The betting market for the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham’s November meeting has tightened significantly, with July Flower emerging as a strong contender for the title. The race, which serves as a key indicator for the Cheltenham Festival, features a deep field including market leader Meetmebythesea, who is favored under Ben Pauling’s care. However, the panel from At The Races’ *Weekend Winners* program, comprising Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell, and Declan Rix, identified the Skelton-trained mare as a standout value pick with substantial upside potential.
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Tracey highlighted July Flower’s proven pedigree at this specific track, noting her victory in the Arkle Trial during last year’s meeting. “A mare won this last year, and I am hoping the girls can do the same here with July Flower,” Tracey explained. She argued that the horse has yet to display her full capabilities, suggesting that her recent form may not fully reflect her true ceiling. As a “lovely, big mare,” July Flower is viewed by the panel as a horse capable of a breakthrough performance, particularly given the favorable conditions and her prior success at Prestbury Park.
The competition remains fierce, with Blueking d’Oroux aiming to break his jinx after finishing second in his last two attempts, and Cheltenham Festival hero Madara representing the formidable Skelton stable. Other notable names in the mix include Quebecois, Norn Iron, O’Moore Park, and Zurich. Yet, the consensus among the betting analysts leans toward July Flower as the horse to watch, with the panel predicting she could finally unlock her best form and claim the Handicap gold on a crucial Saturday for jump racing.
Source: Sky Sports
