Mark Your Card: Friday

HORSE RACING LENDS itself to hype and hyperbole as well as any sport; but it’s no exaggeration to say that the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the jewel in National Hunt racing’s crown and one of the sporting highlights of the year.

The narrative of the last few years has been dominated by the Kauto Star and Denman rivalry, but Imperial Commander truly put them in their place last term and emerged as a stunning victor.

The bookies have been reasonably generous at quoting him at 4/1 to retain his title, but the poor record of horses aged 10 or older is certainly off-putting. Having said that; he will handle the ground conditions and has an enviable record at the course – he has met defeat just once at Cheltenham over fences.

This is not true of young pretender Long Run; who impressed in the King George but has disappointed around Prestbury twice before. Three miles and two furlongs is a big ask for a six year-old to stay at his level, and he may not have the guts for it against these older, battle hardened horses. Kauto Star is respected but he may not quite have enough left in the tank after a long career to scale the heights of old. Conditions have gone against Pandorama, but the going may enable China Rock to fall into a place at a big price.

The Triumph Hurdle opens the day’s proceedings, and the contest has an open look to it this year. Both Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls saddle three runners a man, and at least four of those have a genuine chance of winning. Dermot Weld’s Unaccompanied was a serious fancy ante-post but she may not be risked by connections on this firmer surface. National Hunt bred horses don’t have a great record in the race, and it usually falls to a recruit from the flat with a bit of speed – which rules out many of the leading fancies.

If the rain stays away, Joe Tizzard’s Third Intention could improve to take it. The son of Azamour may have a killer turn of foot in the closing stages, and prove too speedy for the stamina laden horses. 12/1 seems fair.

The other Grade One race on the card is the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle and features the leading staying novices. Bob’s Worth is the clear favourite, but the Irish novices have dominated so far and it could pay to side with Gagewell Flyer. Willie Mullins named him as his best chance of the day, and asserted that three miles would bring out the best in him

Nap of the Day

Good ground should see Dirar go to the County Hurdle with a fantastic chance at 13/2. He showed a nice blend of speed and stamina to win the Ebor on the flat, and he appears to have been laid out for this race. Rated in treble figures now on the flat, the six year-old definitely has a big prize in him over hurdles. He can continue the incredible form of Gordon Elliot. Third Intention is next best.

Each-Way

Denman’s record around Cheltenham is outstanding, and he looks nailed on to run into a place. But for something at a fancier price, Gloucester seems too big at 66/1 in the County Hurdle. He has almost no chance to win, but with most firms going the first five to place he looks appealing to place.

The eight year-old came sixth in the race last term off a pound lower, but he has five pound claimer Conor O’ Farrel on board to offset the burden. This able jockey proved his talent yesterday when partnering Buena Vista to victory with a well judged ride. Gloucester produced a career best effort on the flat last month, so he may be able to step up slightly on last year’s effort.

Irish Eye

The winners dried up yesterday for the visiting team, and today may be another tough day. Gagewell Flyer (10/1) could take all the beating in the novice hurdle given how the Irish have fared in field so far. Better ground will hinder most of our better chances. China Rock may sneak into third at 33/1 – it’s likely that he will be ridden for a place and try pick off some of the beaten horses.

Yesterday’s Lesson

Course form is so important at the festival, it’s such a testing track that it requires real staying ability at any trip and it may not suit lots of speed horses. This is worrying for Long Run fans in particular. It pays to look through the form book and look for horses that have previous course form and go well in the Spring.