Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

today is the second day of Cheltenham´ s Open Meeting and handicaps are the most interesting events, notably the Paddy Power Gold Cup at 15.35 CET, a handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles and always one of the hottest races of the season. With 19 runners this afternoon, this looks as difficult as ever, although there is a clear favourite in the field in the shape of Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen). The ex-French chaser, partnered as usual by the owner´s son, posted some smart performances last season and is expected to be good enough to win such races as the King George VI at Kempton. In that case, he must win here, but there are still doubts, in particular his sketchy jumping, which could be a major problem at this track. Stable companion Mad Max (Barry Geraghty) is clearly a danger, as is Great Endeavour (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), from a stable that has won this race many times. Of the 2 German-breds we prefer the Irish-trained Catch Me (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNama ra) to Passato (Jo Davis/ Jamie Moore), but there are other Irish runners to consider, especially Finger onthe Pulse (Tom Taaffe/ Tony McCoy) and Dancing Tornado (Michael Hourigan/ Adrian Heskin), while Paul Nicholls, in great form this week, has 3 runners. Nothing can be ruled out here, but at the likely odds we shall go for Dancing Tornado (e.w.)
The other handicaps look equally difficult, our tentative suggestions are Junior (Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) in the 3 1/2 mile chase at 14.55, Is It Me (Sue Leech/ Richie McLernon) in the 3 1/4 mile hurdle at 16.10 and at 16 .40 Nodforms Violet (Karen McLintock/ Graham Lee), who should all start at decent prices for an each-way bet.
The opening Grade Two hurdle race for 3yo´s at 13.50 is equally tricky. Architrave (Tim Vaughan( Richard Johnson) sets the standard, having already won all 3 of his starts, but he is likely to be overtaken by some of the less-exposed candidates, especially the ex-French Grandouet (McCoy) and Titan de Sarti (Geraghty), both trained by Henderson and Sam Winner (Nicholls/ Noel Fehily). Titan de Sarti has never yet jumped a hurdle in public, but has a tall reputation and is already one of the favourites for the Triumph here in March. However we shall go for Palawi (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello), who made a most impressive debut at Haydock.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Titan De Sarti - Architrave - Sam Winner
2. Race: Wayward Prince - Chicago Grey - Berties Dream
3. Race: Midnight Chase - Junior - Any Currency
4. Race: Long Run - Great Endeavour - Catch Me
5. Race: Ackertac - Viking Blond - Supercede
6. Race: Robain - Bold Addition - Crystal Rock