TEMPLEGATE tackles day one of Cheltenham’s Christmas meeting confident of making it one to remember.
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COURTLAND (2.25 Cheltenham, nap)
Looks ready to win after running a cracker a neck behind Twig at Sandown last time. He went on to win the Becher Chase at Aintree last time so the form looks strong and my fancy’s mark has been left alone by the handicapper. He has no problem dropping back in trip and champion jockey Sean Bowen gets back on board for big brother Mickey.
LUCKY MANIFEST (3.35 Cheltenham, nb)
Was a cracking second in a big field here last time out. A 5lb rise for that effort looks more than fair and he goes on good and soft ground. He is proven over this sort of trip at Kelso so should have no problem getting up the hill.
FORTUNE DE MER (1.15 Cheltenham, treble)
Has improved with every run over hurdles. He took a Grade 2 over course and distance in October before more than matching that when just missing out at Ascot last time. The Skelton runner looks ahead of the handicapper with more to come.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
1.15
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FORTUNE DE MER can leave them all at sea.
Dan Skelton’s gelding oozes class and comes here in fine form. He’s already a Grade 2 winner here, handles soft ground and shaped as though ahead of his mark when a strong-finishing second at Ascot last month.
He travels, he stays, and he finds up the hill so this should be right up his street.
Harry Skelton will ride him out the back and come with a late rattle.
French Emperor has landed back-to-back wins including over course and distance last time and looks the type to keep improving for his shrewd yard.
Kel Du Large won his first three starts before missing almost two years.
He ran well on comeback when third at Exeter last month and has place claims.
Leloopa also merits respect after an impressive win here last time, showing a fine turn of foot and getting up the hill easily.
She’s up in class now but thriving, and any rain will be in her favour.
Melon is one to watch but may need this comeback.
Iberico Lord has never fulfilled his potential but may have needed the run here last time out.
1.50
L’HOMME PRESSE can press home his Cheltenham class once again.
Venetia Williams’ star has an outstanding record here – three wins from four chase starts, the only defeat coming in the 2024 Gold Cup – and looks primed for another big run on his seasonal comeback.
He proved he stays when landing the Cotswold Chase last term, relishes soft ground and jumps slickly.
He goes well fresh and Charlie Deutsch knows how to get the best from him round here.
The Doyen Chief looks the main danger. Alan King’s charge arrives fit and in form after a strong second at Bangor before being pulled up just after a messy start in the Coral Gold Cup.
He’s progressive, stays well and handles soft, so a bold run is on the cards.
Henry’s Friend is another to note. Ben Pauling’s team are flying and this gelding looked better than ever winning the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot on comeback.
The extra distance should suit and he won’t mind if rain comes.
Last year’s winner King Turgeon could retain his crown. He shaped well on return at Aintree and saves his best for this sort of trip.
Herakles Westwood ran well here last time and is another with place claims along with The Short Go who always goes well here for classy Henry De Bromhead.
2.25
COURTLAND chased home last week’s Becher Chase winner Twig at Sandown last time and has the benefit of champ Sean Bowen in the saddle today.
This trip suits and he should be spot-on for fitness now.
Eldorado Allen landed his first win since 2022 over course and distance last month.
He’s up 5lb for that but should be competitive again for in-form Joe Tizzard.
Le Milos got stuck in the mud at Bangor last time but is better than that. He’s only 1lb above his last win and sees out this trip strongly.
Whistleinthedark was impressive at Carlisle and a 5lb rise is fair. This is tougher but he could nick a place.
Fugitif is slowly coming down the weights and showed something here last time. His losing run is adding up now though.
3.00
IT can be 20th time lucky for MISTER COFFEY who has every chance of breaking his chase duck on his favoured cross-country course.
He was beaten just a length in this race last year and won’t mind what the ground does.
J’Arrive De L’Est has a lovely low weight and has won cross-country races in France.
Canny Emmet Mullins gives him debut here and he looks dangerous.
Latenightpass is probably not the force of old but he’s won this race before and looked in need of the run here last month.
Busselton enjoys the Punchestown Banks course and has run well here before. He’s still only eight and the first-time visor may help.
Favori De Champdou looks a big price after a solid run at Fairyhouse last time.
3.35
LUCKY MANIFEST looks a hurdler to follow after returning with a Kelso win and close second in a big field here last time.
He shapes as though this longer trip will be ideal and is a few steps ahead of the handicapper.
Last year’s winner Long Draw is 9lb higher this time but should be competitive after good fourths on both runs here this season.
He’s back over his ideal trip now.
Tranquil Sea didn’t enjoy the muddling pace at Market Rasen when second last time and this stamina test should be more suitable.
Kyntara has an each-way squeak after a good return to hurdles at Aintree last time. He could do with a nudge down the weights.
Spike Jones went down in a photo at Lingfield latest but this looks a bit tougher.
Templegate’s tips
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