David Jennings’ expert preview and advice ahead of Saturday’s game at Cheltenham

What’s the big story?

It Paddy Power Gold Cup day at Cheltenham, the showpiece of the November meeting, with Paul Nicholls once again in charge of the in-form favourite The fate of Ginnywho finished runner-up in the thrilling finale of Turner’s Rookie Chase at last season’s festival.

Ginny’s Destiny has been targeting this race since 1963, it seems, and has plenty of it, especially as the Ditcheat team can’t stop scoring these days and scored five goals at Wincanton last Saturday.

That said, it’s a fiercely contested Paddy Power Gold Cup, with Law of Gawinner in 2022 as well as a class act Protectorate and an unknown quantity Imagine. Ginny’s Destiny must be all he sets his mind to in order to win.

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Oh, it must be Ginny’s luck, but there isn’t much juice left in his price. Actually, there were never any, so I’m going to list two at higher prices: Let’s Go Champ and fugitive.

The Irish have a miserable race record but Lets Go Champ will love the ride and the way the race is run. His effort in the Galway Plate puts him right in the mix, while Fugitif just looks too big at around 16-1 given that he won December’s Gold Cup by just 1lb and has had the wind since we saw him last.

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What is the rate of the day?

Read to return in the 3m1f Amateur Jockeys Handicap Chase (1.10).

He caused a terrible row in the race last year when his driver was disqualified for giving him too much to do, but the talented Finny Maguire, son of Adrian, takes charge and how the race goes is right in his hands.

They will go to the split from the word go and Read To Return will be lobbing on the back about a lap and a half. He will only be interested in the race going down the hill for the last time. He is not able to win, and win well when everything falls into place for him. Looks like they will be here.

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What is the daily schedule?

Corinthia in the final listed bumper of mares (4.00).

She’s two out of two and features Willie and Patrick Mullins, but it’s deep heat and I adored the debut Siog Geal at Aintree where she did sprint down the straight but couldn’t get to the winner at the first try.

The form of her winning points was also successful. She is smart and 6-1 is a great price.

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What is the best bet on the first day of the Navan Racing Festival?

I’m a big fan Mywayofthinkin and consider him going to the Bar One Racing For Auction Novice Hurdle (1.25).

It is from the same family as Inoteveyurtinkin and Limerick Lace, so it will only get better with age. He seems to me a horse that could make a real name for himself this season and even make it to the Verkhovna Rada if everything goes as I hope.

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Read Saturday’s announcements:

‘It was always the aim’ – L’Eau Du Sud looks to bolster strong pursuit of Arkle Trial debut success

‘The plan was always to target this race’ – top trainers give their take on the exciting Paddy Power Gold Cup

Can Doyen Quest reach even greater heights in a new journey?

Is Hamsiann a disadvantage or will he be impressed now that he is back in the hurdles?

Can anyone stop Bleu De Vassy in 3rd grade at the auction after the fairy house demolition job?

‘He’s in great shape’ – Bob Olinger is back to try to repeat last year’s win under new driver Darr O’Keeffe

Can Champion Chase hero Captain Guinness win Fortria again?

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