EMOTIONS were running high yesterday with the victory of Paisley Park and the success for his owner Andrew Gemmell. The wonderfully defiant Frodon, given another great ride by Bryony Frost had earlier also showcased everything we love about Cheltenham.
I’d also like to give a special mention to Faugheen, who showed his mental toughness and pure class to finish third to Paisley Park under a very positive ride from Ruby Walsh.
Today’s feature the Magners Gold Cup, hasn’t given us sleepless nights in the way the weather reports did earlier in the week but it has thrown up more questions than an episode of Mastermind, resulting in a fascinating renewal.
Last year’s RSA winner Presenting Percy trained by Patrick Kelly has had an unorthodox preparation, yet he will be fancied by many to win the feature. Whilst the ground conditions have meant that Native River is right in the picture, as are numerous others including stable mate Thistlecrack, who if he won, would bring the house down.
A cracking renewal on a day when we look forward to an emotionally charged finale at the home of jump racing.
1.30 Triumph Hurdle 2m1f
Sir Erec looked mighty impressive when comfortably beating Gardens Of Babylon in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month.
Whilst the speed figures were not that great there is no doubting the eye-catching style of his success and it hard to think he won’t do the same here.
It is worth noting that the Irish team mopped up 1-2-3 in the Fred Winter, so not hard to think that could be the same here.
Unibet win 10/11
2.50 Albert Bartlett 2m 7f
Nadiatak wearing cheekpieces made all the difference last time, hosed up in a Grade 2 at Doncaster, beating a couple of useful sorts in a very good time. Looks a proper out-and-out stayer and if he can take another step forward here, he’s far from out of this.
Unibet each way 33/1
3.30 Magners Gold Cup 3m 2½f
Clan Des Obeaux can continue his rapid improvement and follow up on his King George success and defy those who say he can’t act around Cheltenham.
His Boxing Day success was impressive and this seven-year-old could easily have won by further ahead of heading to Ascot to dismiss Terrefort in fine style.
Regarding Cheltenham, Clan Des Obeaux as a five-year-old finished second to Guitar Pete in the Caspian Caviar and in his favour too he can act on all types of going, which is not true of the some of the leading contenders.
Unibet win 5/1
Elegant Escape for Colin Tizzard has been a bit of a forgotten horse and this seven-year-old has a cracking each way shout here.
Winning a Welsh National has been a good form guide and there was plenty to like his victory as well as his second here to RSA winner Frodon on Festival Trials day.
Last year Elegant Escape finished third to Presenting Percy in the RSA and with ground conditions to suit can be in the first three once again.
Unibet each way 16/1
Foxhunters Hunters’ 3m 2½f
Ucello Conti
Once highly talked of for the Grand National he has moved into the hunting sphere with aplomb, with three easy wins. Stays very well, acts on all ground and has Mr Codd to do the steering.
Unibet win 5/1
4.50 Grand Annual 2m½f
Le Prezien can follow up his 2018 success and strike once again for the Paul Nicholls yard.
Ignore his last run at Sandown as I don’t think he’s anywhere near as good right-handed as left-handed, and trainer has done well to get him in here just 1lb higher than last year (when he won easily in the end, lest we forget).
Will be fast-run and that will suit him down to the ground.
Unibet each way 9/1
