Analysis and trainer quotes as Zanza lines up in competitive field of improvers

Spreadex Handicap Chase | 2m½f | 4yo+ | RTV

With a couple of exceptions, this is a young field. It is also a fairly exposed one, no better embodied than in topweight Magic Saint. He is only six but has competed in plenty of good handicaps, revealing along the way that he is a true two-miler. He has also arrived at a mark of 159, from which he would need to be bordering on Champion Chase quality to win.

He would be by no means the first to put up a big handicap performance in this race. Ozzie The Oscar posted an RPR of 164 in winning two years ago, while eight years earlier Woolcombe Folly crept into the 170s. Neither, it is noted, won off as high as 159.

The least exposed is Zanza, a ready winner at Newbury on Ladbrokes Trophy day. A 7lb rise is about right for a race that turned out quite weak, while it is to be remembered that all of his best hurdles form came at Newbury. He will need to keep improving.

There may need to be more rain than arrived before racing on Friday if Ibleo is to be suited by conditions. He is lightly raced and was pulled out of Zanza's race at Newbury as it was not soft enough. Gino Trail and to a lesser extent Capeland are also at their most potent when it is testing.

Finally, Sky Pirate must be dealt with. He has been a siren on the rocks for many punters and no doubt still will be for some after the way he travelled through the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Many, this writer included, have put him down as irredeemably chicken-hearted in a finish and this drop to just over two miles may be the last remaining chance for redemption.

Sky Pirate has never run over this distance before and those wanting one more crack at a horse who keeps shaping like he is well handicapped may well hang on to that hope.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

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What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Magic Saint and Capeland
They both ran well at Ascot last time. Magic Saint came there to win his race but made a bad mistake two out, which knocked the stuffing out of him. Now it's a different track and a different day but they're both handicapped to the limit at the moment.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Forest Bihan and Nietzsche
Nietzsche seems to like Cheltenham and has finished third in the Fred Winter and won the Greatwood Hurdle. Forest Bihan has run well at the course as well. He stepped at a hurdle at Haydock on his comeback, but he's schooled well since. He's been to Newcastle to gallop and is pretty fit. I wouldn't want the ground to be too soft for either of them.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Zanza
He won very nicely at Newbury last time but wouldn't want it to get too soft.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Born Survivor
He was running well last time until making a mistake three out. We're happy with him, but he needs to step up on his previous efforts at the track. He has an each-way chance.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Ibleo
We're stepping up in class a bit again and it's his first time at Cheltenham, which will be interesting to see. He ran really well last time at Ascot and we're happy with him, so hopefully he'll be competitive.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Sky Pirate
He's got a low weight to carry and we're hoping this drop in trip suits him. He goes there with a good each-way shout.
Reporting by David Milnes

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