Cheltenham stages the biggest race of the jumps season so far in the Paddy Power (once the Mackeson) Gold Cup at 2.35. The trends may help us here as 14 of the last 18 winners came from the first 3 in the betting and I feel that the race may be between the market leaders Great Endeavour and Long Run. Long Run came over from France with a big reputation and won his first two races in the UK until he was beaten in the RSA Chase. Great Endeavour won at the Cheltenham Festival last season is lightly raced and goes well fresh. Of the others Mad Max, Sunnyhill Boy and Door Boy are worth considering. Mad Max, a real giant of a horse, has had breathing problems but looked back to his best when winning at Aintree at the back end of last season. He has a formidable record first time out. Sunnyhill Boy was runner up to Great Endeavour at Cheltenham and at the weights is entitled to run his old rival pretty close. Door Boy has plenty of ability but has not really done himself justice so far. 2.5 miles could be his best trip and at 40/1 he could be overpriced. Long Run and Great Endeavour are my selections.
The 12.50 is tricky as there is not many form lines to go on but it may pay to side with Titan de Sarti a winner twice on the flat in the French provinces.
Wayward Prince is yet to finish out of the first two under rules and looks the one to beat in the 1.20. At a bigger price Cannington Brook may be worth considering. Although beaten into 3rd place by Wayward Prince at Aintree last season he is well regarded by his trainer and looks the type to be better over fences.
Elsewhere on the Cheltenham card my two against the field in the 1.55 are Any Currency and Ballyfitz.
Moon Indigo was disappointing at Hexham but can make amends in the Wetherby 3.55.
At Uttoxeter conditions should favour Predictive in the 1.10 and the same stable can take the 2.10 via Realmont who had some top class form in France before suffering some serious injury and illness setbacks. In the 2.45 Ayemdee is a course winner and relishes soft ground. Black Noddy is well thought of by connections and is one to watch in the bumper at 3.50.
The pictures of former Paddy Power Gold Cup winners Exotic Dancer (top) and Our Vic, are by courtesy of the artists Sarah Clegg (Exotic Dancer) and Lisa Miller.
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