L'Eau Du Sud still holds sway in the novice chase division but Cheltenham and Fairyhouse winners put down serious markers

Cheltenham served up an early festive treat across Friday and Saturday, with the December Gold Cup taking centre stage and the progressive Gemirande achieving a career-best Racing Post Rating of 152 in coming out on top.
For all that he has more to offer and it was a good race, that mark falls a little below the level of some previous winners and he will need to continue his upward trajectory to have a say at the festival in March.
This is the time of year when we find out much more about the novice chase division, and over the past couple of weeks we have seen plenty to get excited about.
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Published on inRacing Post Ratings
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- Final Demand sets high standard in novice division after recording best performance of the season in Britain or Ireland
- East India Dock close to Triumph-winning level as he throws down gauntlet to Lulamba
- These two Ascot winners were impressive - but they look short enough for their targets at the Cheltenham Festival
- Expect more to come from impressive Handstands - but this weekend winner was even better and can put it up to Ballyburn at Cheltenham
- Mares put down a marker for festival contests with some impressive performances over the Christmas period
- Final Demand sets high standard in novice division after recording best performance of the season in Britain or Ireland
- East India Dock close to Triumph-winning level as he throws down gauntlet to Lulamba
- These two Ascot winners were impressive - but they look short enough for their targets at the Cheltenham Festival
- Expect more to come from impressive Handstands - but this weekend winner was even better and can put it up to Ballyburn at Cheltenham
- Mares put down a marker for festival contests with some impressive performances over the Christmas period