Paddy Power Gold Cup Preview and Betting Tips

Paddy Power Gold Cup betting tips: With the Open Meeting at Cheltenham taking place this weekend, many see it as the proper start of the National Hunt Season and we have free racing tips for Cheltenham.

So what better than taking a look at the runners for Saturday’s feature race, the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

With connections of Dynaste deciding to bypass, it leaves the race as open as ever.  Gambled when winning at Cheltenham’s October meeting, John Spirit (7/1 Bet365), is a worthy joint favourite for the race. He has proven that he has the stamina to stay around this tough course, and put in a gutsy performance to stay on strong up the hill.

Champion Court (7/1 Bet365), the other joint favourite, never runs a bad race. This horse always puts 100% in, and if the trainer has him spot on for his first run of the season, he must have a shout. Personally, I prefer a horse to have had a run before this race, just to blow the cobwebs away. Stable jockey Ian Popham takes the ride, after winning on him when beating Menorah on his last run last season.

Two that have had a race this season are the winner and runner up in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree. Runner up Astracad, 25/1 with Bet Victor, likes the track, and trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies will be hoping to keep his good record in the race, winning it recently with Little Josh and Imperial Commander. Winner of the Old Roan Chase was Conquisto (20/1 Coral), with the AP McCoy on board. The champ however, been retained to JP McManus, will not take the ride this Saturday. Trainer Steve Gollings, had booked the up and coming Brian Cooper but a late change sees Paul Townend taking the rise, which for me is an exciting combination. The ground is also in his favour, so I think he’s a big price and a definite each way shout.

AP McCoy has chosen to ride Tap Night (14/1 with Bet365), ahead of Nadyia De La Vega, 12/1 with William Hill, and Colour Squadron, 12/1 with Ladbrokes, because he didn’t want to starve himself to do the weight of either of the other two.  Interestingly, as of yet, the AP factor hasn’t affected the bookies prices. I can’t see Tap Night been that big a price on the day, however Tap Night’s form is nothing to rave about. His last win was in February at Ayr on heavy ground, so he could have the potential of staying on when others tier.

As well as Nadyia De La Vega, Nicky Henderson has another two entered in the race, Finians Rainbow, 12/1 with Bet Victor, and Rajdhani Express, 12/1 with William Hill. Rajdhani Express has for at Cheltenham, when winning here at the Festival. He was all out when winning, which shows he gives his all, and wants to win. This has to be liked and on his day, will be there abouts. Finians Rainbow was quiet last season, and so has come down in the weights. On his best form, aslong as he jumps well, he must be one of the leading contenders, so here’s hoping that he can find it again.

Battle Group finished the end of last season on a roll, and Irish trainer John Joseph Hanlon brings Hidden Cyclone over with expectations. Emma Lavelle and Alan King’s yards are flying, and they have Easter Meteor and Kumbeshwar respectively. A very exciting race in prospect!

Paddy Power Gold Cup Betting Tip

Conquisto (each-way) – 20/1 with Coral 

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