Vodafone Gold Cup Betting Preview (this Saturday!)

Having backed Europa to land the Skybet Chase at Southwell last time, I was left feeling that the money was lost through a tactical misjudgement by the jockey, as opposed to the fact that he was beaten by a better horse, with no disrespect to the winner, A Glass In Thyne. Cruising two fences out, Europa should have been given the office by 5lb claimer Tim Dreaper, who instead held onto his charge, seemingly riding him as though stamina was a concern. However, back over two and a half miles in the Vodafone Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury on Saturday, Ferdy Murphy's charge looks poised to go very close and is well worth an each-way punt at 14/1 with Blue Square. The Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding had a number of subsequent winners behind when running the progressive Bold Bishop to three parts of a length over this course and distance in November and, despite being 9lb higher in the ratings now, he will still be feasibly treated if puting his best foot forward in this Listed contest. Another with solid course and distance form is Made In Japan, who seems to have go his act together since being upped in distance, and I'd recommend splitting stakes and backing him as well as Europa, as the 10/1 with Blue Square makes plenty of appeal. Winner of the Triumph Hurdle at the 2004 Cheltenham Festival, Philip Hobbs' charge failed to scale the heights anticipated during his first campaign over fences last term, but he has warmed to the game this season, posting a number of creditable efforts in defeat. Following excellent efforts on his first two starts this season, the six-year-old was a tad disappointing when favourite and only fifth behind subsequent Victor Chandler Chase winner Tysou over two miles at Cheltenham. However, stepped back up in trip - racing over two miles, five furlongs back at Prestbury Park - Made In Japan returned to form by finishing a cracking third to Fondmort in a competitive race on New Year's Day, an effort which arguably makes him the form choice for Saturday's race. Claymore merits plenty of respect. He has always possessed ample ability but hasn't always shined in his races. He travelled well and won with more in hand the length and a half margin suggests when beating Better Days at Wetherby last time. He should give a good account but, off a 5lb higher mark, he may be vulnerable. The lightly-raced Windsor Boy, a cosy winner at Fakenham last time, hails from Martin Pipe's stable and is another that warrants respect, along with the enigmatic but hugely talented Redemption.