Only The Bold sets the standard as he bids to maintain perfect record for Pipe

Alfa Aggregate Products Golden Spurs Handicap Chase | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Only The Bold made a perfect first impression on his stable debut and bids to follow up last month's convincing success for David Pipe.

The seven-year-old beat Grade 2 winner Tommy's Oscar in a point-to-point in 2020 and won once in eight starts for Evan Williams. He then joined Pipe and made his chase debut at Bangor, finishing nine lengths clear of Jeffery's Cross under conditional rider Fergus Gillard.

"He's gone up in the weights but should be competitive," said Pipe. "He had a decent run in an Irish point-to-point and is not the biggest but he jumped well on his chase debut and the ground should suit."

Provided the track passes an 8am inspection, Only The Bold will face up to seven rivals, including the Venetia Williams-trained Fuji Flight.

The seven-year-old won two novice handicap chases last season and was fifth on his seasonal reappearance last time behind Le Milos, who landed the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on his next start for trainer Dan Skelton.

There is little to split Only The Bold and Fuji Flight in the early betting but there are dangers lurking in the field, including Boldmere, who is set to make his first start since May 2021 and his first for Alex Hales.

The nine-year-old made ten starts over fences for the now-retired trainer Caroline Bailey, winning twice, and was last seen finishing fifth behind Captain Tommy over three miles at Uttoxeter. He has run in a number of big handicaps, including the Native River Handicap Chase.

"I'm very grateful to Caroline Bailey for suggesting the owner sent him to us," said Hales. "He's settling in well and has been for a few racecourse gallops. He was rated 145 over fences so he looks well handicapped on his old form but it's his first start for a long time. He might not win but we want him to show signs of his previous ability."

Mumbo Jumbo has the benefit of race fitness after two starts this season for Emma Lavelle in novice handicap chases. He finished second at Uttoxeter on his reappearance in October and was third at Sandown last month, when fences were taken out due to the ground.

Lavelle believes the step up to three miles could be the making of him and said: "He's versatile in terms of the ground. This looks competitive but it should be ideal for him and he's been crying out for a step up in trip. We were a bit gutted at Sandown when they were forced to take out some of the fences as he loves his jumping."

Friday previews:

2.25 Cheltenham: 'Why will he win? It's a hard question to answer, but he should go well'

3.35 Cheltenham: Can smart chaser Dusart give weight all round over hurdles on his reappearance?

Cheltenham Friday: Too good to be true? Constitution Hill's only conqueror tackles handicap off 136

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