Paddy Power Gold Cup: Owen fancies 25-1 runner for red-hot trainer

Friday marks the start of Cheltenham’s November meeting and the stars are out to play. We’re going to see Cheltenham Festival contenders all over the place at Prestbury Park, including My Drogo, Third Time Lucki and Put The Kettle On. If you want to read more about the ones to watch, check out Adrian’s article here.

The feature contest of the long weekend is the Grade 3 Paddy Power Gold Cup, a hugely competitive handicap. Raced over the 2m 4f distance, horses such as Al Ferof, Johns Spirit, Taquin Du Seuil and Happy Diva have made it their own in recent years. There have been plenty of shocks too, but I don’t you should be surprised if this 25-1 shot scores on Saturday. He has a lively chance and you can see all my analysis for the race below.

2.15 Cheltenham – Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase

It took him nine times to get off the mark over fences, but Paint The Dream (25-1) has excelled since getting his head in front. That Newbury success was impressive, jumping well and scampering clear by seven lengths when popped the question. He was subsequently pitched into the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown, where he was far from disgraced to finish third.

Back down in grade on seasonal return at Chepstow, he ran out a dominant winner of a handicap off 147. That run proved that he was still going places and a five-pound rise is far from harsh, especially as he remains totally unexposed for an in-form yard. Fergal O’Brien is enjoying a great start to the season and recently, he’s operating at a 17% strike-rate.

His totally uncomplicated style makes him a strong candidate, as he jumps and travels effortlessly for Conor Brace. He goes well on all types of surfaces and if getting into a good rhythm early on, he’s unlikely to be far away for the placings.

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