The Greatwood Gold Cup is the feature race at Newbury this Saturday. The handicap was won in extraordinary circumstances by Booster Bob a year ago. The winner emerged from miles out the back to claim a last-gasp success.

Whether there will be as much drama this time around is unlikely. However, a decent field is set to line-up and GG tipster Joe Napier previews the contest with his verdict below.

2026 Greatwood Gold Cup Runners

At the top of the betting, Vincenzo appears to have got off very lightly for his recent Ascot success. He is just 2lb higher having regularly run good races since the start of 2025, including when second here. Twinjets has been punished by the handicapper at times, but Paul Nicholls’ charge did win impressively over course and distance earlier in the season.

He beat 2024 Greatwood Gold Cup winner Heltenham into second that day. Dan Skelton’s charge is now 9lb better off though and this looks a long-term plan. He should have recovered now from back-to-back falls after a confidence booster in the Ascot Chase.

Blow Your Wad was a fine third in that race on his debut for the Moores. He could be an improver for his new yard, while Issam has run well in every middle distance contest he has faced this season. The same can be said of the ten-year-old Triple Trade over all distances, though he may be poorly handicapped now.

Pleasington and Koukeo offer potential at the bottom of the weights. Slightly higher up, both Teddy Blue and Glengouly have won big handicaps at other tracks this season. Josh The Boss is a novice who has raced regularly, but generally competitively, to add further depth to this line-up.

2026 Greatwood Gold Cup Racecard

Greatwood Gold Cup Trends

We take a look at the key Greatwood Gold Cup trends which could point us towards the winner:

• Paul Nicholls has won nine of the 20 renewals
• None of the last eight favourites have won
• The last three winners have carried 10st 9lb or less to victory
• No 9-year-old has ever won the race – two 10-year-olds and an 11-year-old have

Greatwood Gold Cup Tips

After a confidence-booster to get round in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase, Heltenham may now be spot on here. He travelled well when second to Twinjets in November, but gave the winner too much early ground. With a 9lb swing at the weights, he should get much closer at his favoured course and distance. He won this race in 2024. Twinjets should run well again, though Paul Nicholls’ stable form is a slight concern. Vincenzo should also give his running once more.

FAQs

When and where will the Greatwood Gold Cup be run?

The Greatwood Gold Cup will take place at Newbury racecourse on Saturday 28 February, 2026 at 3.45pm.

How can I watch the Greatwood Gold Cup on Saturday?

The Greatwood Gold Cup will be shown live on ITV Racing at 3.45pm.

Who is Joe Napier?

Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.

When were the Greatwood Gold Cup tips published?

The tips for the Greatwood Gold Cup were published at 12.50pm on Friday 27 February.

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