This Saturday’s BetBright Cup Chase is one of the more informative trials for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Previous winners Master Oats, See More Business and Looks Like Trouble all went on to glory at The Festival after winning the Grade 2.
It’s a genuine test of jumping ability and stamina and the winner will be no doubt back at Cheltenham in March hoping to be added to a prestigious roll of honour.
The Giant Bolster won the previous incarnation of the BetBright Cup Chase 12 months ago and was beaten by less than a length in the Cheltenham Gold Cup subsequently.
David Bridgwater’s 10-year-old is back for another crack and can probably be forgiven a couple of runs so far this term. He’s a real Cheltenham specialist, though Dynaste is probably the class act.
David Pipe’s grey finished ahead of The Giant Bolster when third in a Grade 1 at Haydock in November – he then only found Silviniaco Conti too good in the King George at Kempton.
Dynaste won the Ryanair at last year’s Festival but maybe three miles plus on soft ground isn’t ideal.
Many Clouds is among the most improved staying chasers in the country and won at Carlisle on his reappearance before taking the Hennessy at Newbury when Smad Place was only fifth.
Alan King’s grey is, however, much better off at the weights this weekend and almost certainly needed that run.
He came within inches of landing the RSA Chase at The Festival last year when Many Clouds and another of this weekend’s rivals, Black Thunder, failed to finish, though he’s now had four runs at Cheltenham and has yet to win.
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Holywell has been well backed for the Gold Cup in anticipation of an improved showing and might just be the value in our race as Jonjo O’Neill’s stable has now turned the corner.
He was only third to Many Clouds over 2m4f in the autumn and then fell at Aintree. But his defeat of Don Cossack at the Grand National meeting last spring was a terrific effort and he also won at The Festival here last year.
Double Ross and Theatre Guide make up the numbers in what looks a truly mouthwatering trial line-up for the Gold Cup on Friday, March 13th.
Verdict:
Dynaste will take all the beating as connections gear him up for top shape at The Festival. He’s currently trading at 9/4 with BetBrigh.
As the Cheltenham Festival draws closer by the day, it’s time to start doing your homework!
What better way to start than by checking out BetBright’s very own Essential Guide to the Cheltenham Festival – a must for horse racing fans and Cheltenham patrons alike.
If you’re thinking of having a bet at Cheltenham this weekend, BetBright are offering Horse and Hound readers and exclusive Risk Free Bet up to £30.
If your first bet loses, they’ll refund your stake in full; you simply can’t lose with this great offer!
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