Paul Nicholls twin-pronged approach to improving Caspian Caviar record

1.55 Cheltenham
2m4½f (New) Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

There has been no better man to follow in Cheltenham's historic December handicap than champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Frodon won the race for the second time last year, making it five wins in the Grade 3 in ten years for the champion trainer.

Nicholls has a strong chance of adding to that tally with two arrows to fire in Brelan D’As and Secret Investor.

Brelan D’As returns to Prestbury Park after being narrowly beaten by Happy Diva in the BetVictor Gold Cup last month. He has been raised 5lb for that effort but will again be partnered by Barry Geraghty.

He has every chance of emulating stablemate Frodon in the race last year as he also finished runner-up in the November showpiece before returning and proving too tough for Cepage, who heads the weights for the race this time around

Nicholls’ stable jockey Harry Cobden is on Secret Investor and the seven-year-old comes into the race after an encouraging second in Grade 2 company at Down Royal last month. This will be his first outing at the course but he has handled the undulations of Chepstow successfully in the past.

The trainer said: "Secret Investor obviously ran nicely at Down Royal on his first run of the season in Grade 2 company and I think he has definitely come on for the run. The more the ground dries out for him the better as he really does not want any more rain.

"Brelan D'As stayed on strongly to be not beaten far at the course last month and has been in great shape since. This race is run on the New course and I think that might suit him."

Can Cepage go one better?

Trainer Venetia Willams deserves a change in fortune after sadly losing stable stalwart Houblon Des Obeaux in the controversial void race at Sandown a week ago and she relies on Cepage, who should be all the better for his seasonal bow when filling second spot behind Riders Onthe Storm at Aintree last month.

Cepage (left): chases home Frodon in last year's Caspian Caviar Gold CupCredit: Mark Cranham

The seven-year-old heads the weights and has shown in the past that he appreciates the stiff nature of the Cheltenham hill and was runner-up behind Frodon in this last year.

He appears to have a stiffer task this time around as is now 12lb higher in the handicap but is relatively lightly races and remains progressive.

Williams said: "He has to give weight away all round and is the biggest of horses which is not ideal in such a competitive race as this. He ran really well in the race 12 months ago and we are hoping for the best this time around."

Hogging the limelight?

The name Pipe has been synonymous with winners in valuable handicaps at the course over the last four decades and David Pipe landed the prize in 2007 with Tamarinbleu shortly after taking over the training licence from his father Martin.

The Pipe camp rely on Warthog, third in the BetVictor Gold Cup last month and who has been left alone by the handicapper as he races off the same mark. That was his first run after wind surgery and there might well be a bit more improvement to come.

Warthog: third in the BetVictor Gold Cup last monthCredit: Mark Cranham

Pipe said: "He ran well in the BetVictor Gold Cup last month when third and has come out of the race in good heart. He has a nice racing weight and an each-way chance at a decent price."

What they say

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Keeper Hill
He’s come out of Haydock well; ran well that day and has gone up 7lb, which is fair. He’s in good form and should handle the track okay, ran well over hurdles over here before. He is probably a three-miller really and they’ll go a good gallop, so he should be staying on strongly at the end. Last time was his first run after a wind op and he could improve for that run. Would be great if he won off a career high mark; it wouldn’t surprise me if he won this as much as it did the last race.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Spiritofthegames and Not That Fuisse
Spiritofthegames has had a bit of a disappointing start to the season. I thought he'd hit the ground running and he hasn't. He has to run in these races off his mark, but it just doesn't appear that the form is there at the moment, although he does go well at the track. Not That Fuisse has had three runs in novice chases without winning and he's taken on the best ones all the time. The trip is perfect and with no more rain forecast and 10st 2lb, it's obvious to see he's got a chance.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Imperial Presence
We are hoping the ground is not too soft for him as in a perfect world he would prefer better conditions. He has been working well enough at home and seems well within himself

Tom George, trainer of Clondaw Castle
We think he is ready for a step up to this trip and hopefully it will suit him. He ran well in the Arkle Chase last March when fourth, so he should have no problems as far as the course is concerned. He definitely has his chance.

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In – exclusive Saturday preview content onracingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday