*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change

The Paddy Power November Meeting got underway at Cheltenham on Friday, with a trio of bumper cards planned for the three-day event that acts as a mini-trial for the festival in March.

Earlier in the week, we held a very special From The Horse’s Mouth podcast in association with The Jockey Club to preview the equine extravaganza with trainer Emma Lavelle joining legendary jockey Mick Fitzgerald and our regulars Ruby Walsh and Paddy Power.

As well as dissecting each day’s jam-packed cards, host Tom Nugent asked each of our panel for their best bets ahead of the weekend – and this is what they said…

Emma Lavelle

Saturday 14.15: Paddy Power Gold Cup – Simply The Betts

“I have to say SIMPLY THE BETTS. There have been some really good weight-carrying performances, especially on better ground, and it would be great to see him run a big one and take this prize. I’m also interested in Siruh Du Lac, who has had a change of trainer and David Pipe’s horse are flying. He loves it round Cheltenham and there is a bit of money for him so he could be showing plenty at home and could be an interesting one in this.”

Paddy Power

Saturday 15:25: Paddy Power Millionaire Qualifier – Son Of Camas

“I narrowed it down to Shinobi, who made it all at Wincanton which was pretty impressive, and SON OF CAMAS who beat King Roland when they ran at Newbury. He was then behind Envoi Allen as well so that is top-class form and he could be very well handicapped.”

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Mick Fitzgerald

Saturday 2.50pm: Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle – Tea Clipper

“TEA CLIPPER bolted up in his last race at Chepstow, which is strong form. He is a very strong traveller, and the ease with which he went through that race means you would be silly to dismiss him. He is a worthy favourite.”

Ruby Walsh

Saturday 2.15pm: Paddy Power Gold Cup – Mister Fisher

“I’m going to go against Emma and go for MISTER FISHER. This is very tricky on paper but I can see why Saint Sonnet is favourite for some. He ran really well in the Marsh Chase but he didn’t finish strong enough for me to say there is your Paddy Power winner. I think Simply The Betts is more of a Ladbroke Trophy horse and could be a 3-miler.

“I like horses stepping up in trip and Al Dancer was a 2-miler as a Novice before stepping up on his last start so I can see where Paddy is going with his pick, but I’m coming back to Mister Fisher. He could be a Ryanair horse, and he ran really well in the Marsh Chase but got in a pocket and was dragged back out of the race. If he had got a better run, he would have been right behind Melon, Samcro and Faugheen and I think that is the strongest form.”

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change