Day three is in the books and again a mixed bag tipping wise. Three winners today.
Laurina was an easy pick as a winner and never looked in trouble. Two big winners in Penhill ante post, who I really fancied as he had that bit of class returning at 12/1. Even better was Delta Work who I had also backed last week at 20/1 for the Pertemps. Who Dares Wins also placed in that race at 14/1 and was tipped each way.
So the fourth and final day is here already...
1:30
I backed Apples Shakira each way for the Triumph before her British debut at 16/1 so am looking forward to her running well. She has looked very good in winning her three races so far and most importantly over course and distance so we know that won't be an issue. All three runs have been on a soft surface so again that won't be a problem, all looks positive for a big run and she deserves to be top of the betting. Some of the horses she beat haven't exactly boosted the form but she could only beat what was in front of her. Redicean has also looked good, no more so than last time at Kempton winning a grade two by seven lengths. He definitely has a shout although my questions about him would start with the track at Cheltenham. It is very different from Kempton's flat track where he has done all his winning. If he takes to the undulations and the uphill finish he has to have a big chance. There will be a big challenge from the Irish contingent as well. Gordon Elliott fresh from another big haul on Thursday sends out Farclas and Willie Mullins has four entered. A small field for a triumph but not short of quality, I will stick with Apple's Shakira with an each way selection on Mr Adjudicator.
2:10
The County will be its usual big field puzzle to work out, as the other big handicaps this week I will look for some value. I like Flying Tiger of Nick Williams, he has form behind Elgin and Buveur D'Air in two of his last three races. With just 10-12 and \noel Fehily on board he should go well. Spiritofthegames finished third to Kalashnikov last time out, that must give him a squeak although I'm still concerned by the Skelton horses not performing that well. Chesterfield has good form around Spring time and warmed up for this with a win in a jumpers bumper at Kempton. He also has a light weight of 10-12 with Daniel Sansom taking off a further five pounds. Le Richebourg has been running in top grade one novice hurdles, this will be easier than some of the races and opponents he has come up against. I will take each way bets on Flying Tiger and Le Richebourg at a big price.
2:50
The Albert Bartlett is another strong novice event. Nicky Henderson has three of the first four in the betting, the form his stable is in they should all run well. Dortmund Park represents Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown so has to be respected although his last run wasn't a great performance. Fergal O'Brien has Poetic Rhythm running, he was a grade one winner back in December at Newbury and hasn't raced since. Could it be he has been kept fresh with this race in mind. His performance before his Newbury win was third behind highly thought of On The Blind Side giving more substance to his form. Tower Bridge is an outsider to keep an eye on for Joseph O'Brien, he surprisingly won a grade one last time out, he beat Dortmund Park but is nearly twice the price. Not a race I will get overly involved in, a small stake each way on Poetic Rhythm for some interest. He has form over the distance so will definitely stay, he has run at Cheltenham before and has winning form on heavy ground.
3:30
The Gold Cup is a cracker and there aren't many you can discount out of hand. I still cant really separate the three at the top of the betting and think they could finish in the first three places. Any order wouldn't surprise me but I will stick to my original thoughts where Native River wins, followed by Might Bite and Our Duke. I think with the ground soft to heavy it takes away a little bit from Nicky Henderson's runner who may be more of a speed horse. Native River has won a Welsh National on soft ground so there are absolutely no stamina concerns from his part on that ground. Our Duke is in the same boat having won the Irish National last year. If it turns into a war of attrition then those two could fill the top two places. There are threats a plenty from everywhere else in the field and it will be one to watch with intrigue.
4:10
The amateur riders Gold Cup goes next. My fancy in here is Foxrock. Katie Walsh is an interesting jockey booking and would say they feel in with a shot. Wonderful Charm, Pacha Du Polder and Virak both figure near the top of the betting and could run well although Paul Nicholls has had a pretty rough week. It could be he just doesn't have the ammunition these days, but his that have had squeaks really haven't looked like winning with the exception of Topofthegame. Balnaslow is another with a chance and is experienced in this event having run fifth last year. Not a race I will get too heavily involved in.
4:50
The Martin Pipe looks quite tricky to predict, with lots of runners having good runs behind them coming into this. None more so than Flawless Escape who was third to Gold Cup contender Total Recall in a handicap recently. The horse one place behind him in that race was Delta Work who won the Pertemps on Thursday. Diese Des Bieffes also has form which ties him in with some highly thought of horses and also Topofthegame who almost won the Coral Cup this week. Early Doors is another one of Joseph O'Brien's that has been keeping strong company in novice events, he might appreciate the slight drop in class. Carter McKay has form behind Getabird and Mengli Khan two runs ago and last time out placed in a grade one, he could fill a place at a nice price for one of Willie Mullins. Melrose Boy at 16/1 goes on my shortlist, he has form with earlier mentioned Topofthegame in a grade 3 at Sandown back in February. Its hard to ignore Flawless escape's chances but for some value I'll side with Early Doors and Melrose Boy.
5:30
A small stakes race and not one to try get yourself out of trouble if you have had a bad week. I have liked North Hill Harvey but seems to have gone a little backwards of late, I am still not sure on the form of the stable either. Dolos might be one for to look at closely, he has solid form and might be able to end the week with a winner for Paul Nicholls. Gino Trail has form with Dolos and to fancy one you have to be interested in the other. He has a fair bit of weight to carry this time with a nine pound penalty, but likes soft ground. Dresden at a big price could figure, he only carries 11-2, likes soft ground and has some form over course and distance. A small stake o him and Dolos for me to end another incredible weeks racing.
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