The Weekend Winners panel return with their betting take ahead of Cheltenham’s November meeting, focusing on Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Prestbury Park — two miles and four furlongs on testing ground.
Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix concentrated on a competitive renewal that features Jagwar, owned by JP McManus, who enters the race with four wins from his last five starts. Vincenzo and last year’s winner Il Ridoto are also prominent in the betting.
Declan Rix sees Jagwar as the form reference but feels there are questions about the horses chasing him. He says the stable believe Jagwar has strengthened since last season and that he could still be the one to beat despite his mark. However, Declan is siding with Hoe Joly Smoke from Dan Skelton’s yard at the prices. With Harry Skelton having chosen a different ride, Kielan Woods takes over, which Declan thinks will suit this hold-up, late-running type. He points out the horse looked well last time and that a slightly shorter trip should play to his strengths.
Host Kate Tracey is backing the reigning champion Il Ridoto, believing he fits the key trends for this race. She tipped him last year and notes he has had a decent prep, running at Chepstow where he tired late and made a final-flight error while the yard’s horses were still finding fitness. Although a seven-year-old would be ideal, Il Ridoto’s age of eight is no barrier in her view. He should race prominently and, with headgear refitted, she thinks he has a strong chance of defending his crown.
Sam Boswell highlights Vincenzo for trainer Sam Thomas, who is in electric form — five winners from his last seven runners. Boswell flags a couple of questions: Vincenzo has limited runs over this trip and is a bit unproven first time out, and he was narrowly beaten at Newbury when overhauled late. Still, given the yard’s current strike-rate and a price around 5-1, Boswell considers him the main danger to the market leader. He also notes that Irish-trained horses have struggled in this race, not winning for around two decades.
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