'Two and a half miles on soft ground is absolutely ideal for him' - can the return to Newbury reawaken the monster hidden inside Heltenham?

There are two versions of the Dan Skelton-trained Heltenham: one is a consistent handicapper who can be relied on to run his race, the other is a monster with an unbeaten record, who powers through his races on the bridle. That is the Newbury model.

Heltenham simply loves it here, landing three wins from three runs over course and distance on ground ranging from good to soft to heavy. So could he maintain his unblemished record?

It would be brave to bet against it, but once again his supporters will be relying on the return to Newbury reawakening the monster because Heltenham looked nothing of the sort on his final two starts last season. He finished eighth at Aintree in April and fell at Ayr a week later.

If Heltenham doesn't strike fear into the bookies, then Venetia Williams probably will. Just like clockwork, the ever-popular trainer is enjoying another not-to-be-forgotten November and three winners on ITV at Haydock and Ascot on Saturday left layers licking their wounds.

Just like Heltenham, Galop De Chasse is also unbeaten at Newbury and his course-and-distance victory was achieved in the month of November last year.

That means his November form figures in Britain are 212, with his latest second coming at Wetherby four weeks ago, when he was beaten only three-and-a-quarter lengths by Genois.

That run came at a time when Williams had saddled only a handful of runners and had yet to reach top gear, so Galop De Chasse can surely improve now the stable is firing on all cylinders, and a 10lb higher mark than when last scoring here may not stop another success.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Gary Moore, joint-trainer of Editeur Du Gite and Le Patron
Editeur Du Gite had a miserable experience in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last time at Cheltenham when he was wrong at the water jump and we had to pull him up. He's been fine at home since then, hence the quick turnaround. Le Patron wants it heavy. We had to take him out at Ascot recently as the ground was too quick.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Heltenham
He's very good around Newbury and two and a half miles on soft ground is absolutely ideal for him. We've given him plenty of work, he's been away and he's in good form. He should be competitive.

Harry Derham, trainer of Sir Psycho
We're very happy with him. It looks a competitive race but he's shown he likes the track with some really good runs there last season, and we're hoping he goes well there again.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Golden Son
He's fresh and well and loves going round flat tracks, as he won well at Kempton last season. He was a bit in and out last season, but this looks a race he can run well in.

Charlie Deutsch, rider of Galop De Chasse
I'm looking forward to riding him. He ran first time out at Wetherby and did nothing wrong, we just got beat by a good horse. I'm excited to get back on board.

Jane Williams, trainer of Saint Segal
He had a torrid time of it last year, including when getting loose and galloping five times around Sandown on one occasion, but he seems back in good form now. He's up in trip and would have an each-way chance in what looks an open race.

Anthony Honeyball, trainer of Lord Baddesley
We didn't learn much about him in the Badger Beer Chase last time but he's probably due a win and I can see him landing a nice pot this season.
Reporting by David Milnes

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.