2011 Spinal Research Gold Cup Betting Preview

While it may not have the most straightforward name in jumps racing, the Spinal Research The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup (Handicap Chase) Grade 3 is set to kick off this Saturday and it's easily one of the day's showpieces for up-and-coming chasers looking to make a statement over 2m5f.

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The ante post market going into this one looks like we're setting up for a three-way rematch of the 2011 Paddy Power Gold Cup with a trio of talented contenders looking to push on from their last massive clash. Divers, the third place finisher in the Gold Cup is stepping up to tackle Great Endeavour and Quantitativeeasing at Cheltenham.

Divers trades alongside the talented Ghizao right now with an 8/1 listing while the top two in the Paddy Power are deadlocked at 6/1 for the outright position of favourite. Quantitativeeasing and Great Endeavour are both very exciting chasers who will be looking to stake their claim as the top chaser in the 2 miles and a bit division.

At the time of this writing, a deep field of 23 are still in the mix for this one and, even though many of them may not be the most recognizable names in the land, they tend to represent very good yards and virtually every horse in the race has expectations upon it for festival time.

One of the attractive contenders just outside of the betting favourites is the well-monikered Havingotascoobydo and he looks set to progress in this one. Trading at a very tempting 12/1, you can expect him to build on second place finish he pulled off at Cheltenham a few weeks back in just his first season of chasing.

Medermit is also here for this one and he's managed to finish third in the Amlin Chase behind Master Minded and Somersby. That pair is a few steps above the contenders on display in this one so his price tag of 14/1 might look good to some folks based on the fact that this race is, indeed, a step down in class.

With proper ground, you can expect Medermit to be there or thereabouts.

Sunnyhillboy and I'msingingtheblues are both outside contenders in this one and you can see that heir 10/1 and 14/1 prices make them very attractive win-only selections. I'msingintheblues managed a fourth-place finish to champion Sizing Europe in the Tingle Creek just a few days ago and his yard likes to turn their contenders out quickly when they're in sharp form. This is more of a vote of confidence than anything if I'msingingtheblues lines up for this one.

Sunnyhillboy didn't really impress in his first effort this season, but he tends to need the race before finding his best. Jonjo O'Neill's contender really does enjoy the surface at Cheltenham and, if the fates conspire, he could be set for his first score in a while.