TEMPLEGATE takes on Saturday’s big race confident of finding the winner.
Read on for his runner-by-runner guide and find his big pick below.
Templegate’s Paddy Power Gold Cup guide
MISTER FISHER 2
FISHER off hook. Was pulled up in this two years ago before bouncing back to win the Peterborough Chase here over two miles.
He’s been up and down since then thanks to his iffy jumping and was well beaten when last seen at Sandown in April. This looks a big ask off top weight.
EDITEUR DU GITE 2
DU not. Won a couple of decent handicaps over two miles here last season before a good fourth in the Grand Annual at the Festival.
An Aintree Grade 1 was beyond him after that before a solid comeback third here last month. This hike in trip isn’t sure to suit and he’s still high in the weights.
SIMPLY THE BETTS 2
HOLD Betts. Hasn’t won since joining Paul Nicholls in 2020 but has good form here, including when winning the Festival Plate before that switch.
He likes this trip but would ideally want the ground a little softer. Looks a little short of this level now.
COOLE CODY 4
COOLE hand. Loves it here with four wins, including this race in 2020. He was a surprise winner of the Festival Plate in March and returned with a quiet spin over hurdles last month.
That will see him spot on for this target and he’ll make his usual bold bid from the front – and may hold on for a place.
HAPPYGOLUCKY 3
GO for it. Has been off 551 days and was progressing well before that, including an impressive big handicap win at Aintree.
He has plenty of stamina and loved it here when second in the Ultima Chase. He’s one to keep a close eye on although he’s likely to need this comeback.
STOLEN SILVER 4
SILVER service. Trainer Sam Thomas has already won a couple of big pots and this seven-year-old was an easy winner here in April after a good fourth in the Festival Plate.
This trip is ideal, he looks capable of better and has every chance despite his rising handicap mark.
FRENCH DYNAMITE 3
EXPLOSIVE Dynamite. Has some smart form in Ireland including when third in a hot contest at the Punchestown Festival.
He warmed up for this with a win over hurdles and he’s been well backed. There should be more to come.
MIDNIGHT RIVER 3
DEEP River. Was impressive when winning by 25 lengths at Stratford last month and he sees out this trip well.
Is going up the weights as he tackles stronger company here but he can improve and has place claims.
UMBRIGADO 2
UM and ahh. He won the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury last year but lost his way a little over fences after that.
Scored in a Newton Abbot hurdle last time so will be fit but needs to find his best.
NASSALAM 2
NOT Nass. Solid form in small fields but flopped when well-backed on return at Ascot last time.
He’s only five so could bounce back from that and will be fitter. This is his toughest race to date.
GA LAW 5
LAW breaker. Was a Grade 2 winner as a novice and came back from a long break with a cracking third in hot company at Aintree last month.
He finished full of running so should have no problem with the Cheltenham hill and has more to come. Major player off this handicap mark.
IL RIDOTO 3
RID bid. Won well at Newbury this time last year before struggling in a Grade 1 that seemed to knock the stuffing out of him.
Was back to form at Ayr’s Scottish National meeting and should be capable of better for in-form Paul Nicholls.
SLATE HOUSE 1
EMPTY House. Solid sixth in the Festival Plate last year before two good wins at Kempton in lesser company.
He fell when favourite for this in 2019 and pulled up last season. Must turn back the clock.
STORM CONTROL 1
STORM warning. All best form has been over longer trips and he was well beaten on comeback at Stratford. Hard to fancy.
GALAHAD QUEST 4
BRAVE Quest. Usually runs well here, including when fifth in this last year off a 4lb higher mark.
He was a solid second on comeback at Chepstow and looks right in the hunt here.
DEYRANN DE CARJAC 2
CAR alarm. Ran his best race for a while on comeback at Wetherby last time and this trip suits well. Needs more on this sharp hike in class.
Templegate’s Paddy Power Gold Cup tip
GA LAW can rule in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.20 Cheltenham, nap).
Jamie Snowden’s rising star ran a cracker at Aintree last time when he crossed the line with plenty left in the tank. He was coming back from 600 days off so should take a big step forward off the same handicap mark.
Stolen Silver won well here last time and can figure despite his big weight, while old favourite Coole Cody will try to fight them off from the front and could run into the frame.
Galahad Quest, Happygolucky and French Dynamite are on the shortlist in a typically hot contest.
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