racing_news/

Mann Considers Paddy Power Gold Cup for Exciting Duo
30/10/09

Charlie Mann hopes to carry off the Grade Three BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday, November 14, and the Lambourn trainer could launch a two-pronged assault on the prestigious prize with his exciting second-season chasers Gauvain and Shining Gale, both 16/1 chances with the sponsors.

Gauvain, sixth in last season’s Grade One The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy over two miles at The Festival, will be attempting to prove his stamina over the extended two and half mile trip.

The seven-year-old proved his class over shorter last term, winning the Grade Two Kingmaker Novices’ Chase over two miles at Sandown in February, before handing Chapoturgeon a six-length defeat over an extended two miles at Cheltenham in April.

Shining Gale is already a course and distance winner, having trounced his rivals in the Steel Plate And Sections Novices’ Chase on soft ground at The Open last year. Also a winner at Ludlow and Warwick last term, the classy seven-year-old ended his season with a fine second to Killyglen in the Grade Two Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April.

Mann revealed this morning: “Both horses won around Cheltenham last season and they have to go somewhere, so the Paddy Power Gold Cup seems a good option. They are both intended runners, certainly Gauvain would be going at this stage. With regard to Shining Gale, a lot depends on what happens this weekend. I would like to get a run into him before the Paddy Power Gold Cup and he is in at Carlisle on Sunday and at Ascot on Saturday.

“I think Gauvain wants either a stiff two miles or two and a half miles. Shining Gale would be ideal for the race but he wants softer ground, whereas Gauvain would be all right on better ground. Shining Gale would suit the race if the ground got soft because he travels very well and is on a good mark.”

The Paul Nicholls-trained Poquelin heads the betting with Paddy Power making the six-year-old its 5/1 favourite following victory in the zeturf.com Handicap Chase over two and half miles at Cheltenham on October 17.

Nicholls also trains Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase victor Chapoturgeon, who is 8/1 joint second favourite with the Alan King-trained Tarotino, winner of his last three starts.

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the highlight of Paddy Power Gold Cup Day, which is the middle of three fantastic days at The Open, running from Friday, November 13, to Sunday, November 15.