It’s easy to see why last year’s easy winner Step Back is a 7/1 favourite for the Gold Cup at 15:35 but that’s too short for our liking, especially after he reportedly returned home lame after being pulled up in the Grand National.
There are a number of runners with claims next in the betting, notably Givemeacopper from the in-form Paul Nicholls yard, but we’ll look to end the jumps season with a big priced winner and plump for a 20/1 shot in the form of Ballydine .
The Charlie Longsdon-trained runner won well here at Sandown over three miles last February, before a long break, presumably because of injury.
He didn’t pull up any trees on his return in Newcastle in December in the Eider, but a second place over 3m2f at Christmas at Newbury to Carole’s Destrier highlighted good pedigree over distances.
A third place in the Peter Marsh at Haydock in January – off a 7lb higher mark – was another tick in the box and he was going well for long periods in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last time out before being pulled up.
The National may have been a touch too long for him, so a shorter trip on the better ground makes a 20/1 play on Ballydine our bet of the day.
Don’t forget, Betfair Sportsbook are offering a free bet of up to £25 for every winner at 3/1 or over during ITV racing (free bet matching original stake, max £25).
