancer in 2006 was the last to complete the double and seven have failed since. Williams believes Coole Cody faces a stiff task even if conditions should suit.

He said: "It's almost impossible to double up but he's a good, tough horse on his day and we'll give it a go. He's 6lb higher but I'll take that for winning the Paddy Power. Switching to the New course will make a huge difference and it'll be interesting to see how it pans out."

No trainer has had more success in this race than Paul Nicholls with five victories, all in the last 11 runnings.

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The master of Ditcheat has saddled subsequent top-level winners in Frodon, who landed the prize in 2016 and 2018, and 2017 runner-up Clan Des Obeaux, and Saturday's topweight Master Tommytucker looks destined to take on the best.

The lightly raced nine-year-old has impressed on his last two outings and forms part of a strong hand for Nicholls, with Saint Sonnet and Southfield Stone also in the line-up.

Master Tommytucker: put in a career-best to win at Haydock last timeCredit: John Grossick

He said: "Master Tommytucker has done nothing but improve and won very well at Haydock the other day when he jumped well. If he concentrates he should go well.

"Southfield Stone is in a decent run of form and won at Cheltenham the time before last, so we expect him to go nicely. Saint Sonnet was a bit disappointing last time but may have needed the run."

What they say

Venetia Williams, trainer of Cepage
He knows his way around Cheltenham and hopefully he'll be competitive. One day he'll probably want further but for the time being we'll stick to this as we know it's a good distance for him.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Al Dancer and Good Boy Bobby
Al Dancer was a very good third last time, he was running on really well and we’re going to ride him a bit more handy here. He’s settling much better in his races now and hopefully he can get his head in front this time. We think he’s well handicapped and should go close. We still think there's movement off Good Boy Bobby's current mark. We’re hopeful he can run a big race.

Alex Hales, trainer of Huntsman Son
We're very happy with him, although we're slightly concerned about the ground. He was seriously impressive last time in a quality race. The handicapper has had his say but we've always thought a lot of him.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Windsor Avenue
He had a great first run back at Carlisle when finishing second to a very useful horse [Imperial Aura]. We lost our way with him last season, but we gave him a soft palate and hobday and then the season finished early. He's won at up-and-down tracks like Carlisle and Sedgefield, so there's no reason why Cheltenham won't suit him. The ground isn't a problem to him and he's in great fettle.

Sue Smith, trainer of Midnight Shadow
Things didn't suit him at Aintree but he likes Cheltenham and it's good to go back. He looks to be in good form. It's very competitive and it's a big field but hopefully he'll run a good race.

Jamie Moore, jockey of Benatar
He's been off the racecourse for a long time but seems to be back on track. If he comes back as the Benatar of old he'd be interesting.

Mick Winters, trainer of Chatham Street Lad
We were a small bit anxious about the ground being too fast for him but no, it looks A1 – there's a nice bit of moisture in it and it's good and safe. He's hitting the race in the form of his life and seems to have settled in well. He could run a cracker and still finish behind a bunch of horses, it's that competitive a race. But we're very happy with him and we're hopeful.

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