Twinjets Poised to Deliver Nicholls' Tenth Greatwood Gold Cup Victory

Twinjets Poised to Deliver Nicholls' Historic Tenth Greatwood Gold Cup Victory

As the racing world builds momentum towards the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, this Saturday presents a crucial opportunity for punters to bolster their funds with a packed schedule of jumps action across Newbury, Doncaster, and Kelso. Expert analysis reveals several compelling ante-post propositions that could yield significant returns.

Nicholls' Dominance in the Greatwood Gold Cup

Trainers often develop specific patterns in their seasonal targets, and for Paul Nicholls, the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury (3.45pm) remains a perennial focus. The Ditcheat-based trainer has already secured this valuable handicap chase an unprecedented nine times, establishing a formidable record. This weekend, he appears strongly positioned to achieve a remarkable double-digit milestone with his contender, Twinjets.

This nine-year-old gelding experienced an unfortunate unseating incident during his most recent outing at Cheltenham. However, prior to that setback, he delivered an emphatic performance by cruising to a ten-length victory over the same course and distance in November. Twinjets demonstrates optimal form on good-to-soft ground, and with minimal rainfall forecast, conditions should be favorable for his running style.

Currently trading at 4/1, Twinjets may not represent the most extravagant price, but his profile perfectly aligns with the demands of this race. Under the guidance of jockey Harry Cobden, who is expected to adopt an aggressive front-running tactic, this progressive horse could prove exceptionally difficult to overtake.

Competitive Contenders at Doncaster and Kelso

The Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster (2.30pm) consistently attracts a highly competitive field, making it an ideal event for a dual-handed betting approach. Some Scope, who finished second in this race two years ago under a handicap mark of 125, now competes off a reduced rating of 122, further enhanced by Charlie Maggs' valuable three-pound claim.

While his recent cross-country effort at Cheltenham can be disregarded, Some Scope previously showcased his ability with a convincing victory over three miles at Doncaster. This success marked his second win from four starts at the track, indicating a clear affinity for the course. Trainer Richard Hobson has his stable in excellent form, making the eight-year-old an attractive each-way proposition at 12/1.

Another noteworthy contender in the same race is New Order, trained by the in-form Charlie Longsdon. Available at 10/1 for each-way support, this consistent performer recently secured a commendable second place in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster in January. He enters this contest with an unchanged handicap mark, having consistently placed in his last three outings. A change of fortune appears imminent for this reliable campaigner.

At Kelso, the lucrative Morebattle Hurdle (3.30pm) offers a substantial prize fund of £120,000. While the locally trained Cracking Rhapsody seeks an unprecedented hat-trick after consecutive victories, Hamlet's Night emerges as a potentially superior value selection. This five-year-old son of Invincible Spirit arrives fresh from a flat victory and previously pushed the highly regarded Rubaud to a narrow neck in the Grade Two Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

Making his handicap debut off a mark of 134, Hamlet's Night retains significant potential for improvement. Trainer James Owen has secured the services of jockey Sean Bowen, who has already partnered this horse to two prior wins. Priced around 10/1, this progressive novice possesses all the attributes to deliver a standout performance.