Can Andy Dufresne unlock sky-high potential for Gordon Elliott in Grand Annual?

Wednesday: 4.50 CheltenhamJohnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 2m | 5yo+ | RTV

Sky Pirate bids to become the first repeat winner of the Grand Annual since 1959 and is certainly not ruled out off a 4lb higher mark in a race that should be run to suit.

The nine-year-old is best when covered up in a big field with a strong pace to aim at but has been campaigned in small-field races in all of his starts since.

With the likes of Editeur Du Gite, For Pleasure and Global Citizen in the field, such a scenario is virtually guaranteed.

Second-season novice Embittered was sent off the 9-2 favourite for last season's running and was moving powerfully before crashing out at the ninth. It is probably significant the Joseph O'Brien-trained runner has been kept away from handicaps this season and he should be competitive off a 1lb lower mark than last year.

A stronger overseas challenge may arrive in the shape of Andy Dufresne, who has only been raised 3lb from his Irish rating.

We haven't seen Andy Dufresne since he attempted to give 7lb to Captain Guinness in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas in November. He did well to finish as close as he did considering how free he was, and the winner has advertised the form since with a couple of third-placed finishes in Grade 1s.

A strong pace will help and one suspects we are yet to see the best of Andy Dufresne after just five chase starts and nine runs overall. His trainer Gordon Elliott saddled the first two home in 2020 and the stage is set for a big run from the eight-year-old on his handicap debut.

Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Sky Pirate
I'm really happy with him, but it won't be easy with his weight. He's a year older and it's hard to come back and win year after year.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Andy Dufresne and Buddy Rich
Andy Dufresne is in good form. He has a decent record fresh but he does have a lot of weight. Buddy Rich had a nice run behind Third Time Lucki at the track earlier on in the season. We've freshened him up for this and he looks to have a solid chance.

Gary Moore, trainer of Editeur Du Gite
I hope we've chosen the easier option for him. I'm slightly concerned about the rain that may come, but he should be okay.

Editeur Du Gite: has won twice at Cheltenham this seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Exit Poll
As long as the rain doesn't come, I'd be very happy, but the forecast seems to keep changing. He needs the ground not be too soft. If it's on the good side I'd fancy him to run well.

Joe Tizzard, son of Colin Tizzard, trainer of Elixir De Nutz and Amarillo Sky
Amarillo Sky is an improving young horse who was unlucky to fall two runs ago at Newbury. He was impressive when winning there last time and has gone up 8lb, but novices have a good record in this. He travels and jumps well and I think the race will really suit him. I like him a lot. Elixir De Nutz has really bounced back over fences this year. I'd say he's in the form of his life at the moment and he is a Grade 1 winner, so I wouldn't rule him out of running a nice race.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Il Ridoto
If there's some rain then that'll suit Il Ridoto. There's not much between them, it just depends on what the ground is.

Alex Hales, trainer of For Pleasure
He's really exciting. He's had some slight jumping mishaps, but he's run against all the best novices in this country and he's off a nice mark on his first run in a handicap.
Reporting by David Carr

Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: 'It is ours to lose' – can anything stop the might of Sir Gerhard in Ballymore?

2.10 Cheltenham: star novices Bravemansgame, L'Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor clash in thriller

2.50 Cheltenham: can The Shunter land the Coral Cup after switching back to hurdles?

3.30 Cheltenham: 'This is going to be the biggest test of Shishkin's life' says Nicky Henderson

4.10 Cheltenham: Tiger Roll bids to bow out on a high back where it all began

5.30 Cheltenham: who will be crowned the bumper king? Facile Vega and American Mike face off

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