Here are Timeform’s ratings and verdict for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Timeform’s Analyst Verdict and 1-2-3
JAGWAR was one of the most progressive horses in training over fences last term, winning 4 of his 5 starts, culminating in success in the Plate at the Festival. Looking every inch a graded performer in the making, he’s fancied to defy the assessor again and bag another big prize. Vincenzo signed off last season with a fine second at Newbury and is feared for the red-hot Sam Thomas stable. Panic Attack, Thecompanysergeant and last year’s winner Il Ridoto are also considered.
JagwarVincenzoPanic AttackTimeform’s weight-adjusted ratings
158p Jagwar
157+ Panic Attack
156 Thecompanysergeant
156 Vincenzo
156 Il Ridoto
155 Issar d’Airy
155 Hunter Legend
154 Coming Up Easy
154 Riskintheground
154 Hoe Joly Smoke
153+ Bad
153 Theatre Native
153 Es Perfecto
153 The Other Mozzie
152 Conyers Hill
Timeform pace info
Pace Forecast: Strong
Specific Pace Hint: Those that race prominently at this trip here are usually the ones to be with but the forecast pace is a very strong one and will probably harm the chances of PANIC ATTACK while doing the trick for JAGWAR.
Individual Price Hint: HOE JOLY SMOKE hit an in-running low of 25% or less of his starting Betfair SP when beaten last time.
Key video form Jagwar – Won, Trustatrader Plate, Cheltenham, March 2025Vincenzo – Second, Greatwood Gold Cup, Newbury, March 2025Panic Attack – Won, 2½m handicap chase, Windsor, January 2025Il Ridoto – Won, Paddy Power Gold Cup, Cheltenham, November 2024Coming Up Easy – Won, 2m5f listed handicap chase, Killarney, August 2025Best winning performances in the Paddy Power Gold Cup this century167 Al Ferof (2012)166 Cyfor Malta (2002)164 Stage Star (2023)161 Fondmort (2003)160 Great Endeavour (2011)Safer gambling
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