Aso tops Paddy Power Gold Cup field
Mister Fisher and Happy Diva in mix too as all 17 remain at Cheltenham.
Cheltenham regular Aso heads a field of 17 in the Paddy Power Gold Cup after all the five-day confirmations stood their ground Trained by Venetia Williams, the 10-year-old is without a win since New Year’s Day 2019 but has run several good races in defeat since, including when runner-up to Frodon in the Ryanair that same season. There are plenty of second-season chasers, who have the potential to mix it in top company, taking him on. They are led by Harry Whittington’s Festival winner Simply The Betts, beaten just once over fences in five outings last season, and his jockey Gavin Sheehan has won his race for fitness in time to ride him again. Nicky Henderson’s Mister Fisher has always been highly regarded and was not beaten far by Samcro in the Marsh Novices’ Chase in March. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Al Dancer was a length behind Mister Fisher in a Grade Two at Doncaster last season and meets that rival on 1lb better terms, having already won this term at Newton Abbot.Colin Tizzard may feel Slate House has a score to settle in this race, given what happened 12 months ago. Sent off favourite, despite being a novice, Slate House was coming with what looked like a winning run when falling two from home. He went on to win a Grade One, but his season ended on a flat note. Tizzard also runs The Russian Doyen. Happy Diva was a popular winner of the race 12 months ago for Kerry Lee and Richard Patrick – and she continued to progress all through last season, going close behind Simply The Betts at the Festival. The ante-post market leader for some time has been Paul Nicholls’ Saint Sonnet. Nicholls could hardly be in better form, and his French import remains hugely unexposed, having had just two runs in Britain. Nicholls also runs Brelan D’As, beaten a neck in this last year. Siruh Du Lac has his first run for David Pipe, and Dan Skelton’s Spiritofthegames will be aiming to make it ninth time lucky at Cheltenham – while Fidux aims to cap a magical few days for Alan King. Domaine De L’Isle, Kauto Riko, Pinson Du Rheu, Coole Cody and Sky Pirate also run.
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.