Cheltenham preview: Caspian Caviar Gold Cup (13.50)

David Metcalf | December 11, 2015

Champagne West looks decent value to take advantage of what looks a handy mark to land the spoils in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham (13.50).

The Philip Hobbs trained gelding developed into a smart hurdler in 2013/14, landing a hat-trick before finishing a fine fourth in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett at the Festival on his final start.

However, the strapping son of Westerner had the size and scope an even better chaser, winning two of his three starts over the larger obstacles last season in the style of a very smart prospect.

Punters could be celebrating with Champagne if you’re on West

In the first of those over over course and distance, the seven-year-old jumped well and showed a smart turn of foot to readily draw clear of Colour Squadron and score by 3 1/4 lengths.

Champagne West followed up over 2m 5f at this venue with a workmanlike by 1 1/2 length success over Un Ace having when not jumping fluently in a slowly run contest, before posting a solid effort to chase home Ptit Zig at the track.

Although beaten six lengths in the latter, the winner is a very useful sort now rated 162 and the pair pulled miles clear of some smart types.

Judged on that effort, Champagne West looks nicely treated off an opening handicap mark of 150 and weighted to run a huge race at a track which clearly suits.