Tranquil set for Paddy Power Gold Cup run

Leading fancy Tranquil Sea looks set to take his chance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Edward O'Grady's Grade One-winning hurdler was largely disappointing in his first season over fences but there was much to like about his defeat of Joncol and Trafford Lad at the end of last month.

The trainer is expecting his seven-year-ld to continue to progress and is looking forward to his weekend assignment.

‘It is likely that Tranquil Sea will go to the Paddy Power Gold Cup,’ said O'Grady.

‘We were delighted with his win at Naas last time. He has only won twice over fences so I would say that was his best run and, being a seven-year-old, I think it would be normal to expect some improvement from him.

‘He is well and we are looking forward to a nice run. He has been around Cheltenham before so that would not be a concern.’

Robert Thornton is hoping he can win the valuable prize for the first time on Alan King's Tarotino having finished third on Kandjar D'Allier in 2005 and second on Il Duce two years later.

‘He's been very good at home and although I've not ridden work on him, I've been told that he's been going well,’ said Thornton.

‘Schooling-wise I popped him over six to nine fences the other morning and he jumped very well as he always does. Hopefully he's still progressing, two and a half miles is absolutely spot on for him and he wouldn't want it too soft.

‘He is definitely up there with Il Duce and Kandjar D'Allier and every bit as good as them. I am going there pretty hopeful, but it's ironic that we've been begging for rain for racing and now we could do with it being dry this week!’

Our Vic has been left at the head of the weights after 26 horses stood their ground at the confirmation stage.

David Pipe's dual Grade One winner will have to carry top-weight of 11st 12lb should he take his chance and could be joined by stablemate I'm So Lucky.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has three chances having left in ante-post favourite Chapoturgeon, Poquelin and Tatenen, while Tranquil Sea could be joined on the trip from Ireland by Northern Alliance and Jaamid.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has a strong hand having left in Knowhere and Ballyfitz, while Nicky Henderson's mare My Petra and Tartak are other interesting contenders.

Paddy Power Gold Cup, sponsors bet: 6-1 Poquelin, 6-1 Chapoturgeon, 7-1 Tarotino, 7-1 Tranquil Sea, 9-1 My Petra, 10-1 Northern Alliance, 10-1 Tatenen, 16-1 From Dawn To Dusk, 16-1 Watch My Back, 16-1 Ballyfitz, 16-1 Bible Lord, 20-1 bar.