He’s well worth a Cup Bett
SIMPLY THE BETTS
(2.15, nb, ITV) has the superior class to defy top weight and capture today’s Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase at Cheltenham.
Running for the first time for Paul Nicholls, the gelding posted some excellent performances for Harry Whittington at Cheltenham where he he has won twice over today’s distance.
Before finishing a respectable sixth in last year’s contest behind Coole Cody, off a 3lb higher mark, Simply The Betts beat two smart performers in Happy Diva at the 2020 Festival and Imperial Aura at the January meeting.
Nicholls will have him ready and you would expect there will be improvement to come after recent wind surgery.
The betting suggests Nicholls will go close with Lalor and the trainer is also not short of confidence.
He will be having his first outing for the champion trainer and improvement is expected but the nine-year-old’s best performances fall short of the selection
Galahad Quest, a second-season chaser, appeals at the weights and offers the eachway value.
Last month’s impressive course and distance winner
THIRD TIME LUCKI (1.40, ITV) has a simple task, providing he remains on his feet.
After disappointing in his two recent outings over fences
SPORTING JOHN (2.50, ITV) is expected to get his career back on track when he reverts to hurdles.
He was a class act over timber and today’s race conditions suggest he has something in hand over his rivals.
The handicapper has given
MACKELDUFF (3.25, nap, ITV) a cracking chance of making three on the bounce. He is clearly still improving and his 7lb hike in the weights will not stop him winning again for his in-form trainer Olly Murphy, above.
At Lingfield, the consistent BAHRAIN PRIDE (3.05, ITV) appeals on his return to the all-weather.
PYLEDRIVER (3.40, treble), head and shoulders above his rivals on official ratings, will be difficult to catch in the Betway Churchill Stakes despite having a preference for a longer trip.