'I think he'll run very well' - who thinks a drop into handicap company can do the trick for classy chaser?

Ginny’s Destiny was a force to be reckoned with on the New and Old courses last season and although he hasn’t fully fired in two runs this term, a drop down to handicap company may do the trick. 

It’s noteworthy that Harry Cobden prefers him to Il Ridoto and his mount is versatile with regards to conditions, so it won’t be an issue if the ground dries out. It’s easy to see why bookmakers have installed last year’s Turners runner-up as the early favourite.

Il Ridoto is reunited with Freddie Gingell, who is cracking value for the 3lb he can still claim, and they combined to land the Paddy Power Gold Cup at the November meeting. Two of Il Ridoto’s best runs have come in this race, a win in 2023, and a third off a 1lb higher mark last year and, like his stablemate, he’s fine on any ground.

He finished behind Gemirande in the December Gold Cup at the International meeting. Venetia Williams’ runner wasn’t seen to best effect in his follow-up bid here on New Year’s Day, getting involved in a pace duel before finishing tailed off. It’s fair to say he didn’t give his running but the handicapper may have his mark about right.

Iroko comes with risks attached having been turned over at short prices on his last two starts. He got no further than the first at Ascot last time and his Haydock second two starts ago behind Trelawne isn’t looking quite as strong as it did at the time, with that rival unplaced twice since.

Imperial Saint is unbeaten over this intermediate trip but he won’t be allowed to dictate slow fractions from the front as seen when successful at Aintree on Boxing Day and his best form is on flat tracks.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Ginny’s Destiny and Il Ridoto
I'd like to see a return to form from Ginny's Destiny, although he didn’t run too badly at Huntingdon last time. He won the novice handicap chase at this meeting last year, and I think he'll run very well. Il Ridoto loves Cheltenham but went up 8lb for his win in the Paddy Power. We've got 2lb back now, but he has it all to do.

Oliver Greenall, joint-trainer of Iroko
He fell at Ascot last time but he's seemingly come out of it okay. It's a competitive handicap but I think Cheltenham should suit him. He's in great form and the ground is looking ideal. He's still improving and it'll be good for him to be in a handicap with more runners to get more experience.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Gemirande
He wouldn't want too much rain. It's a very competitive race.

Keiran Burke, trainer of Soul Icon
I think the ground will get us a little bit but hopefully it will dry out. Gavin [Sheehan] knows him well and he was brilliant last time at Kempton. He's gone up a few pounds now, so we just hope for a good run.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Some Scope
He must have a good chance off that weight. It's not his trip but it's on the New course and if they go a strong enough gallop it could play into his hands.

Willy Twiston-Davies, assistant trainer of Torn And Frayed
He won very well at Warwick, but hopefully the ground is not too soft. He's better on better ground, but he's an old boy and we're looking forward to running him. He's very consistent and he looks in very good form at home.
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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