Paddy Power Gold Cup Fancies
The feature handicap chase is the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham this afternoon. We back two against teh field as the bookies are generously offering extra places.
Notlongtillmay finished runner up to Stage Star in the Turners Novices chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He looked the faster horse passing Stage Star down the hill only too lose a place up the long climb to the finish line. That race was on the more galloping new course and I think he will prefer the tighter circuit on the old course tomorrow. He meets Stage Star on 3lbs better terms and has had a run already this season.
I like that he prepped over two miles here on good ground last month and will enjoy going back out in trip to two and a half miles. He likes to race prominently but can sit in behind the leaders. This horse is a much better chaser than hurdler with three wins from five runs and one of those in a Grade 1. Jockey Adam Wedge rides him well and I think he will run a big race carrying 11-4 thanks to The Real Whacker running off top weight.
Il Ridoto looks well handicapped thanks to Freddie Gingell claiming 5lbs. This horse faded late when finishing fourth in this race last year when rated 140. Paul Nicholls will have him fit and ready and he is a proven big handicap performer. He ran four times in similar handicaps at Cheltenham last season with a record of 4416.
He won on Cheltenham Trials day last January over 2m4.5f proving he stays well. Both, Il Ridoto and Fugitif jumped the final fence in unison that day before Il Ridoto got on top near the line. The runner up went on to finish second in the Byrne Plate at the Festival where Il Ridoto ran a little below his best. I just think he has a super chance if ridden prominently as he is set to carry a featherweight of 10-5.
Cheltenham – 2:20
0.5 point each way Notlongtillmay 13/2 Bet365 else 6/1 William Hill & Betway, all 5 places.
0.5 point each way Il Ridoto 10/1 generally, use bookie paying 5 places.
Past Results
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