Going Native?

Final day of the festival and the going remains on the good side. A cloudy day is forecast and the south-westerly breeze should see the track slightly drying through the day. We start with the Gold Cup, which has had more headlines recently for the non-runners rather than those taking part.

3.30 Cheltenham Gold Cup

Cue Card’s form of last season would give him a great chance today.

However, despite recent successes he has yet to prove he retains that ability.

Djakadam and Outlander have little between them on form in Ireland.

Native River needs to improve and in my view is too short in the market.

It is a race I will be coming back to later for clients once I have had an update from one of my senior contacts. At present I price them as follows:

Cue Card   9/2

Djakadam  9/2

Outlander   9/2

Sizing John  8/1

Native River 10/1

Champagne West 14/1

16/1 bar

Outlander

5.30 Grand Annual

A ‘Mission Impossible’ handicap to finish off the festival.

Last year’s 2nd and 3rd Rock The World and Dandrige are considered.

Nicky Henderson’s Theinval is just preferred. Currently a general 12/1.

Un De Sceaux

A final word on the thrilling exhibition by Un De Sceaux yesterday which crowned an outstanding day for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. Many had been premature in casting doubts over the Mullins yard and the early prices on offer for Un De Sceaux were value –  which we took full advantage of.