The Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.20pm) gets top billing on day two of the November meeting and with the PP quality mark on it, how could it not?
And with the three-day fiesta heralding the real start of the jumps season, we’ve assembled our own cast of tipsters, tacticians and general liggers to guide you through the day’s drama.
So please be upstanding for Ruby Walsh, Mick Fitzgerald, Matt Chapman, and the clock watchers at Timeform for Saturday’s matinee.
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The race itself features two Festival winners from last March in Stage Star and The Real Whacker who are both turning in Cheltenham specialists with the nicely-weighted Unexpected Party not ruled out off a mark of 146 after his defeat of subsequent winner Knappers Hill a month ago.
With no Premier League action to distract you it’s time to book the remote and grab the best seat in the house with Paddy’s famed Cheat Sheet.
Ruby Walsh
Mick Fitzgerald
Matt Chapman
Timeform
Ruby Walsh
Good Risk At All for Sam Thomas could be the value pick in this contest.
Mick Fitzgerald
Good Risk At All won his Novice Chase last month and can build on that now.
Matt Chapman
Mister Coffey has been highly tried over fences and can finally get his head in front.
Timeform
GOOD RISK AT ALL made an impressive start over the larger obstacles at Carlisle three weeks ago. The forecast heavy rain should enhance his chances.
Ruby Walsh
If The Real Whacker gets out in front and jumps well early on, he’ll be hard to beat. He’s the best horse in the race.
Mick Fitzgerald
Il Ridoto finished fourth last season in this contest and has a great chance again.
Matt Chapman
Il Ridoto will benefit from Freddie Gingell’s 5lb claim and should have more to give. I’ll have a few quid on each-way.
Timeform
THE REAL WHACKER has a huge weight to defy on his return it would be no surprise if he were up to the task. He’s taken to make it 4-4 over the Cheltenham fences.
Ruby Walsh
Buddy One has risen in the weights but he’s improving. He’s a worthy favourite.
Mick Fitzgerald
Buddy One got his head in front last time and has top form from the Festival when third in the Martin Pipe Conditional Hurdle.
Matt Chapman
I’ll risk Chantry House (each-way). Could be chucked in off a mark of 147.
Timeform
PLACENET could be on a very lenient mark starting out in Britain based on his French form, so he’s well worth chancing over this longer 3m trip.
Ruby Walsh
Londonofficecallin has shown promise over hurdles and could be ahead of the handicapper.
Mick Fitzgerald
Springwell Bay has a bit of class and reverts to handicap company now since finishing sixth in a Grade 1 when last seen at Aintree.
Matt Chapman
Wonderful Eagle has a featherweight to carry and can hit the places. A good each-way chance.
Timeform
RESPLENDENT GREY and Springwell Bay both appeal as having more to offer now moving into handicap company but the former may have a slight fitness advantage.
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