Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) 14.55 Newbury:
Myretown arrives in peak condition following a commanding display in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham last spring, where he surged clear with impressive authority to dismiss rivals by eleven lengths on good to soft ground.
The eight-year-old has proven his affinity for give in the surface, with all three chase successes coming under similar conditions, and his bold-jumping style should see him navigate Newbury’s testing fences with aplomb.
Trainer Lucinda Scudamore has him finely tuned after a targeted preparation, and Derek Fox’s strong partnership adds tactical edge in this stamina-sapping affair.
His relentless gallop late on suggests he remains ahead of the assessor despite a rise, bringing the class to mount a serious challenge.
Resplendent Grey impressed on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter in October, powering home with fluency before a battling second in the Colin Parker Memorial at Carlisle last month, where he quickened smartly on good to soft.
The seven-year-old thrives on cut, having scored twice over hurdles on soft earlier in his career, and this galloping track should unlock further progress from his unexposed profile.
Olly Murphy reports him in rude health post those pipe-openers, with Sean Bowen aboard to exploit his travelling ability, and his scope marks him as one still improving.
The Changing Man shaped with real promise on his return at Ascot earlier this month, staying on gamely to fill second after some early traffic despite a steady pace.
The eight-year-old excelled in novices last term, including a Grade Two victory at Ascot on good to soft, and his bold-jumping front-rank style suits this marathon test.
Joe Tizzard has his yard firing on all cylinders, and the addition of cheekpieces could sharpen his focus, with Brendan Powell’s recent hot streak a bonus from this mark.
He brings proven stamina and experience in big fields, arriving fresh and ready to build on that encouraging reappearance.
Hyland caught the eye when second to the reopposing Katate Dori in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton last winter, battling gamely on good to soft before a solid effort in Grade One company there subsequently.
The eight-year-old handles softer ground well, with two prior wins on it over hurdles, and his prominent racing suits Newbury’s long straight.
Nicky Henderson has him spot-on after a ninth at Cheltenham last month that offered excuses, and James Bowen’s booking enhances his claims in this deeper pool.
Katate Dori dominated the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton in February, quickening clear to score by fifteen lengths on good to soft, confirming his love for cut in the ground.
The seven-year-old has won three of his four chase starts, including on heavy at Chepstow earlier, and trainer Sam Thomas has freshened him ideally after a hurdles pipe-opener at Aintree.
Dylan Johnston’s allowance is a plus, and his fluent style should see him dictate from the front in this tougher assignment.
Panic Attack arrives on the crest of a wave after a dominant Paddy Power Gold Cup success at Cheltenham earlier this month, where she quickened sharply to prevail by four lengths on good to soft.
The nine-year-old relishes give, with her Windsor mares’ chase win last winter on soft, and her battling qualities shone through in that elite handicap.
Dan Skelton has her in top order for this double bid, and Tristan Durrell’s tactical ride could see her outstay some less-proven stayers.
The Doyen Chief returned to form with a close second at Bangor last month, staying on stoutly after a tardy start to just fail on good to soft.
The eight-year-old has a solid record on softer surfaces, including a win at Warwick on it last season, and this sharper track may help him quicken better.
Alan King reports him thriving at home, with Tom Bellamy retaining the ride, and he brings the experience to handle this rise in class.
Blizzard Of Oz showed marked improvement when scoring on his chasing bow at Gowran in February, jumping boldly before powering clear on yielding ground.
The seven-year-old has untapped potential with just five starts over hurdles prior, and he acts well on soft, having placed at Aintree on it.
Willie Mullins has him primed for this British raid, and J J Slevin’s cross-country nous could prove key in the testing finish.
Gorgeous Tom impressed when chasing home a subsequent Grade Two winner at Down Royal last month, staying on gamely on good to soft despite greenness.
The six-year-old brings smart novice form, including a bumper success on soft at Cork, and his size suggests this trip will suit as he gains experience.
Henry de Bromhead has him in excellent shape for his handicap debut, and Darragh O’Keeffe’s ride adds promise from a workable mark.
Simulations Results:
The results for the top ten: Myretown (12%), Resplendent Grey (11%), The Changing Man (10%), Hyland (9%), Katate Dori (9%), Panic Attack (8%), The Doyen Chief (8%), Blizzard Of Oz (7%), Gorgeous Tom (7%), Spanish Harlem (6%).
The field balances out with the remainder at lower shares.
Myretown: 12% (fair odds 7/1)
Resplendent Grey: 11% (fair odds 8/1)
The Changing Man: 10% (fair odds 9/1)
Hyland: 9% (fair odds 10/1)
Katate Dori: 9% (fair odds 10/1)
Panic Attack: 8% (fair odds 11/1)
The Doyen Chief: 8% (fair odds 11/1)
Blizzard Of Oz: 7% (fair odds 13/1)
Gorgeous Tom: 7% (fair odds 13/1)
Spanish Harlem: 6% (fair odds 15/1)
Best bet: Myretown, his explosive Cheltenham form and ground suitability giving him the nod in a wide-open renewal.
Value selection: Hyland at 10/1, where the market underrates his reversal potential with Katate Dori and proven track affinity, against fair odds of 10/1—edging value through his upside on return.