Il Ridoto is set to face 10 rivals in his bid to add the December Gold Cup to his Paddy Power Gold Cup crown at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding has to defy an 8lbs hike in the ratings for winning last month’s big race, but the switch from the Old Course to the New Course should pose no problems after a short head defeat to Fugitif in last year’s renewal.
There is, however, a significant swing in the weights from that meeting in favour of Fugitif, who has been dropped 2lbs by the handicapper after a fifth-place finish on seasonal reappearance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
C&D winner Ga Law was second in the race that carries our name and bids to land a first win of the season at the third time of asking as does the fourth, Madara.
Il Ridoto’s stablemate Stage Star heads the weights for Saturday’s 13:50 as he goes for a fourth Cheltenham success.
The latest December Gold Cup 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.
December Gold Cup 2024 verdict
Timeform: FUGITIF won this last year off 1 lb lower and another big run is on the cards after his encouraging comeback in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Madara caught the eye starting out for this yard in the same race and rates a big threat, while Le Patron looks back on the upgrade after his dominant reappearance win at Newbury.
*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
December Gold Cup 2024 runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the December Gold Cup 2024.
Stage Star
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 8 Weight: 12st 0lbs
Won Grade 1 Golden Miller at 2023 Festival and took form up another notch with victory in Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on return last season. Not in same form since though not disgraced in Old Roan at Aintree on return.
****
Ga Law
Trainer: Jamie Snowden Jockey: Gavin Sheehan Age: 8 Weight: 11st 8lbs
Twice a winner in premier handicaps here in recent seasons and good runner-up efforts both starts this term, including when 4½ lengths second to Il Ridoto in Paddy Power Gold Cup. Can make presence felt again.
****
Le Patron
Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore Jockey: Freddie Mitchell Age: 6 Weight: 11st 5lbs
Won first 3 starts over fences last term, taking Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown. Well held next 2 starts but back with a bang in handicap at Newbury 2 weeks ago, jumping superbly under this rider. Needs considering.
****
Fugitif
Trainer: Richard Hobson Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 9 Weight: 11st 2lbs
Narrowly beat Il Ridoto in this last year off 1 lb higher. Ended season out of form but sure signs of a revival when fifth in Paddy Power Gold Cup on return so big run now expected.
*****
Il Ridoto
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Olive Nicholls Age: 7 Weight: 11st 1lbs
Likeable sort who was just denied by Fugitif in this last year off 6 lb lower. All the better for return when winning Paddy Power Gold Cup here by 4½ lengths from Ga Law but career-high mark to defy now.
****
Sure Touch
Trainer: Olly Murphy Jockey: K. Brogan Age: 8 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Had a productive 2022 over hurdles, winning 4 times, and further progress over fences last season, completing 4-timer in Summer Plate at Market Rasen. Winning run came to an end in Grand Sefton at Aintree and others look better treated now.
***
In Excelsis Deo
Trainer: Harry Fry Jockey: Bryan Carver Age: 6 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Career best when winning the Silver Trophy over C&D in April. However, let down by jumping both starts since, including in Paddy Power Gold Cup here on return.
***
Madara
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 5 Weight: 10st 6lbs
Much improved for Sophie Leach last term, winning good 2m handicaps here and at Leopardstown. Lacklustre display on Ascot reappearance (only run for Kieran Burke) but back to best starting out for this yard when fourth in Paddy Power Gold Cup here, finishing with running left. More to come.
****
Gemirande
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs
Better than ever when making a winning return at Ascot 3 weeks ago, storming clear. Career-high mark to deal with now but he’s respected.
****
Guard Your Dreams
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs
Smart hurdler at his best who, in line with yard’s fine form made a successful return/chase debut in novices’ handicap at Warwick (20f) in October. Similar form when hitting the frame in similar events next 2 starts but up against it tackling open company now.
***
Grandeur d’Ame
Trainer: Alan King Jockey: Brendan Powell Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs
Enhanced good record fresh when scoring at Chepstow on return. Respectable fourth in this last year off this mark so in the mix.
****
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