Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Newbury Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 3m2f , 4yo+) horse racing event.
Senior Chief rides the wave of success from Cheltenham at the end of October and stands as the favourite with bet365. This will mark his first race on British soil for the Henry De Bromhead-trained seven-year-old gelding. He performs well in less demanding races, having won a Beginners Chase last season, though he was pulled up in the Irish Grand National Chase.
Colonel Harry kicked off this season with a listed race at Carlisle, where he was the favourite but faltered at the finish. He claimed victory in the Towton Novices' Chase (Grade 2) in January, but his runs at Cheltenham and Aintree were modest. In this company, he stands a fighting chance, and his 11st6lb weight is favourable.
Victtorino ended his season at Cheltenham, unable to complete the Ultima Handicap Chase. Early last season, he secured two three-mile handicaps at Ascot, yet his form began to decline afterwards. The rest should benefit him, but the company remains challenging.
Broadway Boy finished third behind Senior Chief in October's Handicap Chase on his seasonal debut. Last season, he performed admirably, winning three starts before the New Year, though results have since deteriorated. He finished last by a significant margin in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree.
Midnight River was third on 1 November at Wetherby, not having raced for 11 months following a fall in the Gold Cup at Newbury. Nonetheless, his official rating stands at 151, which appears slightly inflated.
Horantzau d'Airy didn't take a summer break and has competed five times this season. After a fall in Killarney, he secured second place twice, in the Kerry National on 25 September and the Munster National on 20 October. With odds of 12/1 on bet365, we are keen to place an each-way bet.
