The December Gold Cup at Cheltenham is the last big race before the exciting Christmas fixtures.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddles two juggernauts in the shape of previous Paddy Power Gold Cup winners Il Ridoto and Stage Star.
The former is looking to win back-to-back big Cheltenham handicaps and would be the first to do so since Senor El Betrutti completed the double back in 1997.
We check out the big entries, best bets and most competitive odds supplied by our partner firms, Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
PLACES OFFERS
At the time of writing. both Bet365 and Betfred are paying four places instead of the standard three for all each way bets.
STAGE STAR
The Paul Nicholls Cheltenham Festival Grade One winner from 2023, failed to live up to realistic expectations despite starting last season with a brave victory in The Paddy Power Gold Cup.
His one run this season at Aintree was satisfactory and he should come on for that in preparation for this tilt at The December Gold Cup.
However, the top weight allocation will be a massive burden to carry but if he is back to his best, he should be feared. 8/1 best with Bet365 with four places paid for each way bets.
IL RIDOTO
Comes into this after an impressive win at November’s Paddy Power Gold Cup over course and distance.
However, that win was under a featherweight allowance and although he retains the 3ib weight allowance for Freddie Gingell’s apprentice status, this will be a big ask for the 7-year-old.
An additional factor to take into account would also be the horse’s tendency to idle when in front which was evident in his win at Cheltenham.
Still good each way value at 10/1 with William Hill.
MADARA
The Skeltons have entered the progressive five-year-old Madara, who has been the subject of some intriguing trainer changes, including movement between the Kieran Burke and Sophie Leech yards.
Now settled with Dan Skelton, he demonstrated signs of improvement with a decent staying performance behind Il Ridoto in November’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.
The horse has experienced some positive vibes in the market and looks to be on an extremely attractive handicap mark. Will need to improve further however to figure here.
Best odds of 6/1 with Bet365 with four places paid for each way bets.
GA LAW
Ga Law has developed into a tough stayer over these middle distances, although his limitations were exposed when he tried life out in Grade One company.
However, it’s clear he relishes these big Cheltenham handicaps, and his experience will certainly come into play. Bang in form with a decent second behind Il Ridoto in last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup, he will be there or thereabouts.
Good each way credentials at 8/1 best odds with William Hill.
GRANDEUR D’AME
This Alan King trained eight-year-old comes into this on the back of a decent handicap win at Chepstow, staying on well to beat Ga Law.
He remains on a decent handicap mark at 136 but will need to improve a little to get competitive.
However, the form is watertight and looks particularly good each way value at 9/1 with Bet365 with four places paid for each way bets.
GEMIRANDE
The Venetia Williams yard is in cracking form at the present time. Their entry Gerimande won very impressively recently in a decent Ascot handicap and if he can replicate that form here, he should go close.
Excellent each way value with Bet365 at 10/1 with four places paid for each way bets.
VERDICT
There is plenty of quality in the field including handicap specialists such as Ga Law, Grade One winner Stage Star (also previous Paddy Power Gold Cup winner) and recent Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Il Ridoto.
Stage Star will be the one to beat if he can defy the hefty weight allocation and getting back to his best. The same can be applied to Ga Law.
However, the recent run of form demonstrated by the Venetia Williams team has not gone unnoticed. She saddles recent Ascot winner Gemirande, and the value of 10/1 (Bet365) is enticing: the horse will appreciate the ground as well.
SELECTION
Gemirande 10/1 Bet 365 EACH WAY
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (12 noon Friday 13th December 2024) and are subject to change.
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