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Keith Melrose: why tactics will be crucial in a finely balanced Paddy Power

Coole Cody (noseband) got one of the rides of the season in last year's Paddy Power
Coole Cody (noseband) got one of the rides of the season in last year's Paddy PowerCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Saturday: 2.15 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

You might be thinking: here we go. This monomaniac is going to point out that Coole Cody winning last year's Paddy Power from the front is another little tick for his theory about prominent racers over fences at Cheltenham.

But no. In this race last year, the credit belongs solely to winning jockey Tom O'Brien. His was just about the ride of the season, right down to going just fast enough that Gavin Sheehan, who headed the main pack on Simply The Betts, called his bluff. O'Brien was not bluffing.

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Published on 12 November 2021inPreviews

Last updated 18:20, 12 November 2021

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