Back in the black after a good Day 3. The highlight was Third Wind’s success in the Pertemps at 25-1 supplemented by Mill Green’s third place at 33-1 in the same race. I also enjoyed some freakish good luck when backing Ahorsewithnoname at 80-1 in the Mare’s Novice’s Hurdle. I picked him purely on the grounds that his price was way to high for a Nicky Henderson hurdler in a mediocre race. He was in contention coming to the last but just got outstayed up the hill and finished second. A nice bonus.
Day 4 is mostly about the Gold Cup although I have a strong fancy in the last race as well. You could make cases for at least four horses in the Gold Cup: Gavin, Minella Indo, A Plus Tard and Al Boum Photo. Galvin is the popular choice mainly because of his defeat of both A Plus Tard and Minella Indo (see image above) in separate Irish races this season. He also has the requisite Cheltenham course form. However, I wonder does he lack just a little the speed and class we usually associate with a Gold Cup winner – his strength is his stamina. The same could be said of Al Boum Photo however who won the race twice. The latter is now eleven and will surely not do it again. That leaves me with Minella Indo and A Plus Tard who were first and second last year. I backed them both then and will probably do so again this year. I marginally prefer A Plus Tard on this year’s form but Minella Indo could come alive again at his favourite track. Course form continues every year to be a crucial factor. Rachel Blackmore may regret her choice of ride once again.
The Skeltons have been gearing their horses towards the big late seasons prizes and I especially like their Langer Dan in the Martin Pipe – the last race. He was a clear second last year to Galopin de Champ who we now know was in a different class to mere handicappers. He’s got much the same weight this year and has been prepared especially for this race. There are 24 runners so luck in running is going to be a factor. The Skeletons also have Doctor Parnassus in the 1.30 (the Triumph Hurdle) at a fancy 22-1 – his form is in modest races but he looks promising. The next two races should go to Mullins and Elliott: State Man in the 2.10 and Ginto in the Alfred Bartlett at 2.50. They’re both short prices (2 or 3-1).
