This Saturday's ITV racing coverage is dominated by the prestigious Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, and our expert tipster, Steve Jones, has pinpointed several compelling each-way betting opportunities for the weekend's action.
Paddy Power Gold Cup: A Live Outsider
The feature race, the Paddy Power Gold Cup, takes centre stage at 2.20. Trainer Dan Skelton has three runners as he bids for a first victory in this coveted handicap chase. While his brother and jockey, Harry, has opted to ride Panic Attack, Steve Jones strongly favours another of the stable's entrants, HOE JOLY SMOKE.
This runner has been competing over longer distances since a promising chase debut last season. His performance when third behind the useful Irish stayer Three Card Brag over 3m1f at Cheltenham last month was particularly eye-catching. Jones believes the drop back to 2m4f could be ideal, especially given how smoothly the horse moved and jumped before tiring in the closing stages. The testing, soft ground should also play to his proven stamina. Steve Jones recommends 2pts each-way at 12-1, noting several bookmakers are paying out on five places.
Saturday's Supporting Card Selections
Earlier on the card, at 1.10, IMPERIAL ALEX is tipped for the Debenhams Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase. This horse has an excellent record on soft ground and arrives off a winning performance at Perth in June. The five-month break is not considered a concern, as he often performs well with time between races, and his trainer, Tom Lacey, has his string in decent form. The advice is to have 1pt each-way at 14-1, with Sky Bet offering six places.
Later, at 2.55, GOWEL ROAD is fancied to go one better than his runner-up finish in the same race twelve months ago. His comeback run at Cheltenham last month saw him set a punishing pace that he couldn't sustain, causing him to fade up the final hill. This contest should be easier to control from the front, making him a solid bet. Jones suggests 1pt each-way at 17-2.
Looking Ahead to Sunday's Greatwood Hurdle
The action continues at Cheltenham on Sunday with the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, where the ground is expected to be extremely testing. Many runners will struggle in these conditions, but KNICKERBOCKERGLORY (3.30) is predicted to thrive. He has won on his seasonal debut for the past three years and is likely to be positioned prominently. With the talented young jockey Freddie Keighley taking the ride, his chances look excellent. Steve Jones advises 2pts each-way at 14-1, with a couple of firms paying six places.
