We take a look at the BetVictor Gold Cup – buy Cheltenham November Meeting tickets
Key Stats:
10 out of the last 10 winners have won a chase at Class Two or better
9 out of the last 10 winners have won a chase between 2m3f and 2m6f
9 out of the last 10 winners have carried 11 stone 3lbs or less
8 out of the last 10 winners have been aged six or seven-years old
As De Mee is just top on FSF’s from Aso, Buywise, and Taquin Du Seuil close behind. We are faced with a similar Jonjo dilemma to the previous race, with More Of That the form choice on the pick of his form. His hurdle rating, 13lb higher than his chase rating displays, potentially, how well handicapped he is. His win over Sametegal entitles him to a chase mark around 160. His record at Cheltenham is five from six runs with the one loss coming when he bled in the RSA. His record when fresh reads, 1, 1, 3, 1 while the trip looks, on chase form thus far, ideal. His physical problems have been well documented. Taking all that into account, my suggestion is to stay loyal if you believe he can be produced 100% race-ready by a trainer, whose current form is, to stay the least, disappointing. I also suggest, given my earlier comments, to stake save against your final choice. If my record search is correct, no four-year-old has contested this race in the past decade. However, it is worth noting, Unioniste won the December version of this race at that age. As with Frodon, he is trainer by Mr Nicholls. The Nicholls quartet of runners all have chances at their best. That merely underlines the highly competitive nature of the race. Double Shuffle has a decent shout on form shown both on the course and in general. Allied to that, take into account the stables sparking start to November (7-22). Taquin Du Seuil arrives a fit horse holding decent, course, chase form. Aso may need softer ground while Buywise, whilst talented, is a frustrating fellow. Stilletto is interesting for his new trainer (Same owner) while Village Vic won the December Gold Cup in 2015 and Annacotty won this last year. Since his win at Fontwell, Frodon has looked an ideal type for the race, As Du Mee is arguably the best handicapped horse in the race (15lb for two and half lengths with More Of That) while Bouvreuil’s excellent run at the Festival sees him with a similar chance to Double Shuffle. All may play second fiddle if, as is often said, “Will the real More Of That, please stand up”.
