Ruby Walsh: Opportunity knocks for Il Ridoto in Paddy Power Gold Cup

Hopes high for Walsh following withdrawal of Stattler

Former jockey Ruby Walsh believes Il Ridoto has a great chance of winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup following the withdrawal of hot favourite Stattler.

Il Ridoto is now the 5/1 second favourite behind Willie Mullins' Galopin Des Champs, who is the new market leader at 11/10.

Speaking on RTE Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Walsh said: "Il Ridoto has a great chance now that Stattler is out of the race. He's a horse that has always promised a lot and he's finally starting to fulfil that potential.

Il Ridoto has been in good form this season

Il Ridoto has been in good form this season, winning two of his three races. He was an impressive winner of the Grade 3 Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December and followed that up with a good second to Stattler in the Grade 1 Irish Gold Cup at the same track in February.

Walsh believes that Il Ridoto is a horse that is still improving and that he could be a major player in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

"He's a horse that is still learning and he's getting better with every run," said Walsh. "He's a big, strong horse and he jumps very well. I think he's a horse that has a big future and he could be a major player in the Paddy Power Gold Cup."

Paddy Power Gold Cup is a wide-open race

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt calendar and it is always a wide-open race. This year's race is no different, with several horses holding claims to victory.

Galopin Des Champs is the current favourite, but he will face a stiff challenge from Il Ridoto, A Plus Tard and Conflated. All four horses are in good form and they all have a chance of winning the race.

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is sure to be a thrilling race and it is one that is not to be missed.