'He's handicapped to win this well' - David Jennings answers the burning questions on a big day at Cheltenham
What's the big story?
It's Paddy Power Gold Cup day at Cheltenham, the showpiece of the November meeting and Paul Nicholls is once again responsible for the favourite in the shape of Ginny's Destiny, runner-up in the absorbing final running of the Turners Novices' Chase at last season's festival.
Ginny's Destiny has been aimed at this race since what seems like 1963 and has plenty going for him, especially since the Ditcheat team can't stop scoring these days and netted five at Wincanton last Saturday.
That said, it's the fiercely competitive Paddy Power Gold Cup, with Ga Law, the winner in 2022, in there, as well as class act Protektorat and unknown quantity Imagine. Ginny's Destiny will need to be all he's cracked up to be to win it.
So, who wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.20)?
Oh, probably Ginny's Destiny, but there is little juice left in his price. There never really was any in the first place, so I'm going to put up two at bigger prices: Lets Go Champ and Fugitif.
The Irish have a wretched record in the race but Lets Go Champ will love the trip and the way the race is run. His Galway Plate effort puts him right in the mix, while Fugitif just looks too big at about 16-1 given he won the December Gold Cup off just 1lb lower and has had a wind op since we saw him last.
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What's the bet of the day?
Read To Return in the 3m1f amateur jockeys' handicap chase (1.10).
He caused awful controversy in the race last year when his rider got banned for giving him far too much to do, but the talented Finny Maguire, son of Adrian, takes over here and the way this race is going to be run is going to play straight into his hands.
They will go lickety-split from the word go and Read To Return will lob along at the back for about a circuit and a half. He will only take interest in the race coming down the hill for the final time. He's handicapped to win it, and win it well, when things fall into place for him. They look like they will here.
What is the lay of the day?
Korinthia in the concluding Listed mares' bumper (4.00).
She is two from two and represents Willie and Patrick Mullins, but this is a deep heat and I adored the debut effort of Siog Geal at Aintree, where she really sprinted up the straight but couldn't get to the winner who got first run.
The form of her point win has worked out well, too. She's smart and 6-1 is a big price.
What's the best bet on day one of the Navan Racing Festival?
I'm a big fan of Mywayofthinkin and fancy him to land the Bar One Racing For Auction Novice Hurdle (1.25).
He's from the same family as Inothewayurthinkin and Limerick Lace, so is only going to get better with age. He strikes me as a horse who could make a real name for himself this season and even end up in the Supreme, if things go the way I hope.
Bet £10 On 1st Race At Cheltenham, Get £60 In Free Bets
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Read Saturday's previews:
Can Doyen Quest reach even greater heights over a new trip?
Is Hamsiyann a handicap blot or will he be blown away now that he's back over hurdles?
Can anyone stop Bleu De Vassy in Grade 3 For Auction after Fairyhouse demolition job?
Can Champion Chase hero Captain Guinness make another winning return in the Fortria?
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