To celebrate the inaugural running of Saturday’s BetVictor Gold Cup the highlight of this weekend’s three-day Cheltenham Open Meeting BetVictor are betting each way ¼ odds 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 places which for a 19-runner handicap represents fantastic value.
BetVictor Gold Cup – Each Way ¼ 1-2-3-4-5-6
More of That 4/1
Frodon 11/2
As De Mee 8/1
Double Shuffle 8/1
Taquin Du Seuil 9/1
11/1 Bar
Trainer Jonjo O’Neill won the race with Johns Spirit in 2013 and is double-handed bidding for yet further success, saddling More of That (4/1 favourite with BetVictor) under regular partner Barry Geraghty and Taquin Du Seuil (2.35) under Aidan Coleman. The former remains the only horse to ever give 7lb and a beating to Champion Hurdle heroine Annie Power and, after being described by his trainer as ‘potentially the best I’ve ever trained’ looks a terrific each-way bet to nothing with BetVictor’s Six Places. The latter made a pleasing comeback over timber last month at Chepstow and, with G1 winning form as a novice over today’s C&D, looks another that should find the frame with BetVictor’s Six Places concession.
The card also sees Thistlecrack (1.15) a very short price to maintain his unbeaten record over fences and is unopposable under regular partner Tom Scudamore. Last season’s World Hurdle winner was exceptional on his chasing debut last month at Chepstow, and remains one of the market leaders for both the King George at Kempton and the Gold Cup next March at Cheltenham; 5/1 and 7/2 respectively with BetVictor.
Minella Rocco should prove a popular favourite in the BetVictor 3m 4f Handicap Chase however, I’d expect him to come on plenty for the run and preference lies instead with Emma Lavelle’s Shotgun Paddy (1.50) rewarding each-way support at his current price of 14/1. The selection boasts a tremendous record fresh and is now 5lb below his last winning mark. He travelled well before ultimately finishing fifth, beaten three and a half lengths, and from a 5lb lower mark can hopefully find the frame under Daryl Jacob.
Jockey David Bass goes to Uttoxeter for six rides for boss Kim Bailey, with Alfie’s Choice (1.05) the pair’s best chance of a winner in the 2m 4 Maiden Hurdle. The selection was a beaten favourite when well supported in the market for a Carlisle bumper in the spring, but looks a chaser in the making for connections and looks to have been well placed to make a winning debut over hurdles.
Monbeg Charmer (2.40) must concede upwards of 7lb to his six rivals at Wetherby, but appears to have been well placed to maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles. Charlie Longsdon’s winning pointer made a pleasing debut over timber last month at Worcester and is a confident selection to follow-up under regular partner Brian Hughes.
The Greatwood Hurdle is Sunday’s feature on the third and final day of the Open Meeting and I can’t see Winter Escape (2.30) being beaten for favourite backers. Alan King’s gelding is unbeaten from three starts over hurdles and, after getting a mark of 141, was put away for some of this season’s most valuable handicaps. Barry Geraghty opts to ride over connections’ other runner Modus and he looks the quintessential group horse masquerading as a handicapper.
Nicky Henderson landed the G2 Schloer Chase with the returning Sprinter Sacre 12 months ago, who returned to a hero’s reception at Prestbury Park, and I think Simonsig (1.55) can do likewise in the feature. The dual festival winner showed glimpses of his best form last season, finishing second in the G1 Punchestown Champion Chase in the spring, and with an uninterrupted build-up can make a winning return and maintain his 100% record at the track.
Moon Racer (12.55) beat Ballandy in a terrific race up at Perth earlier in the season and should confirm the form and give March’s Champion Bumper winner 4lb and a beating in the opener. David Pipe’s 2015 Festival winner has been backed for the Supreme Novices Hurdle in the week, 10/1 from 12s with BetVictor, and should shorten further by making it 2/2 over timber.
For all the latest odds head to BetVictor.com
Be Lucky
