Paddy Power Gold Cup Tips: Finger On The Pulse

The Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.35 Cheltenham) looks a high quality renewal and it is difficult to separate those at the top of the handicap. Grands Crus is probably the most likely winner but 5/2 doesn’t appeal. Instead, I’ve gone hunting for value at the bottom of the handicap with Finger On The Pulse.

Carrying the minimum weight of 10st and with Maurice Linehan’s 7lbs claim; if Finger On The Pulse had any less weight he’d float off into the sky! At 50/1 (Betfred) some would say that is his only chance of winning but he’s got some classy form to his name.

In 2008 he won the Jewson Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and although pickings have been slim since, he did land the valuable Galway Plate in 2010. At 11-years of age, his best days might seem behind him but that isn’t reflected in his recent form. Last month he finished third at Cheltenham in a competitive handicap, earning a Racing Post Rating of 142, the same rating as when finishing 7th in the Byrne Group Plate at the Festival in March.

Last December he was also going well in the Spinal Research Gold Cup, again at Cheltenham, when falling four out. If he had stayed upright, he could have finish in the top-4, earning a potential RPR of around 150.

String those three Cheltenham runs together and he has RPRs of 150-142-142; making him look well-handicapped racing off a mark of 137 this Saturday.

Having recently moved to Jonjo O’Neill, his new trainer could eek out further improvement. At 50/1 (Betfred) he isn’t a forlorn hope, especially with ¼ odds for a top-4 finish.

*Best Odds Guaranteed – Betfred
Back Finger On The Pulse with Betfred as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.