'Royale Pagaille will be suited by Cheltenham and ticks the boxes for Gold Cup'

Would you aim Royale Pagaille at the Festival Novices' Chase or the Gold Cup? Three Racing Post experts have their say . . .

'He's 5-1 but could end up 5-4'

Neither. The National Hunt Chase is his for the taking if connections just want another festival winner. His jumping is improving fast and he is a thorough stayer. It would take a colossal performance from something to beat him in that. That's where I would go were he mine, although the Gold Cup might be too tempting to turn down at the start of festival week if the ground is soft and the forecast is bad. Monkfish is the Riccis' number one for the Festival Novices' Chase so I would be shocked to see him show up there. He's 5-1 for the National Hunt Chase. If connections decide that's where they want to go he could end up 5-4.
David Jennings, reporter

'I'm all for going for Gold'

It would certainly make sense to keep your options open, but I am all for going for Gold in these circumstances. His sire Blue Bresil is extremely versatile in terms of ground requirements for his progeny and he should be able to make it a real stamina test this year. He reminds me of another seven-year-old in Imperial Call from 1996 – he got on a roll and it ended in glory.
Dave Randall, analyst and tipster

A delighted Tom Scudamore with Royale PagailleCredit: Grossick Racing

'He ticks both boxes'

Royale Pagaille was flawless at Haydock and, if I were lucky enough to own him, I would be gunning for the Gold Cup. He is a novice, technically, but he looks a seriously accomplished jumper and the way he travels into his races is visually that of a Grade 1-calibre animal. The trip will hold no fears, he's best left-handed and he looks the type who would suit Cheltenham. Remember, Gold Cup winners are not necessarily always the most classy staying chasers around, it's more a combination of relishing the extraordinary test as much as being a very high-class horse. He ticks both boxes and is still an unknown quantity.
James Stevens, reporter

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