The big race of the whole week, the Blue Riband, is the Cheltenham Gold Cup & it looks a tough puzzle to solve. There’s a likely 3 way battle for favouritism with Might Bite, Native River & Our Duke.
New Customers can get Might Bite at an enhanced 70/1 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Max Stake £1. Winnings paid in free bets. Full T&Cs Apply. 18+|Gamble Aware.
Favourite
Might Bite is a chaser from the Nicky Henderson yard who has won his last 5 including last year’s RSA at the Festival as well as the King George over Christmas. He’s got a solid chance but I’m a little worried by the ground.
Preview
Native River ran 3rd in this race last year but has only been seen once this year, winning the Denman Chase for the 2nd year on the spin. One that will be well suited by the going but doesn’t have the progressive profile that might be needed to land this year’s race. Our Duke is from last year’s winning combo of Harrington & Power &, like his stablemate, should go very well. It’s his first visit to the track & he certainly won’t be able to clout some of the fences like he has on recent runs. Granted a clear round, I’d fancy him to go close.
Like Our Duke, Killultagh Vic has plenty of ability but isn’t a reliable jumper whilst Definitly Red is probably the one horse that might appreciate the ground the most but, to me, isn’t up to this class. Minella Rocco could go well & follow up his 2nd from 12 months ago at a big price & Total Recall is a dark horse & cannot be easily dismissed.
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Betting
However, in an open race, I fancy a previous Cheltenham Festival winner in Road To Respect. Since winning here 12 months ago in a handicap chase, he’s won 3 of his last 4 & that form is pretty solid. He beat Yorkhill in a Fairyhouse novice chase over two & a half miles before giving weight to some decent animals in a Grade 3 chase when stepped up to 3 miles & a furlong.
His only defeat came as a shock when Outlander showed improved form from nowhere but the selection was only outpointed late on but he then returned to winning ways in winning the Christmas Chase from Balko Des Flos (won on Thursday, beating Un De Sceaux), rivals Outlander & Minella Rocco as well as last season’s Gold Cup winner Sizing John & the very dangerous Yorkhill.
Road To Respect, generally, is a good jumper of fences and is the 2nd highest rated horse in the field, just 1lb behind Might Bite but at 3 times the price. Young & improving, he holds solid claims at a double figure price.
Tips
PLACED – Back Road To Respect (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 13.00 Ladbrokes BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
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