Is Caldwell Potter the one to beat in four-runner Grade 2 Fitzdares Lightning Novices' Chase?

Caldwell Potter will attempt to put a below-par performance behind him in this select but competitive field for the Grade 2 Fitzdares Lightning Novices' Chase (1.50) at Windsor.

The four-runner contest, which boasts prize-money of £75,000, is the sole Graded event on the opening day of the three-day Berkshire Winter Million.

Owned by a partnership that includes Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason, Caldwell Potter was unable to follow up his debut success for Paul Nicholls at Carlisle when beaten 13 lengths into third over 2m4½f at Cheltenham last month.

Nicholls said: "We're still trying to work out what trip he wants, it was Harry's [Cobden] idea to come back in distance. There's not many options and he's better left-handed.

"It was a good run over further at Cheltenham although it came a bit quick after Carlisle. We're back to two miles but I don't think it'll be an inconvenience to him."

You Wear It Well, a Cheltenham Festival winner for Jamie Snowden in 2023, poses the biggest threat to Caldwell Potter at the weights, although she is winless in two chase starts.

"I’m very happy with her," said Snowden. "She’s been jumping great, working nicely and we felt she was a bit unlucky on her first start over fences in a Listed race at Bangor. The last day I thought she was outstayed by Cherie D’Am over two and a half miles, so a drop back in trip should suit her.

"She’s going the right way. It’s obviously a competitive race and all four horses are very good, but she’s in great order."

Gidleigh Park and Johnny Burke after winning on Trials Day at Cheltenham

Gidleigh Park: has second start over fencesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gidleigh Park is on the comeback trail for Harry Fry after the Grade 2 scorer was found to have an irregular heartbeat when pulled up on his chasing debut at Kempton in November.

Fry said: "Everything has gone smoothly since his chasing debut. It obviously didn't go to plan that day, but I'm happy with the progress he's made since.

"We're very much starting again from scratch, but he's doing well and hopefully we can see him jump well. Hopefully he can put a good run in and come through it in one piece, so we can progress through the campaign."

Ben Pauling runs Personal Ambition, who finished second in the Noel Novices' Chase at Ascot last month. Pauling said: "He's in very good form and although he’s got it all to do on ratings, if any of them didn’t quite run up to form he’d be the consistent type to turn up. Everyone has questions to answer, but he’ll be competitive."

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