All Betts remain on
HIT the high notes with SIMPLY THE BETTS (2.20, nap) in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
The chaser carries David Maxwell’s colours for the first time and the leading amateur jockey takes the reins.
Trained by in-form Paul Nicholls, dual course winner Simply The Betts has finished sixth in the last two renewals.
But both efforts came from higher handicap marks after his best ever campaign, capped by his 2020 Cheltenham Festival heroics in the Plate.
A big price for last year’s running of today’s feature, the nine-year-old ran as though he needed the outing – and such a progressive horse can often take a season to rediscover their best.
The selection has previously run very well fresh, plus he is well-weighted with Stolen Silver on their April encounter.
Maxwell takes a further 3lb off as he chases his third Prestbury Park success.
Ireland have not won this since 2009 but French Dynamite deserves maximum respect, while Ga Law caught the eye on his belated comeback.
BANBRIDGE (1.45, nb) gets the vote in the From The Horses Mouth Podcast Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase. Joseph O’Brien’s charge made an impressive debut in this sphere at Gowran Park, jumping like an old pro and easing clear by eight-and-a-half lengths.
Fellow Irish trainer Tony Martin holds the key to the Paddy Power Feel Like A Favourite Intermediate Handicap Hurdle with UNANSWERED (3.30).
At the foot of the handicap, the improver on the Flat delivered over jumps with a ready victory at Punchestown in May.
PAD LE YOUR OWN CANOE
(2.55) is well-treated in the Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle, while Lingfield’s Listed BetUK Golden Rose Stakes can go to LOGO HUNTER (2.35).
Right towards the top on ratings, the sprinter is in rude health since a summer break.
Last year’s runner-up
HARROVIAN (3.10) makes plenty of appeal in the Listed BetUK Churchill Stakes.