MANOFTHEMOUNTAIN – 2.15pm CHELTENHAM

0.25 POINTS EACH WAY BET ADVISED AT THE 14/1 AVAILABLE SKYBET WHO ARE PAYING 7 PLACES

UP THE STRAIGHT – 2.15pm CHELTENHAM

0.25 POINTS EACH WAY BET ADVISED AT THE 20/1 AVAILABLE SKYBET WHO ARE PAYING 7 PLACES

Hi guys, I’ve spent a couple of hours this morning on the big race of the day which of course is the 19-runner Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

It is wide open and ultra-competitive as you would expect with several having winning chances close to the head of the market but, as usual, I’m trying to get them beat by looking for a bit of value at bigger prices.

The two I’ve backed myself with Skybet (because they are the only bookie I have a working, unrestricted, account with and they are also the only firm paying 7 places on the race) are Manofthemountain (14/1) & Up The Straight (20/1). They are available at bigger prices (18/1 & 22/1) but with firms paying less places and in this type of race you really need extra place insurance.

I like Manofthemountain because he is an 8 year old who will have the strength and stamina it takes to do well in this race. He also has a course win under his belt and a recent run (5 weeks ago at Chepstow coming back from a 178-day break) which could have put him spot on for this. He showed a liking for the track when winning over 2m4.5f here back in April. He did it easily that day going in by 4.5 lengths to the very good Magic Saint and, although he is 7lb higher here, he hasn’t had much racing so could yet have more to offer. The official “Good” ground will suit and he has a 5-10 record over fences. He has a nice profile for the race and with a little more improvement could easily be involved in the finish.

I like Up The Straight because, again, he has a nice profile for the race being a progressive 7 year old with a run under his belt where he won a 3-runner race by an impressive 14 lengths at Plumpton 26 days ago. He too will be suited by the Going and he has the experienced Tabitha Worsely taking a useful 5lb off his back. He historically goes well at this time of year and carries just 10 stone 10lb here.

In my opinion, any one of about 10 horses could win this but I’m hopeful I’ve found you a couple at decent “value” odds that will give us a good run for our money. It goes without saying, please keep it fun and your stakes small. Good luck!

Jibber Jabber

P.S. Just a reminder that while We suggest bookies to bet with because they have the best price available or are offering to pay extra places in a race these are purely for your benefit and We receive absolutely nothing from them. WE’RE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY BOOKMAKERS!

If you like my write-ups and they’ve helped you then please…