ITV Racing Preview: Can Happy Diva retain Paddy Power Gold Cup?
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We take a look at the best of Saturday’s races
All eyes will be on Cheltenham this weekend as the ITV cameras hit the road once again to capture the best of the weekend’s action.
There are five thrilling races to look forward to from Cheltenham’s November Meeting, as well as two from Lingfield in a jam-packed day.
And ahead of the action, we’ve taken a closer look at the runners and riders to keep an eye on.
Cheltenham
13:40 Paddy Power November Novices Chase (Grade 2)
14:15 Paddy Power Gold Cup (Handicap Stakes)
14:50 Paddy Power 3pm Kick Off Handicap Hurdle
15:25 Paddy Power One Before The Flat Handicap Hurdle
15:55 Karndean Designflooring National Hunt Flat Race (Listed)
Lingfield
15:05 Betway Churchill Stakes (Listed)
15:40 Betway Gold Rose Stakes (Listed)
On the back of two consecutive wins, Fusil Raffles could go well here to make it three wins from three over fences. He comfortably beat competitor Gumball at Uttoxeter recently.
Eldorado Allen impressed on his chasing debut at Newton Abbott last month. He’s endured a disrupted career so far and could now kick on and find some consistency.
As mentioned, Gumball will be looking to get revenge on Fusil Raffles following their Uttoxeter battle. He won over course and distance on his last outing.
With four wins from his last five outings, Simply The Betts looks the one to beat here. He won a novice handicap and the Plate in his last two starts over this trip on the New Course.
Saint Sonnet will be looking to spoil the party though, having impressed in the Golden Miller last time out. He won a decent novice chase at Catterick and is a Listed hurdle winner in France.
Last year’s winner Happy Diva makes her return and will still fancy her chances, despite being 8lbs heavier. She ended last season as runner-up to Simply The Betts in the Plate and she looked promising in her Wetherby return.
Good Effort could make it five wins in as many all-weather races here. He produced a career best in winning a 5f handicap when returning 10 days ago.
But last year’s winner Judicial is looking to stop him and retain his crown in the process. An inconsistent 2020 has produced two wins from five and he’ll want to improve here.
Also in contention is On The Warpath, who makes his return after 140 days off. But he’ll need to improve to pose a threat after finishing last of nine on his previous run.
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