The Gold Cup on Saturday at Cheltenham for many heralds the start of the National Hunt proper and is a race that has thrown up some very exciting winners over the years. Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander for me is arguably one of the best I have been fortunate enough to see during my time following racing. It remains to be seen if we have a future Gold Cup winner in the field but we do have some seriously interesting chasers.
Simply The Betts
Cheltenham (14.15)
Firstly we need to start with a mention to last year’s winner, Happy Diva. Kerry Lee’s mare ran a huge race in the mud to score, she is up just eight pounds from last year and appears versatile on the ground.
Mister Fisher represents Nicky Henderson and has been slowly but surely growing in popularity with BetVictor customers, and could well go off clear favourite as the tapes go up. The course and distance winner is certainly a contender having got the better of Al Dancer last season, who also runs here for a team that have won this race four times.
Mister Fisher was last seen finishing 4th behind Samcro at the Festival and whilst the team can get one ready it is a horse who is also based in Lambourne that is going to be the selection. Simply The Betts was last seen finishing first in the Festival Plate and I think he could just be the future top class horse in the race. He won’t be troubled by the forecast rain which could soften the going, and I think he possesses the gears to boss this type of race from the front if rider Gavin Sheehan wants to take that route.
If you aren’t a fan of the horse at the price I have two double figure suggestions for you to consider as each way options. Slate House could have won last year’s renewal, the Tizzard team are coming into form and I think will be keen to right the wrong of last year’s near miss.
My biggest price consideration has to be last year’s runner up from arguably one of the most in form yards in the country. Brelan D’As was only seen once last season after finishing second last year. He is just five pounds higher and I expect could out run his odds once again.
