Conquer the BetVictor with this pair

Trying to unfathom 2m5f handicap chases is either a great source of entertainment or a great way to give yourself a headache. I’m going to go with the former and have picked two who could outrun their odds in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham’s November meeting.

First up is 25-1 shot Go Conquer, for whom this looks the perfect race - so much so I cannot understand why Jonjo O'Neill might run him in the Sodexo Gold Cup.

I think he would win at Ascot, so be sure to back him if running there, but his profile would really appeal if he waits for Cheltenham.

Aidan Coleman said Go Conquer was one of the best jumpers he had ever ridden after his most recent win at Fontwell, where he thrashed As De Mee, who subsequently made a mockery of a decent handicap at Kelso.

He was unlucky in a few very decent chases last season, he didn’t stay in the Ultima and was badly hampered when running a bold race in the Topham.

I think he’s better than 142 and think the BetVictor would be the perfect race for him. He's definitely a horse to follow this season.

In a race that looks unsurprisingly open at this stage, you could do worse than back Foxtail Hill at 20-1 - and you can rest assured that he will definitely be going for the race!

Granted, he isn’t the most well-handicapped horse in training, but I don’t think there’s that much lurking at the bottom of the weights and I think this horse is Village Vic Mark II.

A bold-jumping front-runner is a massive asset around Cheltenham and this horse has proved he can get rivals who seem superior flat to the boards with his bold jumping and never-say-die attitude up the hill.

He showcased his well-being when winning over an inadequate trip at the Showcase meeting and that form is not to be underestimated as Le Prezien and Sizing Platinum aren’t far off Grade 1 class.

And let’s not forget the calibre of horse he beat when bounding to victory over course and distance back in January. Saphir Du Rheu went on to finish a close-up fifth in the Gold Cup, Tenor Nivernais won a Listed chase at Ascot by half the track and Shantou Flyer would finish second in a Grade 1.

Nigel Twiston-Davies would struggle to train a loser at the moment and Foxtail Hill could emulate Little Josh, who broke the hearts of his rivals from the front to win this race for the stable in 2010.

Read Maddy Playle every week in the Racing & Football Outlook - out every Tuesday