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Conditions ideal as Theatre Territory bids for first success over fences

Theatre Territory (Sam Waley-Cohen) leads Ibis Du Rheu over the last at Cheltenham last month
Theatre Territory (Sam Waley-Cohen) leads Ibis Du Rheu over the last at Cheltenham last monthCredit: John Grossick

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KEY QUESTIONS

Can Theatre resound to applause?

Warren Greatrex has no regrets over bypassing last weekend's Becher Chase with Theatre Territory and hopes he might have found the mare an ideal opportunity here.

It might sound ambitious to think he might win a £60,000 Grade 3 handicap chase with a mare whose only previous success came in a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter, but Theatre Territory has the form to be very competitive and was the overnight favourite for the race.

She has never been out of the first three over fences and January's Cheltenham second to Mister Whitaker looks even better now.

After a wind operation she underlined her liking for the track when running Ibis Du Rheu to a length in a decent novice at last month's meeting.

Greatrex said: "Theatre Territory loves Cheltenham, and trip and ground will be ideal. She's in great form and off that light weight I'm just hoping she can get that elusive first win over fences."

Will Hobbs's bandwagon keep on rolling?

The Philip Hobbs team continues in much better form than was the case for much of last season, and Rock The Kasbah was a good winner here last month of the BetVictor.com Handicap Chase.

He should run well again, and the stable has a second interesting runner in the less exposed Rolling Dylan.

Hobbs said: "We've decided to go here with Rock The Kasbah rather than the Welsh National because I don't think he wants really testing ground, and if we are aiming for the Grand National he'll probably have a break after this.

"He's up 6lb for last month's win, which is fair enough, and he seems in very good nick.

and R
Rock The Kasbah and Richard Johnson jump the last in November's BetVictor.com Handicap Chase at CheltenhamCredit: Mark Cranham

"Rolling Dylan is only just out of novices and it will be tougher for him, but he definitely wants a bit of cut and it seemed like the right option for him too."


What they say

Lizzie Kelly, rider of Coo Star Sivola
I'm really looking forward to riding him back at Cheltenham again as he's such a lovely ride and he's always gone well there. We weren't disappointed at Sandown, and this will be a better test for him.

Tom George, trainer of Singlefarmpayment
I think three miles three furlongs may have stretched him on his comeback and he has come on for that. This furlong-less trip may well suit him better, so he should be competitive.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of El Bandit
He had been off for a long time before his comeback at Wincanton, where he missed the first two, after which it didn't really happen for him. He's capable on his day and likes Cheltenham, but it may take him another run to get straight.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Cogry
He likes Cheltenham and has plenty of good form there, so I'm hopeful.

Alan King, trainer of Kerrow
He was coming back from the best part of two years off but looked as if he was going to win when he fell at the last at Bangor. He's schooled well since.


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Graham DenchReporter

Published on 13 December 2018inPreviews

Last updated 19:44, 13 December 2018

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