'He could put down a real marker' - words from the wise on the weekend's racing

Who's your fancy in today's big race, the BetVictor Gold Cup?

Richard Hoiles, ITV Racing commentator Happy Diva looks a decent each-way prospect at the prices. She was still going well in the race last year when brought down in the incident four out that really changed the complexion of the race. The fact she is a decent price is a plus because her strike-rate hasn’t always been what it could be but she is extremely consistent.

Jamie McBride, William Hill trader It looks wide open and a good betting heat. My tentative selection is the unexposed Belami Des Pictons. He has proved fragile, he’s run only once in the last two years, but the yard are more than capable of getting one ready after a long absence and he has been entered in the King George in recent weeks so must be showing something at home.

Keith Melrose, Racing Post betting editor It’s so competitive that I think the safest bet might be Happy Diva for a place. She was looking set to run her usual race in this last year before being brought down four out and has plenty of form in the mud. For more of a win bet, I’d edge towards Spiritofthegames, who quite possibly hasn’t shown his all yet and shaped as well as any in the corresponding race at the festival.