A smashing renewal of this early-season feature and, having built up a solid record at this venue last term, STOLEN SILVER gets the nod to land the prize on return. He powered to the line when landing the Silver Trophy on his final start in April, and a 7 lb higher mark ought not prevent another bold bid. David Pipe's Umbrigado, on the back of a win over hurdles, is also fancied to go well in first-time blinkers, with Irish-raider French Dynamite, Il Ridoto and Ga Law completing the shortlist.
"He's a good each way bet" | Paddy Power Gold Cup preview
Timeform Pace Map
Pace Forecast : Extreme
Specific Pace Hint : Those that race prominently at this trip here are usually the ones to go along with but the pace is predicted to be very strong and that will probably hurt the chances of EDITEUR DU GITE (FR) while improving those of SIMPLY THE BETTS (IRE).
Individual Price Hint : MIDNIGHT RIVER seems likely to take up a position at the back so given the likely pace scenario his record of winning when trading much higher than Betfair SP looks significant.
Key Quotes
Mouse Morris, French Dynamite: “He’s ready to go and this was the plan before he went to Thurles,” said Morris. “It was a nice run over hurdles and we’ve been happy with him since. It will be his first time in a handicap, so to speak. He did finish third in Punchestown (in April) but that was a novice handicap (chase). It’s probably a big ask, but he’s got a bit of age now and we’ll give it a go. He’s rated 148, which I think is about right.”
Jamie Snowden, Ga Law: “It is a big test. He was a very good novice a couple of years ago and won the Rising Stars and was placed in a Grade One (Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown) and Grade Two with a penalty. He picked up an injury on the back of that and had a wonderful comeback run in the Old Roan when third and only got beaten a length and a half. Obviously, he will improve mentally and physically for that. This is another step forward in a big-field handicap, but he is in great order and I couldn’t wish for him to be in better form. I suppose the one doubt is it is only three weeks off the back of the last run and you hope you don’t encounter the dreaded bounce factor. He has won around Exeter and Fontwell, and ran well at Sandown, so I wouldn’t be too worried about the track.”
Kim Bailey, Happygolucky: “We’re very happy with him. He is in a good place. He is stepping back in trip, so will he be good enough? I don’t know. He won’t disgrace himself. It is not the strongest Paddy Power in the world, and I would hope he’d have every chance. We’re looking forward to it.”
Paul Nicholls, Il Ridoto & Simply The Betts: “He had a wind op in the summer because his breathing was troubling him last season. Our horses tend to improve a lot from four to five and a fast-run handicap like the Paddy Power will suit him a lot better than small-field novice chases. He certainly seems to have progressed and he looks to have a great each-way chance over this trip which he now needs.”
“He loves Cheltenham and is a lively outsider ridden for the first time by his new owner David Maxwell. While Simply the Betts doesn’t get much help from the handicapper, I’d say he is the best we’ve had him. He looks fantastic in his coat, goes well fresh and like a lot of our recent winners he has done loads of work. He is ready to run for his life.”
Dan Skelton, Midnight River: “Last time was a big step in the right direction,” said Skelton. “Last year we started with a fall, this year we’ve started with a win, so it is so much better this year and confidence is high going into this race. I would like it to be good to soft to give us a fair chance, but he’s in great form at home and I’m liking everything he is doing. It’s just a very competitive race.”
Kerry Lee, Storm Control: “Storm Control won the amateur riders’ race at this meeting a few years ago during covid, when Richard Patrick was able to ride him because the amateurs were banned. That was a nice result. It’s a step back in trip for him, but he has won over shorter and he’s incredibly well and we’re happy to be having a go at it with him.”
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