Paddy Power Cotswold Chase (2.25 Cheltenham) – Skelton’s Protektorat to put himself in Gold Cup picture

The Paddy Power Cotswold Chase is set to be run over 3M 1 1/2F of the new course. It is a Gold Cup trial for the big one in seven weeks time although winners do actually have a poor record in the Gold Cup itself. Only two favourites have won since 1999. Let’s analyse the runners and riders ahead of this big race on the weekend. Read on to see which horse I am backing with my horse racing tips below.

Frodon

The oldest in the field at eleven years old and has to shoulder a 6lb penalty for his grade one Down Royal Champion Chase victory in October 2021. Trained by the master handler Paul Nicholls and ridden by his regular rider Bryony Frost he started this season on a winning note in the Badger Beers Handicap Chase at Wincanton but has been beaten just under twenty lengths in two grade ones since. Held by Protektorat on Betfair Chase form and hard to fancy.

Noble Yeats

Last year’s Grand National winner has taken his form to a whole new level this season by winning a listed race at Wexford prior to his best ever run when winning the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree last December where he sprinted clear between the last fences and won with some authority. Trained in Ireland by Emmet Mullins and ridden today, like last time, by Sean Bowen he’s officially rated only 3lb behind Protektorat and despite a 6lb penalty looks sure to be thereabouts. Flopped on only run at Cheltenham at last year’s Festival in a handicap so has to prove himself at the track.

Protektorat

Third in last season’s Gold Cup, Dan Skelton’s eight year old gelding ran out a very impressive winner in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November winning by eleven lengths from Eldorado Allen. A consistent chaser who may still be on the upgrade and with the trainers brother Harry in the saddle looks the one they all have to beat. Officially rated the best horse in the field.

Ahoy Senor

A smart novice last season winning three times and winning a grade one at Aintree it has to be said he’s been a bit disappointing so far this season in three starts with his jumping letting him down on occasions. His best effort came at Aintree on his penultimate outing when finishing 3 1/2L third behind Noble Yeats and is going to have raise him game to be involved today. Trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell and will be ridden today by his regular rider Derek Fox.

Dusart

Runs here in preference to Doncaster’s Skybet Chase. Trained at Seven Barrows by Nicky Henderson he was a tad disappointing on his reappearance in a handicap back over hurdles 50 days ago. A smart novice last season winning three times culminating in victory in a class 2 novices’ handicap chase at Ayr. Officially rated last of the six runners today with 15lb to find with the top rated Protektorat and will need to improve to take a hand in the finish. James Bowen takes the ride.

Sounds Russian

Trained by Ruth Jefferson in Yorkshire, the eight year old’s form ties in with Dusart from Ayr last season although he does look a better animal this season winning at Kelso in October and finishing just behind Ahoy Senor at Aintree in December. Good effort last time in a valuable handicap under top weight. No penalties to carry here and won’t disgrace himself.

Paddy Power Cotswold Chase betting tips

Favourites tend not to do well in this race but it’s hard not to look beyond Protektorat who impressed all when scooting up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. His main danger is surely Noble Yeats who won in terrific style at Aintree last time where he seemed to just join in between the last two fences when the turbo kicked in. The race can be fought out between the pair with preference for the former.

Protektorat 13/8 bet365

If you’re interested in betting on the Cheltenham Gold Cup then don’t forget to visit our Cheltenham Festival tips page to keep up-to-date with all our betting tips and predictions.

All odds accurate at the time of writing.