Can course regular Editeur Du Gite notch yet another Cheltenham victory?

Saturday: 3.15 Cheltenham
888Sport Handicap Chase | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Editeur Du Gite became a bit of a Cheltenham specialist last season, winning the 2m handicap chase at the November meeting before following up at the December fixture. He went on to finish fourth in the Grand Annual in March and that was on desperate ground.

Editeur Du Gite is at his best when good appears in the going description, so connections will be hoping that there is no more significant rain. They were kicking it up quite badly on the hurdles track on Friday, but the chase course sometimes rides better.

The Widdow Maker looks more versatile. He proved that when finishing sixth in a hot handicap hurdle on Trials Day at this course in January on good ground and showed he can handle it softer when successful on his chasing debut at Exeter in February.

He was third in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree's Grand National meeting in April and, while that was probably the weakest top-level event run all season, it's still strong form in the context of this handicap.

The drop to two miles also promises to suit The Widdow Maker. He tanked through his races over further last season, including that Grade 1 at Aintree, and the faster they go, the better he should run.

Clear The Runway has won five on the spin over the summer. Three chase victories and two hurdles wins highlight his versatility, but this race usually attracts a far stronger field than he has been facing.

Fox Norton, Saint Calvados and Rouge Vif have all won this in the last six years before going on to make an impact in Graded races and that gives an idea of the quality that has been on show.

Dads Lad probably isn't in that class, but he will be Willie Mullins' first runner of the Cheltenham season and his sole representative on the card. Brian Hughes is booked for just his third ride for the stable and is searching for his first winner.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

'He's my idol' – Morgan relishing Mullins clash

Laura Morgan admits she may be feeling a tad starstruck when she sends out a runner against Willie Mullins at Cheltenham, but has full faith she can beat her training "idol" with the prolific Clear The Runway.

The six-year-old, who is owned by former Premier League defender Alan Rogers, has been on an incredible run since February, striking seven times to leave a mark of 98 way behind him.

Clear The Runway: looking for a sixth victory on the trotCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

He is now handicapped almost three stone higher following his latest easy win, and fifth in the row, at Worcester last month and looks to give his flourishing trainer a special first Cheltenham victory.

"It'd be a great story for a small yard, it's a bit nerve-racking though," Morgan said. "It's a bit scary taking on the big guns, Willie Mullins is my absolute idol. How can he not be? The fella just churns out Grade 1 winners year in, year out.

"Clear The Runway has always worked seriously well up the gallops but he used to be a bit nervy. I think he's just grown up, matured and learnt how to race properly now. He's changed so much.

"I thought he was very impressive at Worcester, he couldn't have done it any better and it was coming back off a break too. I think a stiff two miles will really suit him. We're hoping for a big run."

What they say

Gary Moore, trainer of Editeur Du Gite
He likes nice ground, which I hope it is, and I'm looking forward to getting him going again. I think Aintree was a step too far at the end of the season, but we're back in handicaps which I think we're best off in.

Joe Tizzard, trainer of The Widdow Maker
He had a good run in his first Grade 1 at Aintree last time. I think he's off a high enough mark but it's workable as well. He seems to go well fresh and loves that better ground.

Oliver Greenall, joint-trainer of El Borracho
He seems to be coming back fresh every time he runs so we thought we'd have a go at a prize. Since Wetherby he's come back really well and keeps improving. He'll love the ground.
Reporting by James Stevens

Saturday previews:

2.05 Cheltenham: 'He was unlucky not to win last year' - who fancies their chances at Cheltenham?

2.40 Cheltenham: Pied Piper or Knight Salute: who will claim victory in a classic trilogy?

3.35 Doncaster: 'We want to run' - but O'Brien wary of ground for hot favourite Auguste Rodin

3.50 Cheltenham: Can Charles Byrnes and son strike another blow for the Irish with Shoot First?

Newbury: 'It looks like a race he can win' - Hamish out to give Haggas another St Simon

Leopardstown: Hippodrome looks main hope as Aidan O'Brien targets 12th Eyrefield Stakes

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