Cheltenham regulars set to square up again in December Gold Cup - but watch out for fresh rivals

The December Gold Cup is the second in a sequence of four almost identical races that lead up to the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival. The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the strongest of the four, owing to its superior prestige and purse. The December Gold Cup is next best and ahead of the New Year’s Day Chase and Trials Day equivalent by those metrics.

These races are a popular pathway for high-class two-and-a-half-mile handicap chasers who arguably fall just short of proper Graded company, hence the narrative between old foes Fugitif and Il Ridoto.

These two stalwarts are among eight course winners in the 14 entries. The only one without experience of this unique track is Sure Touch, who has taken his time in reaching this sort of level for Olly Murphy.