William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Cheltenham Gold Cup day and reveals he is taking on Galopin Des Champs as he bids for Cheltenham Festival history.
Friday, Cheltenham
HELLO NEIGHBOUR could be the answer to the Triumph Hurdle (1.20). Although the Irish juvenile form looks less strong than usual, this undefeated horse looked way better than his margin of victory at Leopardstown, and comes from a stable whose tally could have been 4 or 5 this week with the rub of the green. He established himself a smart flat horse in no time, has a polished technique, and should do much better still in a well-run race on goodish ground.
ABSURDE can follow up last year’s County Hurdle success (2.00). Truth be told, he bolted up that day under a perfect Townend ride, and it’s a bit puzzling why the stable jockey has opted to go with Kargese. That said, he jumped the wrong way in the Coral Cup, and he has passed Danny a good one again. Absurde improved again quite sharply on the Flat through last year, suggesting this hurdle mark remains perfectly feasible.
LIMERICK LACE could have some upside in the Mares’ Chase (2.40). She won this last year and has had some really stiff tasks since, but she’s had a little pause, gets some headgear and could just spring back to life. There’s not much between the top 4 here on ability, and she looks a big price.
JAX JUNIOR is an each way play at a huge price in the Albert Bartlett (3.20). His Ascot win is still stuck hard in my mind, and I’m not convinced that Huntingdon was his track when beaten in the Sydney Banks. He looked to have them stone cold two out, then may have just been found wanting for a turn of foot. This test of stamina should suit given his pedigree and running style, while better ground will help. His rating puts him right in the mix, yet he’s been completely overlooked.
BANBRIDGE might just offer Galopin de Champs something fresh to think about (4.00). I’d be sure as I could be that the favourite has the measure of the other stayers in the race, but I’m always a sucker for a classy speed horse trying something new – I’d rather chance a good horse that might not stay than an average one who definitely will. His price has eased since Il Est Francais blew out yesterday, but that horse didn’t give his true running, and we know Banbridge is very effective here.
MUSIC DRIVE is a sporting pick in the Foxhunters’ (4.40). He had an age off the track, but has returned in rare form in two points, the form of which gives him a squeak here. The trainer is very talented, as evidenced by her exploits with Top Wood, and this is a prospect firmly on the up.
EAST INDIA EXPRESS looks a backable price in the finale (5.20). Nicky Henderson has a strong hand against the favourite here, with No Ordinary Joe much respected as well, but this one hasn’t shown his full hand yet, and can continue on an upward curve in a race that should play to his strengths.
