Happy Diva looks on a handy mark in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury today (2.40) and a worthy 5/1 favourite to land the spoils. This Kerry Lee trained eight-year-old mare is a really likeable and consistent sort who has won four of her 12 starts over fences – making the frame on five other occasions. She ran very well on seasonal reappearance when a 2 1/4 length runner-up to Mister Whittaker in a Listed contest at Carlisle and was the in the process of running a big race next time up in the valuable and ultra-competitive BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham when coming to grief four from home when making headway and yet to be asked a serious question. Happy Diva the showed she was none the worse for that tumble when a solid second to Aso at the same venue being far from disgraced when a 22 length third of 10 to Cyrname at Ascot. Given that she only lost second place close home and the winner has since come out and bolted up in a Grade 1 to become the highest rated chaser in training, it was a fine effort in defeat. She then gained a much deserved success when last seen in action at Huntingdon when beating Magic Of Light. Happy Diva was four lengths clear jumping the last and then dug deep to score by a length. The runner-up had won her two previous starts, including a Grade 2 at Ascot, to be rated 150 going into the contest. Given that Happy Diva was receiving just 4lb it suggests that she is well-weighted off a mark of 142 now switched back to handicap company. Regular rider Richard Patrick also takes off a handy 3lb with his claim and other pluses are that Happy Diva has proven form on the ground and a 42 per cent strike rate over the trip.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win Happy Diva (5/1 bet365, BetVictor – BOG)
