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Previews
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bet365 Gold Cup: Keith Melrose previews a spectacular jumps season finale

El Presente (centre) wins the Badger Ales with Kitty's Light (left) in third
El Presente (centre) wins the Badger Ales with Kitty's Light (left) in thirdCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

3.40 Sandown
bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 3m5f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Looking only at recent winners of the bet365 Gold Cup, you would think the race is in rude health. Look only at topweight Crosspark's BHA mark (150) and you might conclude the opposite. Neither is quite accurate, although in isolation this year's race looks better than average.

In the 2010s, there was one occasion when the topweight ran off a lower mark (Michel Le Bon, 2013) and another when it was exactly 150. In Clan Des Obeaux, we came close to having a topweight reminiscent of the old days – off 169 he would have been the highest-rated to run in the race since Jodami in 1996.

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Published on 23 April 2021inPreviews

Last updated 18:15, 23 April 2021

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