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L’Homme Presse stakes Festival claim with dominant Dipper run
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 21 Dec 2023
L’Homme Presse continued his progression with a splendid round of jumping as he dominated his rivals in the Paddy Power Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
The Grade Two contest, registered as the Dipper, had attracted a strong field with some promising types taking part in The Glancing Queen, Come On Teddy and Millers Bank.
But L’Homme Presse was sent off the 7-4 favourite off the back of wins at Exeter and Ascot – victories which had seen him rise 20lb in the ratings.
Watch a full replay of how L’Homme Presse ran his rivals ragged
Having guessed at a couple of early fences, Charlie Deutsch let him stride on and he appeared to benefit from that, lengthening into his fences and stretching out the field.
The Glancing Queen had been smuggled into contention by Tom Cannon and at the second last was only two lengths down, still looking a threat.
But Deutsch just got a little lower in the saddle, gave his mount a squeeze and L’Homme Presse scooted clear to win by 10 lengths.
Fantastikas was prominent throughout and stayed on for third, just ahead of Oscar Elite.
The Venetia Williams-trained winner was cut to 10-1 from 16s for the Turners Novices’ Chase, formerly the Marsh, at the Festival in March.
“It was lovely to see him jump like that after the mare (Destinee Royale) had tripped up in the previous race,” said Williams. “I was pleased with the way he quickened up, but he’s had three relatively quick races.
“I don’t think we need to be going up in trip just yet given he’s doing what he’s doing, but I really liked the way he quickened to the line.
“He’s won off 148 and was best in at the weights, but I don’t know where he will go or which race he could come back here for.”
Earlier, Hillcrest made just about all the running to remain unbeaten this season in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – the first race at Cheltenham in 2022.
Trained by Henry Daly, the seven-year-old lacks nothing in size and clearly has his fair share of ability as well.
Having won at Aintree and Wetherby this season, he was sent off a 3-1 chance to handle the step up to Listed company.
Richard Patrick bounced him out into an early lead and he appeared to be going well within himself for much of the contest.
The Nicky Henderson-trained favourite I Am Maximus, who had sweated up beforehand and raced on and off the bridle, looked a threat entering the straight but Hillcrest towered above him.
While the favourite briefly hit the front for a few strides, Patrick had not asked his mount for everything and when he did there was still plenty left in the tank and he pulled two lengths clear.
Betfair introduced the winner at 25-1 for the Ballymore in March and 16-1 for the Albert Bartlett.
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12:15 Cheltenham - Saturday January 1
“He’s taller than my measuring stick will go, and when he arrived at the yard he weighed in at 693 kilos. Most of mine are 520 (kg), which puts it into perspective,” said Daly.
“He’s big and he’s very talented. He’s had a lob round and Richard never had to pick up his stick.
“He doesn’t have to make the running and he’s got a great mind on him. I just wanted to see what he was like on an undulating track.
“When you think what a chaser looks like, it will look like him. He’s a real Trevor (Hemmings) horse.”
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