The first big Jumps race of the new season is upon us with the 2014 running of The Paddy Power Gold Cup a race with a rich history some of my favourite winners have been the brilliant Tipping Tim, Bradbury Star (Dual winner), the bold jumping Dublin Flyer & more recently Exotic Dancer who rarely ever ran a bad race.
This year's renewal perhaps lacks a true star or a real unexposed second season chaser who can progress throughout the season like so many of the recent renewals have had which on the whole makes it a more competitive race as 6/1 the field would suggest.
The conundrum that is Oscar Whiskey heads the weights carrying 11-12 which would be a huge negative on its own without anything else added, all his very best form is in small fields where he can bully the opposition & his jumping failed to convince last season especially when falling in the JLT at the Festival.
Last year's winner John's Spirit saves his best for Cheltenham with his last three wins coming at Prestbury Park, he bounced back after a couple of bad runs at the end of last season to win the same race he won last year at the October Meeting in good style on his return, it was an impressive performance considering how much he had gone up in the weights but in truth the race was there for the taking & this demands more from over 20lbs higher.
Edgardo Sol ran an eyectahing race in the Old Roan albeit in another county to the runaway winner but did not run that well enough to say he is up to winning a Paddy Power off his current mark.
Champion Court is a good honest horse who falls short in top handicaps & is not quite good enough in Graded races, he has dropped only a short amount despite ending last season in average form so has plenty to do again.
Edgardo Sol ran an eyectahing race in the Old Roan albeit in another county to the runaway winner but did not run that well enough to say he is up to winning a Paddy Power off his current mark.
Champion Court is a good honest horse who falls short in top handicaps & is not quite good enough in Graded races, he has dropped only a short amount despite ending last season in average form so has plenty to do again.
Kapga De Cerisy has not been seen since winning at Sandown in impressive style in November last year, his handicap mark is not that inhibitive but he has been off for some time so you would have expected a slight relenting but with his stable in good form ahead of his return he looks an interesting one at a big price.
Easter Meteor makes his debut for new trainer David Pipe, things never went to plan last year as he was pulled up when favourite in the October race that John's Spirit won & then was well beaten by him in the Paddy Power. He came back with a decent run behind Cantlow at Newbury before doing too much in a similar handicap in December, unluckily brought down at the Festival he starts out maybe a few pounds higher than ideal but he has always had ability & if the change of scenery has helped he is a player. Shanpallas continued his rise up the ranks with a win in the Munster National last time, he may well have the National as his aim at the end of the season so the drop back in a competitive handicap is a slight concern.
Cantlow is another who has potential National aspirations, he is capable of being competitive from his current mark here although he will need to show than he did just 14 days ago at Ascot.
Eastlake is useful at a level a notch lower than a competitive race such as this, he is also shown his best form at around 2 miles.
The real worry with Buywise is his jumping for a race of this nature as it let his down in the Novices handicap at the Festival & he again jumped far from fluently when winning what has turned out to be a very poor Grade 2 at the course a month later. He warmed up for this assignment with no more than a schooling session over hurdles at Ludlow recently. Present View is the current favourite for Jamie Snowden & in recent days has been the name on everyone's lips, a bold jumper who improved throughout last season culminating in a win at the Festival when just holding the fast finishing Attaglance (holds Buywise on that run). He has had a run over hurdles when just losing out to the still promising Vicente here at the October meeting, plenty of positives for him but will have to improve again off his new mark which as a young horse is a distinct possibility.
Eastlake is useful at a level a notch lower than a competitive race such as this, he is also shown his best form at around 2 miles.
The real worry with Buywise is his jumping for a race of this nature as it let his down in the Novices handicap at the Festival & he again jumped far from fluently when winning what has turned out to be a very poor Grade 2 at the course a month later. He warmed up for this assignment with no more than a schooling session over hurdles at Ludlow recently. Present View is the current favourite for Jamie Snowden & in recent days has been the name on everyone's lips, a bold jumper who improved throughout last season culminating in a win at the Festival when just holding the fast finishing Attaglance (holds Buywise on that run). He has had a run over hurdles when just losing out to the still promising Vicente here at the October meeting, plenty of positives for him but will have to improve again off his new mark which as a young horse is a distinct possibility.
Attaglance has rather incredibly still not run over the larger obstacles despite running smashing races in several big handicaps, the main issue is despite having clear ability he always manages to find a few too good & a similar outcome is likely to await here.
Caid Du Berlais has history against him as only one 5 year old has ever won the race (Cyfor Malta back in 1998), he has yet to convince over the larger obstacles but did run better than his finishing position suggested back in the summer in The Galway Plate, sure to have been well prepared for this race & not out of it from a hugely tempting mark. Persian Snow ran a big race last time out when succumbing to John's Spirit late on, he was slightly unlucky behind Present View at the Festival last year but was battered by Buywise in that poor race last April so there are plenty of positives & negatives in this ones form, more needed here but if his last run is to be believed then he has an each way chance here.
I hadn't seen or heard a reason as to why Indian Castle is now with Ian Williams rather than Donald McCain but you would assume there has been a falling out somewhere along the way which is a real shame, not that Ian Williams is a bad trainer but he is no Donald McCain in my book. As for the horse he was a one I like last season & won in very good style of his handicap debut over 2m5f at Cheltenham on very heavy ground last season, he was a short priced favourite for the Kim Muir after that but he just did not fire that day. Has a decent chance if ready to run after his summer break & has been well backed in recent days.
Caid Du Berlais has history against him as only one 5 year old has ever won the race (Cyfor Malta back in 1998), he has yet to convince over the larger obstacles but did run better than his finishing position suggested back in the summer in The Galway Plate, sure to have been well prepared for this race & not out of it from a hugely tempting mark. Persian Snow ran a big race last time out when succumbing to John's Spirit late on, he was slightly unlucky behind Present View at the Festival last year but was battered by Buywise in that poor race last April so there are plenty of positives & negatives in this ones form, more needed here but if his last run is to be believed then he has an each way chance here.
I hadn't seen or heard a reason as to why Indian Castle is now with Ian Williams rather than Donald McCain but you would assume there has been a falling out somewhere along the way which is a real shame, not that Ian Williams is a bad trainer but he is no Donald McCain in my book. As for the horse he was a one I like last season & won in very good style of his handicap debut over 2m5f at Cheltenham on very heavy ground last season, he was a short priced favourite for the Kim Muir after that but he just did not fire that day. Has a decent chance if ready to run after his summer break & has been well backed in recent days.
There's nothing more that can be said about Cedre Bleu, he has plenty of ability but seemingly does not consent to use it & was well beaten last time out in a much easier race.
Orpheus Valley won a decent handicap at Punchestown in April but has struggled in similar races since, this is tough again & looks set to struggle.
Orpheus Valley won a decent handicap at Punchestown in April but has struggled in similar races since, this is tough again & looks set to struggle.
Ericht has yet to really blossom over fences with his jumping far from satisfactory last season but there was plenty of promise in his run the last day when he jumped better than he has & travelled well before slightly getting caught short of room on the bend before staying on for 3rd behind John's Spirit, plenty going for him towards the foot of the weights.
King Massini had a day in the sun last December when winning a conditionals handicap chase, he failed to progress again thereafter & his current mark demands a whole lot more.
King Massini had a day in the sun last December when winning a conditionals handicap chase, he failed to progress again thereafter & his current mark demands a whole lot more.
Nothing truly stands out at the head of the market for me in this race & in a race lacking a true star a horse carrying over 11 stone might well come out on top this year & at the prices it is well worth siding with the unexposed Kapga De Cerisy (PUP) who looks overpriced at 25/1 E/W Ladbrokes
An intriguing 3 mile Novice chase is worth a second look on the Cheltenham undercard featuring some classy types;
Creepy made an exemplary chasing debut in a Novice handicap at Chepstow over a month ago, he appears to be an Autumn horse overall so he should still be effective here but so far on form he has yet to really excel on proper soft ground, on breeding there is no reason he won't as his sire excelled in the wet conditions.
Drop Out Joe like so many from his stable won first time out in good style at Carlisle on soft ground running all the way up the hill. Step up in trip should be no issue here but whether he is as classy as his rivals is open to debate.
Knock House was a useful Novice hurdler last season but has transformed over the summer putting a sure footed bold jumping display around the tight Fakenham track on his debut, goes on any ground & should not be underestimated here.
Sausalito Sunrise like so many of last year's decent Novice hurdlers was always going to make a chaser, he duly obliged with a assured display of jumping in what looked a good race at Chepstow on return this season.
King's Palace is the fly in the ointment here, the best of these by some way over hurdles; he makes his chasing debut at a track where he produced two hugely dominate displays over hurdles twice last year. He was a strong favourite at the Festival but was a well beaten horse when falling late on, clearly something was amiss. Sure to have been well prepared & has a massive chance receiving weight from all his rivals.
Race to watch rather than bet in.
Its not just about the Paddy Power at Cheltenham on Saturday with the Murphy Group Handicap Chase another highlight & arguably equally as competitive.
Sam Winner heads the weights, he looked set to carry all before him over fences last season but in the end proved just off the heels of the leading staying Novices, in my mind I wouldn't have looking that well handicapped off top weight for his seasonal debut here.
Restless Harry is a wonderful old lad who really found his feet over the larger obstacles late last season, however he showed precious little on his return & Cheltenham may just not be his track.
Cape Tribulation was one of the leading staying chasers two seasons ago finishing 5th in a Gold Cup, he offered little last season & now resumes on a not unreasonable mark. Lamb Or Cod has been on the go most of the summer finishing 2nd in some decent Novice chases on his last two starts, softer ground here should be no bother & makes plenty of appeal.
The Druid's Nephew was fancied for most of the races he appeared in last year but for one reason or another he performed below par. He was given an easy opportunity on his return for his new stable & he duly won easily, more required again here from his new mark but another who appeals as having a decent chance.
The Package has been very lightly raced in recent seasons, interesting he's back earlier than normal this time around & is off the same mark as his excellent 3rd at the Festival last year.
Chicago Grey another lightly raced old campaigner in recent seasons, has been 6th & 7th in this in the past from higher marks so even though his return was encouraging he has plenty to do.
Gevrey Chambertain appears to be following the same path as his as his full brother Grands Crus who was extremely classy then fell right out of love with the game, he won a non event on his return at Bangor & reverted to type at Ascot next time when finishing well beaten.
Golden Chieftain a former Festival is now close to that winning mark & fell at the first last week at Wincanton, he was clearly in need of his return run at Cheltenham in October & he makes plenty of appeal here.
Shattered Dream has not been since August last year in Ireland & over fences since falling in April last year, his form overall is nothing to write home about but is young enough to have improved in his absence & his stable is going very well at present.
Saint Are failed to produce any real form last season & as a result finds himself very well handicapped, all his best form however is on good ground so the soft ground here is a concern. Old Pigeon Island still rattles around with plenty of vigour in veterans races & it would be some performance if he were to get involved here.
Saffron De Cotte has not been seen since finishing a remote 4th in the Eider at the turn of the year, he is a thorough deep ground slogger who will want a good stamina test here on his return but cannot be fully ruled out form his light weight.
Overall Master Neo can be very in & out, he either wins or runs a shocker, this is a big step up & I could not fancy him being good enough.
Former Festival winner Golden Chieftain 12/1 E/W William Hill (UNPLACED) will strip fitter here & excusing last week's mishap he is worth a go at decent odds.
The 3 mile Listed Hurdle sees the return of the Grand National winner Pineau De Re shouldering top weight, he was a staying on 5th in this last year carrying a stone less so its fair to say there will be other days for him.
Dawn Commander was 3rd off this mark in a race that over the years has had a good bearing on this one at Aintree last time, if he copes with the softer ground he is a contender. Vivaldi Collonges was only just beaten in a Novice event at the last meeting & needs respecting from his powerful yard despite appearing to have plenty on from his debut handicap mark. Big Easy scored in the Cesarewitch last time out & returns to hurdling here, he looks well in on the weights & figures for a stable that has won 2 of the last 10 renewals of this race. Theatrical Star reverts to hurdles for the first time since his Novice campaign back in 2012, useful chaser who is prone to errors, could easily enjoy this. Double Double was a fairly useful bumper performer a few years back who has not really developed into anything more than just an ok handicapper, not harshly handicapped here though judged by his win in soft ground at Ffos Las in April.
On bare form Fighter Jet looks a very slow horse who plods on into 2nd or 3rd in the majority of races, first time blinkers may liven him up so he could play a part.
Dragon's Den ran a nice race in a handicap at the October meeting staying on late to get 2nd, remains relatively unexposed & could go well again here.
Masterofdeception improved on good ground in the summer but was beaten out of site last time back in Novice company, plenty to do on form.
Cannon Fodder wears her heart on her sleeve, she was in good form in mares Novices last year before being outclassed in handicap company thereafter, well beaten on her return in October & more required again here.
Katkeau has not been seen since February last year after just the two starts in the UK back in 2012, he came with a big reputation from France & with the Pipe stable going well he must go very close.
Invicta Lake is another game mare who won comfortably on her last start at Plumpton, well capable against the boys & can get involved.
Heronshaw is very lightly raced who is open to plenty more improvement, his two handicap runs early last season were fair & he should be involved with no weight on his back if ready to roll.
The Italian Yob has had a shocking time of it since January with 4 pulled ups to his name including on return, big leap of faith required here now despite his trainer doing well at this meeting in the past.
Big Easy & Katkeau (2nd & 1st) are sure to be popular here.
An intriguing 3 mile Novice chase is worth a second look on the Cheltenham undercard featuring some classy types;
Creepy made an exemplary chasing debut in a Novice handicap at Chepstow over a month ago, he appears to be an Autumn horse overall so he should still be effective here but so far on form he has yet to really excel on proper soft ground, on breeding there is no reason he won't as his sire excelled in the wet conditions.
Drop Out Joe like so many from his stable won first time out in good style at Carlisle on soft ground running all the way up the hill. Step up in trip should be no issue here but whether he is as classy as his rivals is open to debate.
Knock House was a useful Novice hurdler last season but has transformed over the summer putting a sure footed bold jumping display around the tight Fakenham track on his debut, goes on any ground & should not be underestimated here.
Sausalito Sunrise like so many of last year's decent Novice hurdlers was always going to make a chaser, he duly obliged with a assured display of jumping in what looked a good race at Chepstow on return this season.
King's Palace is the fly in the ointment here, the best of these by some way over hurdles; he makes his chasing debut at a track where he produced two hugely dominate displays over hurdles twice last year. He was a strong favourite at the Festival but was a well beaten horse when falling late on, clearly something was amiss. Sure to have been well prepared & has a massive chance receiving weight from all his rivals.
Race to watch rather than bet in.
Its not just about the Paddy Power at Cheltenham on Saturday with the Murphy Group Handicap Chase another highlight & arguably equally as competitive.
Sam Winner heads the weights, he looked set to carry all before him over fences last season but in the end proved just off the heels of the leading staying Novices, in my mind I wouldn't have looking that well handicapped off top weight for his seasonal debut here.
Restless Harry is a wonderful old lad who really found his feet over the larger obstacles late last season, however he showed precious little on his return & Cheltenham may just not be his track.
Cape Tribulation was one of the leading staying chasers two seasons ago finishing 5th in a Gold Cup, he offered little last season & now resumes on a not unreasonable mark. Lamb Or Cod has been on the go most of the summer finishing 2nd in some decent Novice chases on his last two starts, softer ground here should be no bother & makes plenty of appeal.
The Druid's Nephew was fancied for most of the races he appeared in last year but for one reason or another he performed below par. He was given an easy opportunity on his return for his new stable & he duly won easily, more required again here from his new mark but another who appeals as having a decent chance.
The Package has been very lightly raced in recent seasons, interesting he's back earlier than normal this time around & is off the same mark as his excellent 3rd at the Festival last year.
Chicago Grey another lightly raced old campaigner in recent seasons, has been 6th & 7th in this in the past from higher marks so even though his return was encouraging he has plenty to do.
Gevrey Chambertain appears to be following the same path as his as his full brother Grands Crus who was extremely classy then fell right out of love with the game, he won a non event on his return at Bangor & reverted to type at Ascot next time when finishing well beaten.
Golden Chieftain a former Festival is now close to that winning mark & fell at the first last week at Wincanton, he was clearly in need of his return run at Cheltenham in October & he makes plenty of appeal here.
Shattered Dream has not been since August last year in Ireland & over fences since falling in April last year, his form overall is nothing to write home about but is young enough to have improved in his absence & his stable is going very well at present.
Saint Are failed to produce any real form last season & as a result finds himself very well handicapped, all his best form however is on good ground so the soft ground here is a concern. Old Pigeon Island still rattles around with plenty of vigour in veterans races & it would be some performance if he were to get involved here.
Saffron De Cotte has not been seen since finishing a remote 4th in the Eider at the turn of the year, he is a thorough deep ground slogger who will want a good stamina test here on his return but cannot be fully ruled out form his light weight.
Overall Master Neo can be very in & out, he either wins or runs a shocker, this is a big step up & I could not fancy him being good enough.
Former Festival winner Golden Chieftain 12/1 E/W William Hill (UNPLACED) will strip fitter here & excusing last week's mishap he is worth a go at decent odds.
The 3 mile Listed Hurdle sees the return of the Grand National winner Pineau De Re shouldering top weight, he was a staying on 5th in this last year carrying a stone less so its fair to say there will be other days for him.
Dawn Commander was 3rd off this mark in a race that over the years has had a good bearing on this one at Aintree last time, if he copes with the softer ground he is a contender. Vivaldi Collonges was only just beaten in a Novice event at the last meeting & needs respecting from his powerful yard despite appearing to have plenty on from his debut handicap mark. Big Easy scored in the Cesarewitch last time out & returns to hurdling here, he looks well in on the weights & figures for a stable that has won 2 of the last 10 renewals of this race. Theatrical Star reverts to hurdles for the first time since his Novice campaign back in 2012, useful chaser who is prone to errors, could easily enjoy this. Double Double was a fairly useful bumper performer a few years back who has not really developed into anything more than just an ok handicapper, not harshly handicapped here though judged by his win in soft ground at Ffos Las in April.
On bare form Fighter Jet looks a very slow horse who plods on into 2nd or 3rd in the majority of races, first time blinkers may liven him up so he could play a part.
Dragon's Den ran a nice race in a handicap at the October meeting staying on late to get 2nd, remains relatively unexposed & could go well again here.
Masterofdeception improved on good ground in the summer but was beaten out of site last time back in Novice company, plenty to do on form.
Cannon Fodder wears her heart on her sleeve, she was in good form in mares Novices last year before being outclassed in handicap company thereafter, well beaten on her return in October & more required again here.
Katkeau has not been seen since February last year after just the two starts in the UK back in 2012, he came with a big reputation from France & with the Pipe stable going well he must go very close.
Invicta Lake is another game mare who won comfortably on her last start at Plumpton, well capable against the boys & can get involved.
Heronshaw is very lightly raced who is open to plenty more improvement, his two handicap runs early last season were fair & he should be involved with no weight on his back if ready to roll.
The Italian Yob has had a shocking time of it since January with 4 pulled ups to his name including on return, big leap of faith required here now despite his trainer doing well at this meeting in the past.
Big Easy & Katkeau (2nd & 1st) are sure to be popular here.
@fttfracing
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