Day Four, The Gold Cup.
What a race we have in store on the fourth and final day of the 2018 Festival. Quite possibly one of the most open renewals in recent times. A case can be made for so many of the possible runners that whatever order they finish in you would do well to predict. At 4/1 the field tells it's own story and I'm sure the bookies will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of cleaning house one way or another. So lets look at the many serious contenders.
Might Bite
Quite rightly heads the market, unbeaten since Kempton when he was 18 lengths in front before falling at the last. He finished last year winning two novice grade ones at Cheltenham and Aintree, although he did his best to throw away the RSA when deciding to drift the width of the track up the hill. Just two races this year so far, a straightforward task at Sandown then taking the King George on Boxing Day. He has solid grade one winning form and has no issues with the track or trip, everything is in place to go extremely close. Some will have question marks over last years run and what may or may not happen when he jumps the last.
Native River
A year younger than Might Bite and quite possibly still improving. Has only had the one run this year in February after an enforced lay off. I thought that was mightily impressive considering he had been off for a year, Colin Tizzard said plenty had been done beforehand but still he trounced Cloudy dream who is no mug by 12 lengths. You would like to think he would improve for that run and he could certainly go and serve it up to them, guaranteed to stay and has form on soft ground if it stays wet. I would love to see him set the tempo and let them pass if they are good enough. Possibly a better and stronger horse this year. A slight concern on the yards form this week.
Killultagh Vic
Definitely in the who knows category. Four wins on the spin in 2015, then nearly two years away from the racecourse. He made his comeback at Punchestown in December and despite numerous mistakes returned with a win. Willie Mullins wasted no time after that sending him to a grade one, the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February. Again there were a few mistakes but he was still travelling well and moved into the lead when he fell at the last. If his jumping holds up he could be a player.
Our Duke
Jessica Harrington had two live chances this year with Our Duke joining Sizing John. Now the sole representative he was by no means a number two either. He really put his credentials on show when bolting up in the Irish National last year, putting 14 lengths between himself and the other 27 runners whilst also giving weight away. His next run was slightly disappointing but issues were highlighted after a thorough check up. Three months later he returned with a fourth place in the Irish Gold Cup and then returned to the winners enclosure in the Red Mills, only Presenting Percy could get close to him that day. That form was boosted no end with him winning the RSA so convincingly this week. Huge chance.
Others to consider
Road To Respect
Solid as they come, always runs his race. No Surprise to see him figure. Form of his last time out win was boosted on Thursday with Balko Des Flos winning the Ryanair. Is he good enough.
Definitely Red
Cracking run in the trial in January, stays and has course form. The continued wet weather this week will only help his cause. Could surprise, unlikely to win.
Total Recall
Highly progressive since joining Willie Mullins. Big step in class from handicaps to this, could be an improver. Suspect Killultagh Vic is stable number one.
Edwulf
Would be fantastic to see him run well after last year. He could outrun his odds.
I can see these three finishing in any order but sticking to my pre Festival thoughts.
1. Native River
2. Might Bite
3. Our Duke
No comments:
Post a Comment