Tips: Emma Nagle serves up a Mullins 25-1 each-way bet at Cheltenham Two Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival winners bring the glitz and glamour to Prestbury Park on Saturday as The Real Whacker and Stage Star head the Paddy Power Gold Cup. The premier handicap is a fine betting race for punters with the past five winners of the race returning at 5-1, 9-1, 10-1, 14-1 and 8-1. Emma Nagle has delved into the form with her selections below and is taking on the big two with a couple of confident each-way chances. What's more, BoyleSports is offering an exclusive €50 in free bets for Irish customers to spend on the racing. 12.35 - JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Grade 2) This trial last produced a winner in the Festival’s corresponding race when the prolific Defi Du Seuil cruised home under a typical Barry Geraghty ride. Jonjo Jr channelled his inner Geraghty with a cool ride on Iroko recently, and I think he may be on another winner for the green and gold here. Milan Tino has opened up as favourite for the French raiders. In juvenile terms, the gelding is interestingly bred, by Milan and out of Que Pasa who was a good filly for Harry Kelly. A Milan wouldn’t be what springs to mind when you think of a Juvenile hurdler but the French do things a bit differently with these three-year-olds, and it works. Most recently seen when placed in a Grade 3 hurdle behind Jigme, who is considered to be the best three-year-old hurdler in France. The form of that run was well boosted in a Grade 1 contest last weekend. Burdett Road is a danger after an impressive hurdles debut but he beat very little that day and will have to learn to race more sensibly to deal with the French horse here. 2.20 Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase Among a strong field, two of Cheltenham’s star novices are facing off which makes this look like a real early season treat. Trends in the race would suggest having a run under the belt is a big plus for contenders, you would be going back as far as 2015 (Annacotty) to find a first-time-out winner. That would put doubts in my mind for the two that top the weights, who are much more likely to be using this as a starting point and will be meeting horses more primed for the day. Notlongtillmay is a standout for me, at around 7/1 with Boylesports he looks a great each way bet. Laura Morgan’s charge comes into this on the back of a fairly eye-catching run over two-miles here at Cheltenham a few weeks ago. He was staying on well there without being asked to exert himself too much, that should put him bang on for this. The type of run last time would make you think this was a targeted race, whereas it looks like a starting point for others. He has to overturn the Turners form with Stage Star but with race fitness and getting 3lbs I think he can disrupt the favourite. I'd be shocked if he wasn’t right up in the mix. At 25/1 it’s hard not to give Authorized Art a small each way squeak for Willie and Danny Mullins. Cheekpieces come off after a lovely run in the Kerry National. Looked like he was coming there with a real chance that day but just got forced out wide turning down the bottom. Capable of running into a place with fitness on his side. 2.55 Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle Buddy One leads a strong Irish challenge here and could be the best of them. Paul Gilligan’s charge comes into this on the back of a good win at Galway and is very consistent. He was seen to good effect when he made a bold bid in the Martin Pipe under today's jockey, and was maybe even a bit unlucky to be reeled in by Iroko after drifting across the track. Although he’s going up in the weights, only being a six-year-old he could have plenty more left to come. His regular jockey takes off a good 7lbs here which will help and at around 6/1 with Boylesports he looks sure to be right there. 18+ Please gamble responsibly. Dunlewey.org. Begambleaware.org
