Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I look at the four races from Cheltenham’s Paddy Power Gold Cup Day card.
It’s Day 2 of Cheltenham’s November Meeting and its Paddy Power Gold Cup Day. The £150,000 Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2:20) takes centre stage, supported by the Grade 2 Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (1:45).
ITV Racing will broadcast four races live from Cheltenham, plus two Listed contests from Newcastle’s all-weather card.
Cheltenham
1:45 – Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (Grade 2) – 2m
L'Eau du Sud showed useful handicap hurdle form last season and made an encouraging start over fences at Stratford 16 days ago. A win for his trainer, who took this in 2017 and 2021, wouldn’t surprise, though softer ground might suit better.
Lookaway impressed with his slick jumping when making all at Uttoxeter last month. Runner-up in last year’s Greatwood Hurdle here, he’s well-suited to good ground and could be tough to peg back if dominating again.
Western Zephyr opened his chase account at Carlisle after a breathing op. He’s less open to improvement than the two above but could challenge if allowed to dictate.
Breizh River boasts three wins from four over fences, most recently a Kelso handicap. He’ll need to step up again, but he’s progressing and won’t mind today’s sound surface.
2:20 – Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 2m 4f
Despite the quick ground, a competitive field of 15 lines up for the feature.
Ginny’s Destiny is a three-time course winner who placed second in the Turners Novices’ Chase at the Festival. Back in handicap company and on a fair mark, he looks a worthy favourite for last year’s winning stable.
Ga Law thrives at this track, winning this race in 2022 and placing second at Chepstow on his return. Though high in the weights, he loves good ground and could go close for his in-form trainer.
In Excelsis Deo looked an improver when winning here in April. Pulled up in the Galway Plate last time, but if his jumping holds up, he has a big chance back on this sounder surface.
Lets Go Champ ran well when sixth in the Galway Plate and drops back in trip here. He’s still open to improvement over fences and could surprise if building on his Punchestown Festival win.
Imagine is lightly raced over fences, having won his first two starts for Gordon Elliott. He returns from 307 days off for Harry Derham and retains potential, though softer ground may suit better.
2:55 – From The Horses Mouth Podcast Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 3m
Zeeband is thriving after summer handicap hurdle wins at Bangor and Killarney. He bounced back to form when second at Galway three weeks ago and will relish today’s sound surface. He’ll need to defy a 7lb rise, but he’s consistent and a big player for last year’s winning connections.
Pinnacle Peak hasn’t been seen for 365 days but has gone well fresh before. He was in great form last autumn, and his mark looks competitive if ready to roll on seasonal return.
3:30 – Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) – 2m 5f
Hamsiyann was unlucky when third at Ascot in March and showed stamina on the flat when second in May’s Chester Plate (2m 2 ½ f). With improvement likely, he’s well-suited to good ground and could deliver for a yard that won this race in 2022.
Champagne Twist progressed well last season, winning the valubale EBF Final at Sandown. He disappointed at Aintree in April but can bounce back here. If fit for his return, he has solid claims.
Saturday Lay
I have four lay selections on Saturday and you can get them here
Cheltenham
1:10 – The Newest One.
I'll be back tomorrow with a preview of Greatwood Hurdle Day at Cheltenham's November meeting.
Good luck with the Saturday bets!
John