THE Gold Cup has grabbed my interest — it’s the biggest prize in our great game and last year’s winner Galopin Des Champs is 4-6 to win it back-to-back.
He looks much the best in Ireland but I’m hoping he might get a stiffer challenger from the home brigade.
Not everyone was impressed with Shishkin’s Denman Chase win, but it’s clear he has become very idle and a faster gallop will see an improved performance.
I’ve always thought L’Homme Presse has been underestimated throughout his career.
He was rusty on his return in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield, but his class came through.
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He gets the chance to prove he’s the No1 British challenger when he runs in the Betfair Ascot Chase. Nothing but an impressive win will do.
Bravemansgame has become the forgotten horse of the race. He was second last year and his odds of 25-1 are insulting!
The market suggests it’s more than likely big Willie will Galop away with Cheltenham’s biggest prize — but I’ve got a good feeling about L’Homme Presse…
It’s not long now until the chaos of Festival week.
They say you should keep your eyes open and ears closed when backing horses.
But Gordon Elliott doesn’t hype his horses up and he thinks Brighterdaysahead is the real deal. That will do for me — £30 win at 3-1.
Ballyburn looks set for the Supreme, so there could be value with Slade Steel in the Baring Bingham. £20 win at 9-2 please.
That money on the 21-1 double is spent with my £50 charity bet kindly donated by Betfair.
The Mares’ Novice Hurdle is fast becoming one of the races of the Festival.
The big three in the market are Willie Mullins’ Jade De Grugy, Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead and Fergal O’Brien’s Dysart Enos.
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They have all shown they are well above average but I think the two Irish contenders are top notch.
You rarely hear Elliott hype his horses but he really rates his mare — it’s going to be some race.
I’m not one to get involved in amateur races, but the more I look at the Foxhunters the more I feel Its On The Line is going to be very hard to beat.
He’s going to relish a fast pace, a big field and refitting of cheekpieces.
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