Silverburn heads Gold Cup market
Silverburn has been installed as the 7-2 favourite by the sponsors for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 15 after 56 entries were received.
Paul Nicholls’ second-season chaser won a Grade One at Sandown last term before running respectably in fourth behind Albertas Run in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Festival.
The champion trainer, as ever, has a very strong team with the likes of Noland, Nozic, Oslot and Turko also entered.
Nicky Henderson is another with a strong squad. The likes of The Queen’s Barber’s Shop, Jack The Giant, Fleet Street and Boomshakalaka could represent the master of Seven Barrows.
Other notable entries include Monet’s Garden, Don’t Push It, Acambo, Three Mirrors and Imperial Commander.
The Irish could be represented by Finger Onthe Pulse, Merry Cowboy, Reisk Superman, Scotsirish, Sky’s The Limit and Watson Lake.
Carl Llewellyn’s Roll Along, second in the SunAlliance Chase, is another possible.
“Roll Along was only beaten a short-head at Taunton over two miles and three furlongs in the race before the Royal & SunAlliance Chase,” said Llewellyn.
“It’s a sharp two miles and three there, so we all feel that he’s got enough speed for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. I’d be happy putting him in a fast-run race over two and a half miles around Cheltenham.
“He’s done well over the summer and is in very good form. I’m very happy with him, we’ve had a clear run and haven’t missed a day since he came back in training.
“I’m hoping there’s more improvement in him because he’ll struggle off that handicap mark if there isn’t.”
Roll Along has a pair of engagements this coming weekend at Ascot on Saturday and Carlisle the following day.
Llewellyn added: “The going at Carlisle is heavy and Ascot is good, good to firm in places, so we’ll have a look before committing and then consider the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
“He’s won on heavy but that’s not ideal for him and while he goes on fast, I wouldn’t run him on anything approaching firm, so really he wants something in-between. Good to soft would be perfect for him.”
Paddy Power Gold Cup – Sponsors bet: 7-2 Silverburn, 8-1 Jack the Giant, 8-1 Noland (doubtful), 10-1 Imperial Commander, Don’t Push It, Finger Onthe Pulse, 12-1 Piraya, Barbers Shop, Mahogany Blaze, 14-1 Maljimar, Oslot, Abragante, 16-1 bar.
