Paddy Power Dipper Novices' Chase
Grade 2, Cheltenham 13:25
£55,000 guaranteed, 5yo+
2m 4f 35y, Class 1  
Saturday 1st January 2022

1 L'Homme Pressé 7/4F
2 The Glancing Queen 3/1
3 Fantastikas 14/1
8 ran NR: Gallyhill Distances: 10l, 2½l, 6l
Time: 5m 22.63s (slow by 14.63s)

The Grade Two contest, registered as the Dipper, had attracted a strong field with some promising types taking part in The Glancing Queen, Come On Teddy and Millers Bank.

But L’Homme Pressé was sent off the 7/4 favourite off the back of wins at Exeter and Ascot – victories which had seen him rise 20lb in the ratings.

Having guessed at a couple of early fences, Charlie Deutsch let him stride on and he appeared to benefit from that, lengthening into his fences and stretching out the field.

The Glancing Queen had been smuggled into contention by Tom Cannon and at the second last was only two lengths down, still looking a threat.

But Deutsch just got a little lower in the saddle, gave his mount a squeeze and L’Homme Pressé scooted clear to win by 10 lengths.

Fantastikas was prominent throughout and stayed on for third, just ahead of Oscar Elite.

The Venetia Williams-trained winner was cut to 10/1 from 16s for the Turners Novices’ Chase, formerly the Marsh, at the Festival in March.

“It was lovely to see him jump like that after the mare (Destinee Royale) had tripped up in the previous race,” said Williams.

“I was pleased with the way he quickened up, but he’s had three relatively quick races.

“I don’t think we need to be going up in trip just yet given he’s doing what he’s doing, but I really liked the way he quickened to the line.

“He’s won off 148 and was best in at the weights, but I don’t know where he will go or which race he could come back here for.”

Boylesports

Paddy Power Dipper Novices' Chase (Grade 2)
£55,000 guaranteed, 5yo+ 2m 4f 35y, Class 1
8 ran
Going: Soft

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1      L'Homme Pressé 7 11-3 Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch 7/4F
2 10 The Glancing Queen 8 10-12 Alan King Tom Cannon 3/1
3 2½ Fantastikas 7 11-0 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 14/1
4 6 Oscar Elite 7 11-0 Colin Tizzard Brendan Powell 14/1
5 2½ Come On Teddy 8 11-0 Tom George Jonathan Burke 7/1
6 16 Zurekin 6 11-0 Sophie Leech A P Heskin 125/1
UR Millers Bank 8 11-0 Alex Hales Harry Bannister 4/1
FELL Gladiateur Allen 6 11-3 Mrs Jane Williams Chester Williams 33/1
NR 5 Gallyhill 7 11-0 Nicky Henderson NON RUNNER

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