Twiston-Davies targets Gold Cup win

Nigel Twiston-Davies could hardly be more bullish about his prospects of retaining the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

The first big race of the new British jumps season is a fierce betting heat, but the trainer thinks his main contender Ballyfitz could be underrated by the handicapper.

Twiston-Davies, who is based just a few miles down the road from Cheltenham at Naunton, was keen enough to invest a £500 charity bet from the sponsors on Ballyfitz, who he feels is a similar type to his winner of the race a year ago, subsequent Ryanair Chase star Imperial Commander.

His latest chance is already a course winner on three occasions.

“Ballyfitz has got the same sort of profile as Imperial Commander,” said Twiston-Davies.

“He is last season’s novice chaser and won two races at Cheltenham and then ran badly in his final run.

“He has come back really well preparing for this season and it is the sort of race where the handicapper has not really got hold of them yet.

“I don’t think that we have seen the best of him yet, he is very exciting and he may be the one who is not totally exposed.

“Any rain would help his cause. He always travels very well in his races and there is no reason to think that he has to have three miles – the Pertemps Final and both his novice chase victories were over three – but he is never short of pace.

“We are very keen on his chances – he is a real battler and jumps well.

“And, obviously, if you look at his record, he likes Cheltenham – he has done more winning there than anywhere else.”

While stable jockey Paddy Brennan will be aboard Ballyfitz, Twiston-Davies has a second string to his bow in Knowhere, another Cheltenham stalwart.

He added: “Tom Molloy will take 5lb off Knowhere’s back, but he is a bit in the grip of the handicapper.

“He was third in the race two years’ ago and why shouldn’t he be again?

“He’s got a chance and maybe he might bring Tom into the spotlight this weekend.”