'He's crying out for this trip' - key trainer quotes for the December Gold Cup

Saturday: 1.50 Cheltenham
AIS December Gold Cup Handicap Chase | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

The December Gold Cup is always fiercely competitive, but perhaps it is not quite as dripping in quality as has often been the case.

With that in mind, it's hard not to be drawn to War Lord, who possesses form against the likes of last Saturday's impressive Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase hero Edwardstone, and launched his campaign with a solid third to the smart Greaneteen in Exeter's Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup.

The step back up in trip will undoubtedly suit War Lord, who boasts a record of three wins from seven starts over fences, and his trainer Joe Tizzard said: "I was pleased with his run in the Haldon Gold Cup, and he's crying out for this longer trip.

"Ideally I would want the ground to be a bit softer, but if it's on the easy side of good he will take his chance.

"He has each-way claims in a very competitive race."

Fugitif the 'standout' of the race

Richard Hobson, trainer of Fugitif, considers his horse to be the "standout" in the race, and expects a bold performance.

The seven-year-old was rated good enough to tackle the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown in January, won by L'Homme Presse, with Pic D'Orhy in third.

Fugitif: form has been franked recentlyCredit: Mike Egerton Pool (Getty Images)

Both those runners have advertised the form in no uncertain terms since, and Hobson said: "This step up in trip is what he's been crying out for, and he goes there in great nick.

"My only concern is the ground. If it's on the quick side of good he won't be running. It's been a long-term project to get lovely steeplechasers like this, so we won't risk him unless we're entirely happy.

"The race looks ideal for him. He looks the standout as a lightly raced chaser coming up through the ranks. His form has been franked, and I have no doubt he's potentially a 140-plus horse."

Fugitif is competing off 133, so Hobson's words are sure to be noted by punters.

'More to come' from Coconut Splash

Evan Williams feels there is plenty more to come from Coconut Splash as he pitches him into the hurly-burly of a major handicap round Cheltenham for the first time.

The seven-year-old has yet to score from seven starts over fences, but has some solid form in the book against horses of the calibre of Chantry House, who beat him by three and a quarter lengths at Wetherby in Feburary 2021.

Evan Williams: feels there is more to come with Coconut SplashCredit: Edward Whitaker

"To be honest, I have expected more from Coconut Splash," Williams said. "He only has a maiden hurdle win to his name and remains a maiden over fences.

"I'm throwing him in at the deep end because I genuinely feel there is more to come from him. There is more in the tank, and I feel a big-field handicap is what's required."

Williams added: "Just look back at some of the horses who have beaten him, including Chantry House. I'm keen to have a crack at a fast-run race with him and this looks the right opportunity to do so."

What they say

Sam Thomas, trainer of Stolen Silver
He was unlucky the last day, I suppose. It will be hard work off his highest mark, but we're looking forward to it.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Simply The Betts and Il Ridoto
Simply The Betts has improved a bit from his last run. He loves Cheltenham and isn't out of it. Il Ridoto ran well at the last meeting. The stiffer nature of the New course will suit him, and he goes there with a nice chance.

Norman Lee, trainer of Sole Pretender
I'm hoping the ground should suit him and the trip will be in his favour. We've decided to help him along by claiming 5lb with Michael O'Sullivan. We're very happy with him and hoping for a big run.

Ben Case, trainer of Fern Hill
As long as the ground is on the slow side of good he should be okay. He did well at Uttoxeter last time where he showed what he could do. It's his first run in a big handicap over fences, but the course will suit and we'll learn a bit more about him. He's a good jumper.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Fantastic Lady
She won really well at Market Rasen and I'd say three miles there is about the same as two miles five [furlongs] around Cheltenham. She stays well and, while it's competitive, it looks a nice race for her. It's worth a shot.

Milton Harris, trainer of Jacamar
I suppose he's in the twilight zone with his mark, but he's a decent, solid handicapper, and goes there with an each-way squeak at a big price. He wants a very strongly run race and is likely to get that at Cheltenham. It's a big, valuable race, but I don't think it's as strong this year as it could have been.

Kerry Lee, trainer of Storm Control
He goes to Doncaster if racing there is on, but will be rerouted to Cheltenham should it be off. He ran quite well in the Paddy Power, and is in good form. I'm happy with him. Doncaster is the preferred target because he likes the track there, and it looks a really suitable race for him.

Alan King, trainer of Deyrann De Carjac
We put some cheekpieces on him and he was very sharp schooling in them on Monday morning. It looks like it will be good, quick ground which will suit, and he ran well to finish fifth in the Paddy Power there last month when beaten less than six lengths.

Saturday's previews:

1.30 Doncaster: 'I'll be disappointed if he doesn't take the beating' - Harris in bullish mood

2.25 Cheltenham: Twiston-Davies 'pretty confident' - but can I Like To Move It down Epatante?

2.40 Doncaster: Can James Ewart strike gold again with another promising French youngster?

3.00 Cheltenham: 'He goes there with a lovely chance' - Nicholls excited for Albert Bartlett trial

Newcastle: 'He had a great time last season' - all you need to know for Newcastle

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