Champion Court is set to contest the Paddy Power Gold Cup a week on Saturday without the benefit of a prep run.
The eight-year-old has turned out at Cheltenham no less than nine times in a 17-race career so far, coming out on top three times at Prestbury Park.
His first visit in 2010 was over hurdles and resulted in victory, while after a creditable fifth to Cue Card in last season’s Ryanair Chase, he returned in April to beat Menorah in the Silver Trophy.
Ahead of the Paddy Power Gold Cup, trainer Martin Keighley reports his stable star is raring to go.
He gave him a recent gallop at Wincanton, and was happy enough to let him go straight for the first major handicap of the new season without a competitive outing to sharpen him up.
“He’s in fantastic form and I couldn’t be happier with him,” Keighley said.
“He had a racecourse gallop at Wincanton after racing the other week and went fantastic, so he’s in great nick.
“He likes Cheltenham, so hopefully he’ll run a big race there.”
The Paddy Power Gold Cup used to be known as the Mackeson, and has been won by some big names over the years, now Commanche Court, officially rated 158 and sure to be near the top of the weights, bids to add his name to the list on Saturday 16th November.
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