Which horses have what it takes to win this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup?
“This is Denman”
A little bit of magic ahead of the @wellchild Cheltenham Gold Cup at @CheltenhamRaces.#HorseOfALifetime #TheTank pic.twitter.com/v84vXCyjZK
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 18, 2021
A case of Boum or bust?
Al Boum Photo (2/1 with bet365*) will almost certainly go off favourite to emulate Best Mate, the last three-time winner, and few would argue about that. Lightly-raced, three of his last six runs will have been in the Gold Cup – Willie Mullins’ charge is the one they all have to beat.
However, the form of last year’s race has since taken some knocks and his rivals this time around include a couple of young pretenders, both of whom have strong claims on form.
Champ in name only?
Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old Champ (6/1 at Boylesports) won a strong renewal of the RSA Chase last March and ran a cracker when reappearing in last month’s Game Spirit Chase (over 2m), jumping well and only finding Sceau Royal too good. Clearly blessed with stamina for 3m plus, the speed he showed over shorter could prove a potent weapon.
But for a horse who has had problems settling in the past, it remains to be seen how he copes with being asked to drop his head under a more patient ride in the big one.
Top marks for A Plus?
The Henry de Bromhead-trained A Plus Tard (10/3 bet365*)has excelled on his last two Festival visits: won the 2019 novices’ handicap chase and finished a narrow third in last year’s Ryanair. Stepped up to 3m on his latest start at Leopardstown over Christmas, he showed reserves of stamina to cut down his rivals after the last.
On that evidence he should have no problem with extra two furlongs of the Gold Cup trip, and he may well improve for the step up.
A Plus Tard is now joint favourite with Al Boum Photo in the Gold Cup
The Blackmore factor
— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) March 18, 2021
Best of the rest?
Last year’s neck runner-up Santini (12/1 Boylesports) needs to improve on his distant third behind Native River (16/1 Betfair) in the Cotswold Chase, but that’s entirely possible with that run under his belt. Whilst the winner of that Sandown contest should also go well from the front granted his beloved soft ground.
Frodon (16/1 Betfair) produced a career best when winning the King George when last seen out and we know he loves Cheltenham: form figures in chases there of 001150211141, including the 2019 Ryanair (2m5f). His stamina for the Gold Cup trip has to be taken on trust, though.
Minella Indo’s (9/1 bet365*) Gold Cup aspirations took a knock with a lacklustre fourth of five at Leopardstown in February, and the race winner Kemboy (20/1 bet365*) seems to reserve his best for the Dublin track.
The improving Royal Pagaille (16/1 Betfair) is still a novice but has to be respected.
Conclusion
Al Boum Photo makes no appeal at current best odds of 2/1 and A PLUS TARD, who has a nice blend of speed and stamina, is much preferred at bet365 odds of 10/3*.
Each-way backers of Frodon – a 16/1 shot with Betfair – should get a good run for their money.
* Cheltenham Gold Cup odds correct at the time of writing. All odds are subject to change.
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