Nicholls Just Loves Winning "The Greatwood"

Our good run continued last Saturday with Mister Malarkey and Cap Du Nord both placing.

We go all in today with a strong bet in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury. The ground is good and similar to last weekend a fluent round of jumping is most important.

Paul Nicholls has farmed this race winning five out of the last eight renewals. He runs two this afternoon with Grand Sancy preferred to Capeland. Bryony Frost is booked to ride and the good ground is just what he has been waiting for! Paul Nicholls says in his Betfair blog that “Sancy has a Grand chance at Newbury on Saturday” which is noted. Grand Sancy won easily from the now rated 147 Paint the Dream at Chepstow last October. He bombed out at Wincanton where he choked and panicked according to his trainer at Grade 2 level.

Grand Sancy reached a high level over hurdles winning at Grade 2 level. Over hurdles he reached a rating of 152 and looks as good over fences so is fairly treated on a mark of 149. Last season he finished a close third to Global Citizen in a Grade 2 novice chase at Kempton. Rouge Vif was just over a length in front finishing second that day and is currently rated 163! Grand Sancy is not a huge price but if settling well is the likeliest winner. I am happy to back Grand Sancy in this race arriving fresh from a break and representing champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Newbury - 1:50

1.0 Point Each Way Grand Sancy 11/2 Paddy Power & Betfair SB else 5/1 Skybet, all listed paying 5 places.

Compare Odds at Newbury Saturday 13:50 Betting Odds Winner | Horse Racing | Oddschecker