Neil Morrice previews the 2019 Bet365 Gold Cup, taking place at Sandown on Saturday 27th April 2019. Neil believes that the Mark Bradstock trained STEP BACK will triumph once again, and defend his 2018 title. Get your bets on now with Hollywoodbets!
Watch Neil’s Preview on the Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase via Youtube here:
Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase
Grade 3 – 3m 4f 166y
16:35 – Saturday 27th April 2019 – Sandown Park
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls fields three of the 22 starters and on his PRESENT MAN champion conditional jockey Bryony Frost makes her comeback from injury. The 9yo has been afforded a select campaign culminating in a readying run at Taunton but probably has something to find.
Of more interest is GIVE ME A COPPER, part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and running in his colours under Harry Cobden. The gigantic 9yo hasn’t been the easiest to train and was fighting a losing battle when departing at the final fence of the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Nicholls’ third contender, ADRIEN DU PONT, is not short of ability but hasn’t looked the easiest of conveyances and was never really in the hunt before coming home amongst the stragglers in the Topham Trophy at Aintree.
The two horses that have commanded most attention in the ante post market appeal as major contenders and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see either TALKISCHEAP or STEP BACK take the spoils.
Talkischeap lacks experience in the handicap arena but on some of his novice form could be a blot on the handicap for Alan King and Wayne Hutchinson. Before Easter the 7yo was a 20-1 chance but is now vying for outright favouritism at 8-1. He’s an unexposed individual and if reproducing the form that saw him finish third to La Bague Au Roi and Lostintranslation could add to the good record novices have in this highlight of the final day of the jumps season.
STEP BACK has also been a popular order throughout the week ahead of his bid to become the first back-to-back winner since Topsham Bay. His tendency to jump markedly right in the Randox Health Grand National brought about his demise at Aintree but Sara and Mark Bradstock believe he can get away with that trait back on a right-handed course over which he is proven. He excelled in some midweek schooling under Nico de Boinville and as a horse that really finds his forte in the Spring has plenty going for him.
Topweight BEWARE THE BEAR is reported in good form by Nicky Henderson after his late withdrawal from the Scottish Grand National, when he was pulled out on the morning of the race due to drying ground. But Henderson, who also saddles VYTA DU ROC, could face the same dilemma as rain showers that were supposed to arrive over the past 48 hours failed to materialise.
THE YOUNG MASTER is a another previous winner of this who staged a renaissance to finish a creditable third in the Ultima Chase. As a horse that comes into his own at this time of year and loves the Esher course and fences, he has to come into the argument.
At a bigger price BALLYDINE could spring a surprise as his Midland National run was better than it looked, and he has shown very good form at this course.
Predicted Finish:
7 – 12 – 8 – 15 – 11
1st – STEP BACK (7)
2nd – The Young Master (12)
3rd – Talkischeap (8)
4th – Ballydine (15)
5th – Give Me A Copper (11)
