Twiston-Davies tipping Ballyfitz

Twiston-Davies has over 100 horses at his yard

Naunton trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies believes his chaser Ballyfitz can test the best in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Saturday's race is the main feature of the Open meeting at Cheltenham.

Twiston-Davies told BBC Gloucestershire: "It's the sort of race where the handicapper hasn't really got hold of them yet.

"He's not young but over fences he's one who hasn't been totally exposed. Rain is forecast, he travels well, and we're keen on his chances."

Twiston-Davies has an excellent record at The Open, having saddled 20 winners at the meeting since 1990. He has 30 winners so far this season, and sends 20 runners to Cheltenham over the three days.

"When you get up in the morning and you think nothing is going to happen, they all win," joked Twiston-Davies.

We've schooled Pettifour over fences for the last two weeks and he's been magic. He looks to be very well in on hurdle ratings

Nigel Twiston-Davies

"If you go thinking it's going to be fun, often it's a disaster. We do tilt at windmills. We don't have big budgets to buy horses but fortune favours the brave.

"You go to Cheltenham and get red hot horses, just as you do at Hereford on a Wednesday, so let's go to the big meetings."

Twiston-Davies has been rejoined by former stable jockey Carl Llewellyn, after Llewellyn trained in Berkshire for three years on his own, and the Grange Hill Farm trainer has clearly felt the benefit.

"Life hasn't been much better. Two minds are better than one. We've not fought in 20 years and we're not going to start now. We respect each other and hopefully the results will do the talking," he said.

Twiston Davies picked out Cootehill (Friday) Pettifour (Saturday) and Bobby Ewing (Sunday) as other entries to watch.

"Cootehill has suddenly got the hang of everything and we think a lot of him," he said.

"We've schooled Pettifour over fences for the last two weeks and he's been magic. He looks to be very well in on hurdle ratings, and Bobby Ewing couldn't have won any easier last time he ran. He's improved a lot since then and we're excited about him."