As handicappers go, a big performance from Johns Spirit around Cheltenham’s Old Course rates as something of a banker. The winner of this, the Paddy Power Gold Cup, in 2013, he was mugged at the line by a fast-finishing Caid Du Berlais in 2014 after shooting clear from the chasing pack.
Just 1lb higher than last year’s mark and with his trainer claiming he’s in the best nick he’s had him, the conditions won’t be dissimilar to the previous two renewals and no surely horse can be backed to run a big race with more confidence. Suspicion is there will be one or two too good – too well handicapped on the day – so the place bet looks the way to go.
You’ll get a better price of 7/2 on him finishing in the first five if you back him each-way at 14/1 with Paddy Power and then lay off the win bet on Betfair Exchange. The added bonus for this is Paddy Power will give you a free bet of up to £25 if he finishes second.
2pts TBP Johns Spirit, Cheltenham (five places each-way with Paddy Power, lay on Betfair Exchange)
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