¬With the Paddy Power Gold Cup proving to be the premiere of the National Hunt season, the news of Grands Crus’s entry into November’s big race will be exciting for racing fans and punters.
The David Pipe trained 7-year-old looked untouchable as a novice last season before a very disappointing run in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham Festival.
Despite that Festival defeat to Bob’s Worth, Grands Crus’s ability in previous races was there for all to see, winning all three encounters in impressive style.
Trainer Pipe gave the biggest indication yet that the Paddy Power Gold Cup would be on Grands Crus’s agenda this season after a revealing his potential plans via twitter.
Pipe tweeted: “A lot of people have asked about Grands Crus – he will be entered in the P. Power and the Betfair, I will speak with owners before deciding.”
Grands Crus’s imminent return will have pricked the ears of betting punters with the French 7-year-old being healthily priced at 6/1 with the sponsors, especially with Pipe confirming his probable run.
However, this season’s Paddy Power looks set to be the most competitive in years and there could be a number of rivals out to beat Grands Crus including Cheltenham Festival winner Huntball (7/1) as well as the interesting Cue Card (8/1) and Menorah (12/1).
Punters looking for better value may be surprised to see that Champion Court is as big as 14/1 to take the Grade 3 handicap race.
The Martin Keighley trained 7-year-old was second only to this year’s Gold Cup favourite Sir Des Champs in the Jewson Novices’ last year.
He also has decent Cheltenham form scoring twice in five races, and at 14/1 ante-post, he holds extreme e/w value.
With a super competitive field the Paddy Power Gold Cup on November 17 looks set to get the National Hunt season rolling with all eyes afterwards looking to the Festival.
Grands Crus (6) , Hunt Ball (7) , Cue Card (8) , Menorah (12) , Aerial (14) , Champion Court (14) , Cristal Bonus (14) , Silvianico Conti (14) , The Giant Bolster (14) 16/1bar
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