Richards hails Guitar Pete’s Cheltenham defence hopes

Richards hails Guitar Pete's Cheltenham defence hopes

Nicky Richards claims Guitar Pete is in ‘great form’ ahead of his Caspian Caviar Gold Cup crown defence at Cheltenham on December 15.

The Alnwick trainer has been encouraged by the eight-year-old’s form so far this season as he started with a second-place finish in a Listed handicap chase at Wetherby and then took part in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham earlier this month, where he was third behind Baron Alco and Frodon.

Guitar Pete is now being primed for a return to Prestbury Park next month as he looks to emulate last year’s success when beating Clan Des Obeaux by just under three lengths.

Richards said: ‘Guitar Pete has come out of Cheltenham in great form.

‘He ran a fine race in the BetVictor Gold Cup and I just think the ground was probably slightly too quick for him.

‘Hopefully, that race has set him up nicely for the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup.

‘With the rain we’ve had recently, more cut in the ground would suit him as he enjoys soft ground.

‘He is a horse who acts around Cheltenham and he is good enough to compete in these races.

He won this race last year and it would be great if he could run well again.’

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