L’Homme Presse Sets Out to Reaffirm Gold Cup Credentials at Lingfield Chase

The eagerly-awaited comeback of L’Homme Presse in the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield will certainly prove his worth as a top contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Despite being off the track for over a year, this high-class staying chaser trained by Venetia Williams is expected to set a remarkable standard among six competitors.

In the King George VI Chase, L’Homme Presse was on course for second place before his jockey, Charlie Deutsch, unshipped him at the last fence while chasing Bravemansgame. Prior to that incident, he had already showcased an impressive record as a novice with a victory at the Cheltenham Festival and an exceptional performance carrying top weight in Newcastle’s Rehearsal Chase.

After enduring 13 months away from racing, L’Homme Presse aims to reclaim his position as one of the leading staying chasers in this two-mile-six-furlong affair. Connections are optimistic about his chances and believe that this intermediate distance suits him perfectly.

“It’s been a long 13 months and a lot of effort has been put into getting him back,” said Andy Edwards, co-owner alongside Peter Pink. “This trip, for his comeback is ideal really; it’s an intermediate trip and it should suit him down to the ground.”

L’Homme Presse possesses both speed and stamina which were evident during his run in the Brown Advisory where he displayed immense staying power. Although he’s ready to race, the question remains whether he can match his best form after such a long break.

“He has run well fresh before, but whether he can run to the top of his form having had so long off we will find out,” added Edwards. “It’s no good looking at basic ratings because that is the best he has ever done, and it’s unlikely he can achieve that first time out, but of course we are hopeful that he can.”

L’Homme Presse will receive a 4lb weight allowance from Protektorat, former Gold Cup third place finisher. Dan Skelton, trainer for Protektorat, changed tactics to target this particular race following the horse’s failure to defend its Betfair Chase crown in November. Skelton believes his Grade One winner is now in peak condition and ready for a shot at claiming a portion of the £165,000 prize fund.

“He’s got a job on giving weight away to a few,” said Skelton. “But it’s a race we’ve always had in mind and I’m very happy with him.”

Two veteran horses aiming to make an impact are Highland Hunter trained by Fergal O’Brien and Iwilldoit trained by Sam Thomas, who won last year’s Welsh Grand National. Additionally, Kim Bailey hopes Does He Know can replicate their success from winning this race previously with Two For Gold.

The final contender is Full Back prepared by Gary Moore; however, this horse lags far behind its rivals based on ratings and returns from more than one year off the track.