Cheltenham 2.20 Paddy Power Gold Cup - Class 1 - 2 miles 4 furlongs 15 run - Good

 

There are 15 runners here and although the Irish have runners from the Mullins, Cromwell and De Bromhead yards, Michael doesn't feel any of the 3 are amongst the more likely winners. 

 

Of the remainder, Protektorat is the class of the field in terms of Group race performances and isn't lightly discounted, In Excelsis Deo is my 4th best rated and only a genuine concern about the accuracy of this ones jumping kept it away from being more highly rated. The Nicholls pair are Ginny's Destiny, highly rated and an ideal profile for the race but the niggling doubt that it may just need this run having missed an intended earlier run and also the fact that it's best has always included "soft" in the Going title. Il Rodito is a handicap regular round here, rarely wins but often runs well enough, and despite having had a run, a win for this one or any of the others at longer prices would confirm the suspicion that the lack of rain means this is a sub-standard renewal of the race.

 

I really do believe that GA LAW the winner of this race in 2022 who really should be at peak now as an 8 year old and IMAGINE who Trainer Harry Derham is very bullish about and who is another who really fits the recent profile for the race, are the solid if unspectacular in terms of price, most likely winners of this race today.

 

If there is one at double figure odds who might be worth the third poke and there are plenty of enhanced places, then I think that the sheer solidity of the form of FUGITIF a Course winner, best fresh, having had a wind operation just nicks that 3rd rated option (Robin)

 

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RJ - Cheltenham Card e/w pokes

 

1.10 - The Amateur Jockeys Handicap chase over 3 miles and I won't desert THE NEWEST ONE who won for us last time and who is in great form and who looks the most solid e/w poke here despite a 5lbs penalty. (12 run)

 

2.55 - Handicap Hurdle 3 miles and another 12 runner field. I found this a bit tougher to call and mulled long and hard over  a short list of three, with some enhanced places I think that in preference order that GOWEL ROAD who is fit and in form and who loves the Course just gets the nod over THANKSFORTHEHELP who gets ideal Going off a nice mark and very interesting return for the cheekpieces. I'm inclined to have a small punt on both. The other one who would be a tip but probably needing the run is Pinnacle Peak, who may get his day back here in a month's time at the December Meeting.

 

3.30 - Handicap Hurdle 2 miles 5 furlongs. 10 go to Post here (hopefully), and i'll take on the Irish trained favourite with WONDERFUL EAGLE who ran very well in this last year before a significant blunder at the second last which cost a lot of momentum and I feel primed to run at least a place better this time and if the hype about the Irish favourite is misplaced, then this one can take advantage.

 

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