3 minute read

Paul Nicholls believes Stage Star has what it takes to give weight to all his rivals in the Paddy Power New Year's Day Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

The champion trainer had earmarked a potential trip to Ireland for the Savill's Chase for last year's dual Grade 1 scorer. However, he believes the Cheltenham handicap will provide the 'perfect race' en route to the Ryanair back at Prestbury Park in March and reports the Owners Group-owned gelding to be in fine form following his success in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase at the November Meeting.

Nicholls said: "There weren't too many options, to be honest with you so we thought we would have a look at this. 

"It is only a small field for a £100,000 handicap, but he has got to go somewhere on route to the Ryanair Chase and this is the perfect race for him.  

"I'm glad we didn't go over to Ireland as it looked like it was going to be a hell of a hot race. I thought let's come here instead as he likes it at Cheltenham, and he has won around there before. 

"He schooled well on Friday, and he worked yesterday morning (Saturday), but it has been pretty much routine stuff since the Paddy Power Gold Cup. 

"He loves it around there. I've no idea why, although he does like going left-handed. We have to run somewhere as he can't stand in his box until the Cheltenham Festival and this race works out well for him."

A career-high mark of 166 will pose a different challenge come Monday but the Ditcheat handler believes his Grade 1 winner, who will turn eight on New Year's Day, has the class to give weight away to his rivals.

Nicholls continued: "He is possibly going to have to step up again off a mark of 166, but he is the class horse in the race.  

"He is improving, and the form of his Paddy Power Gold Cup win has been franked with Fugitif, who was fourth that day, coming out and winning the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham so I'd like to think he would be hard to beat. 

"I do like to run good horses off big weights in handicaps. Phil Smith (former handicapper) used to say more often than not the top weight in a handicap wins. 

"It is something that we've done with lots of horses in the past and if it is the right race for them then you do it. 

"I don't think it is the hottest race in the world, but it is competitive. His sole aim this season is the Ryanair Chase, and this would be it for him until then."

Stage Star is currently a 11/10 chance with Paddy Power to gain another course and distance success in the £100,000 Premier Handicap at Cheltenham.