One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Trainer

Paul Nicholls continues to be in red-hot form at and has some live chances of plundering plenty of Saturday's major contests at Cheltenham.

The Ditcheat trainer, who is operating at a 33 per cent strike-rate this season, saddles leading hope Il Ridoto, who finished fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month, in the Ais December Gold Cup (1.50), while he also has a strong second string in Simply The Betts.

Elite Hurdle winner Knappers Hill could put it up to Epatante and I Like To Move It in the Unibet International Hurdle (2.25), while Outlaw Peter is a strong fancy in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (3.00).

The top-class Monmiral (12.40) has his second start over fences in the 2m4½f novice chase, while Dolos and Thyme White (1.15) have claims in the 2m½f handicap chase.

Jockey

Sam Twiston-Davies has two good chances to seal more big-race success at his local track in the Ais December Gold Cup (1.50) and Unibet International Hurdle (2.25).

The Sam Thomas-trained Stolen Silver, who unseated in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last time, is his mount in the handicap chase but his liveliest chance comes in the International Hurdle with I Like To Move It.

The five-year-old was mightily impressive off topweight in the Greatwood Hurdle at the track last month and steps up in grade against the likes of 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante.

Twiston-Davies rides the well-fancied Weveallbeencaught in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (3.00), Peltwell in the 2m4½f mares' handicap hurdle and Planet Legend in the Triumph Hurdle Trial (12.05) on what could be a fruitful day.

Horse

The multiple Grade 1 winner Epatante takes a drop in class as she makes a quick return in the Unibet International Hurdle (2.25) following her Fighting Fifth Hurdle second.

The eight-year-old made her comeback when 12 lengths behind stablemate Constitution Hill at Newcastle two weeks ago and runs here instead of meeting him again in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton – a race she has won twice.

Nicky Henderson: trainer of EpatanteCredit: Edward Whitaker

Her trainer Nicky Henderson will also be represented by First Street but given Epatante receives weight all-round, the star mare could be hard to beat.

Race

The Ais December Gold Cup (1.50) is one of jump racing's pre-Christmas treats and has attracted another typically competitive field.

The market is headed by Paddy Power Gold Cup fourth Il Ridoto, who is one of two runners in the race for Nicholls, while Stolen Silver, who unseated his rider when favourite for that event, is another contender.

The classy War Lord has been targeted for this since his return in the Haldon Gold Cup. Fantastic Lady, Frero Banbou and Fugitif have claims in an open contest.

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