Paul Ferguson has three selections from Cheltemham for us on Gold Cup Friday. | Free Bets |
With the concerns surrounding the form of the Henderson stable, I’m going to have to let Sir Gino go un-backed in the Triumph Hurdle.
I liked a Henderson runner in the County (Impose Toi), but he wasn’t declared so I have it between L’Eau du Sud and KING OF KINGSFIELD (2:10) with marginal preference for the latter. Dan Skelton’s horses are in great form (handicap double on day two) but Gordon Elliott’s novice was last seen behind Ballyburn and Slade Steel, form which now reads especially well. The race really ought to be run to suit this strong traveller.
Willie Mullins has been in dominant form in the early part of the meeting and GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (3:30) can land a second successive Gold Cup. His latest two runs make him very much the one to beat.
And, Mullins can take the Mares’ Chase with DINOBLUE (4:50). The class act in this field, she will win if staying the trip and she looked like staying on when trying this distance once as a novice hurdler. Beaten as favourite at the past two festivals, she will be ridden with patience by Mark Walsh, who rode a fine race aboard Fact To File on Wednesday.
Friday’s selections:
2:10 Cheltenham Festival – King Of Kingsfield; 5/1 Coral
3:30 Cheltenham Festival – Galopin des Champs; 1/1 William Hill
4:50 Cheltenham Festival – Dinoblue; 5/4 Bet365
Keep up to date with our results service.
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.