Cheltenham Gold Cup prospect L’Homme Presse returns from a 391-day absence in the feature at Lingfield’s Winter Million Festival, the Fleur De Lys Chase.
The Brown Advisory winner has not been seen since unseating Charlie Deutsch in the 2022 King George after suffering an injury and faces five rivals in Sunday’s 15:00 including multiple Grade 1 winner Protektorat.
Does He Know is the best of the rest on official ratings, 2021 Welsh Grand National winner Iwilldoit could find the 2m6f trip a bit sharp, while lightly-raced veteran Highland Hunter is bidding to bounce back from unseating in the Becher last time out. Full Back completes the field.
The latest Fleur De Lys Chase odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Fleur De Lys Chase verdict
Timeform: L’HOMME PRESSE makes his eagerly-awaited return and given his excellent record when fresh he gets a confident vote. Dan Skelton’s Protektorat put up a high-class display when third off an official mark of 165 in a Cheltenham handicap last time though so should ensure Venetia Williams’ top-class chaser doesn’t have things all his own way. Iwilldoit and Highland Hunter can fight it out for minor honours.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Fleur De Lys Chase runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Fleur De Lys Chase 2024.
Protektorat
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Recorded a second Grade 1 success in Betfair Chase in 2022/23. Lightly raced since but he got right back on track when an excellent third (off an official mark of 165) in handicap chase at Cheltenham (26f) 36 days ago. Firmly in the picture.
Does He Know
Trainer: Kim Bailey Jockey: David Bass Age: 9 Weight: 11st 6lbs
Smart winning chaser at his best and he looked rusty after 11 months off when pulled up in handicap chase at Wetherby (24.2f, heavy) 26 days ago. Can take a step forward.
Iwilldoit
Trainer: Sam Thomas Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Age: 11 Weight: 11st 6lbs
Landed Classic Chase at Warwick last January and has returned in fine form, coming in a clear third of 19 in Welsh National at Chepstow (30.6f, heavy) 25 days ago. Down in trip but well in the mix.
L’Homme Presse
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 9 Weight: 11st 6lbs
Top-class chaser who impressively landed the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in 2022. Off the track since unseating rider last (held in second but running well) in King George VI Chase at Kempton 13 months ago but has an excellent record fresh so holds leading claims.
Full Back
Trainer: Gary Moore Jockey: Niall Houlihan Age: 9 Weight: 11st 2lbs
Useful winning chaser but he’s been off for 14 months since pulled up in handicap chase at Fontwell (27.7f). This is no easy ask on his comeback run.
Highland Hunter
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien Jockey: Paddy Brennan Age: 11 Weight: 11st 2lbs
Thorough stayer who landed the London National at Sandown during a light 2021/22 campaign. Highly encouraging return from 21 months off when second on yard debut at Kelso and unseated rider early in Becher at Aintree since. No forlorn hope.
Read More
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