Coral Gold Cup Tips: Venetia Can Keep Momentum Rolling
The feature race at Newbury on Saturday is of course the Coral Gold Cup, an iconic old handicap for staying chasers held every year in the winter at the track. The 2024 renewal lacks a certain star power, but Billy Grimshaw is siding with a team in form to hopefully light up Newbury...
#AD 18+ New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. 18+ gambleaware.org
It was my own fault I suppose, back in the depths of winter 2023 when I persistently tipped up and backed VICTTORINO for two races at Cheltenham and one bck at Ascot after his Ascot November and December wins and he duly flopped. He is of course trained by Venetia Williams and I should have known, his Ascot successes which convinced me he was destined for the top were simply a consequence of the Williams magic that she conjures up at this time each and every season! I am of course jesting but it is remarkable how often Venetia seems to get her horses absolutely A1 around this time of the year, and as punters we have to take notice.
My reasoning for fancying the six year old, with stable jockey Charlie Deutsch back in the plate, is not simply his trainer's record of late - although it's certainly a positive! Although he is clearly seen to best effect at Ascot, which is right handed, I think the fair nature of Newbury and the wide track will negate any jitters he has about going left handed and he should be able to travel powerfully as he is accustomed to do when on a going day.
HIs record fresh is another plus, with last season's first and arguably most impressive performance when winning by eight lengths came off a 223 day break. He has been off the track before Newbury for 263 days, last seen pulling up when clearly hating the Ultima. Perhaps he is just a horse who'll never get on with Cheltenham, but he is also still so young for a chaser and I'd hope he can kick on and make a better fist of things there this year, in whichever race he is plonked into. It's all about Newbury on Saturday though and at the prices I think he makes a brilliant each-way bet in a race where plenty have shown their hand.
#AD 18+ New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. 18+ gambleaware.org
This race has taken plenty of pelters on social media over the last few days, and while I agree with a lot of complaints that the field does not look anything like brilliant renewals in years gone by in terms of quality, there is at least a competitive feel to it as a betting heat. Jamie Snowden's Colonel Harry is the one I fear most out of the field as it was clear to anyone with a set of eyes he wasn't enjoying going right handed on seasonal debut at Carlisle a few weeks back, so this return to a left handed track and the fact he has had a prep run to sharpen him up means I expect a bold show.
I was with Remastered in the Badger Beer a few weeks back (the wrong veteran, sadly) and he was going well enough in the race before a bad mistake and a fall four out. I've no idea how he'd have done if he stayed upright, in truth I reckon Al Dancer was tuned up to the minute and he'd have seen my fancy off, but the fact he's in here must mean he is no worse for wear from his fall and I wouldn't let him go unbacked if he hits an enormous price on the exchanges.
Broadway Boy is definitely in with a chance and the rest of the field would be minded not to give him too much of an easy lead, as we know he can take plenty of pegging back. The presence of Midnight River in here, with James Bowen booked and Harry Skelton on the mare Galia Des Liteaux, should mean he doesn't have things all his own way. Of the Dan Skelton runners I'd rather be with Midnight River with the ground probably a little quick for the big mare's liking. It's all aboard the hype train once more with Charlie and Venetia though for me!