RACE 3 2.45

THE BetVictor GREATWOOD GOLD CUP HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE)

for five yrs old and upwards

Total prize fund £60000

(For conditions of this race see page 47)

TWO MILES ABOUT FOUR FURLONGS (2m 3f 187yds)

Leading course trainer (17-22): P Nicholls (42 wins from 169 runners, 25%) runs ESPOIR DE GUYE

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): P Nicholls (13 wins from 48 runners, 27%) runs ESPOIR DE GUYE

Fancy That: P Nicholls won this race in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019. The stable runs ESPOIR DE GUYE today

Longest Traveller: THE BIG BITE trained by H Oliver, Kinnersley, 109 miles.

RACE FACTS: BREEDING J JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER FORM Br BREEDER S SPONSOR

HEADGEAR KEY: H HOOD B BLINKERS V VISOR E EYESHIELD T TONGUE STRAP CP SHEEPSKIN CHEEKPIECES

COLOURS NO HORSE/DAYS SINCE LAST RUN

1 PAINTTHE DREAM (GB) (49)

B g Brian Boru -Vineuil (FR) (Muhtathir) J Connor Brace

Mr David Brace Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham 14-3413 CD

Br Mr David Brace

S Dunraven Group of Companies

TIMEFORMVIEW Took this contest 12 months ago and arrives in very good nick this time around, bagging another C&D success before third to Pic d’Orhy in Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton (20.5f) 49 days ago. Holds major claims. TFRHHHHH

2 ZANZA (IRE) (21)

9 12 0

BHA158

J Micheal Nolan Louisville Syndicate Elite Philip Hobbs, Minehead P-62101 C

B g Arcadio (GER) - What A Bleu (IRE) (Pistolet Bleu (IRE))

Br Larry Doyle S Philip Hobbs Racing B

TIMEFORM VIEW Unreliable type but he enhanced his excellent record here with success in 7-runner Betfair Denman Chase (23.4f) 21 days ago by 7 lengths from Hitman. Capable of having a big say if on his A-game again. TFRHHHII

3 SEBASTOPOL (IRE) (99)

B g Fame And Glory - Knockcroghery (IRE) (Pelder (IRE))

9 11 3

BHA147

J Stan Sheppard

C & C Boultbee Brooks Tom Lacey, Woolhope 3412P1 CD

Br Mr J. Nicholson S Boultbee Brooks Real Estate Limited, Plusbac V T

TIMEFORMVIEW Smart chaser who proved better than ever when seeing off Stage Star in a Grade 2 novice over C&D in November Off since but he’s still not ruled out back in handicap company. TFRHHHII

4 ESPOIR DE GUYE (FR) (106)

9 11 0

BHA144

J Harry Cobden Mrs J. Hitchings Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat 42/16P-0 D

B g Khalkevi (IRE) - Penelope de Guye (FR) (Dom Alco (FR))

Br G.A.E.C. Delorme Gerard &Vincent S Morson Group T

TIMEFORM VIEW Very useful chaser at his best but he turned in a lack-lustre display on his final run for Venetia Williams when only eighth in 21f Ascot handicap in November Returns after breathing surgery now and has gone very well fresh too so he can’t be ruled out for his new yard.

5 THE BIG BITE (IRE) (67)

B g Scorpion (IRE) - Thanks Noel (IRE) (Tel Quel (FR))

Mr N T Griffith & H M Haddock

10 10 5

TFRHHHII

BHA135

J Jonathan Burke

Henry Oliver, Kinnersley UP24-P0

Br T. & S. Duggan CP

TIMEFORMVIEW Useful sort on his day but he’s yet to hit top form in his two runs this term, only eighth of 12 in 2m3f handicap at Chepstow 67 days ago. Weighted to go well after his break if first-time cheekpieces spark a resurgence.

6

GEMIRANDE (FR) (28) 7 10 2

B g Al Namix (FR) - Queenjo (FR) (Grand Tresor (FR))

TFRHHIII

BHA132

J Charlie Deutsch

The Bellamy Partnership Venetia Williams, Hereford 32-2121 D

Br I. Pacault, A. Pacault & M. Pacault

S Faucets Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Ex-French recruit who is on the up for his current yard, making all in 2m4f handicaps at Southwell and Wetherby this winter Has a career-high mark to overcome now but still can’t be discounted. TFRHHHHI

B or Br g Doyen (IRE) - Tropical Ocean (IRE) (Anshan)

Mr Richard & Mrs Carol Cheshire Chris Gordon, Winchester

J Tom Cannon

F-21441 C D

Br Edward Ryan S Goodwin Racing Ltd, Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

TIMEFORMVIEW Useful scorer over hurdles who has steadily got the hang of things in this sphere, jumping well under a change of tactics when all-the-way winner of 2m4f Plumpton handicap 19 days ago. 7lb higher here (including being 1lb out of the handicap) but still not taken lightly TFRHHHII

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 7 (EXACTA)

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 5. Blinkers worn by No. 2. Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 4. Visor, Tongue Strap worn by No. 3. Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 4.

2022: PAINT THE DREAM 8 11 11 Connor Brace 8-1 (Fergal O’Brien) 10 ran

Betting Forecast: 7-2 Zanza (IRE), 9-2 Gemirande (FR), Lord Baddesley (IRE), 5-1 Paint The Dream (GB), 6-1 Sebastopol (IRE), 9-1 Espoir de Guye (FR), 28-1 The Big Bite (IRE)

Race Summary: A case can be made for all of these but PAINT THE DREAM goes really well round here so is taken to repeat his success in this event 12 months ago having lost nothing in defeat when trying to keep tabs on Pic d’Orhy in a Kempton Grade 2 last time. Recent-scorers Gemirande (second choice) and Lord Baddesley both have the potential for further improvement and command plenty of respect but might end up taking each other on, while Espoir de Guye can’t be dismissed for his new yard after a wind op.

1-2-3: 1.PAINT THE DREAM 2.GEMIRANDE