Cheltenham Gold Cup today! The best day of the year and long been the "Horse Race" for this corner. As a youngster, never thought I would get to see one in the flesh and now fully appreciative that this will be my tenth on track.
Imperial Commander aims to repeat last year's heroics and is fully entitled to go off favourite. However, he is now a ten year old (albeit lightly campaigned ) and following an interrupted season, looks vulnerable. Kauto and Denman are too old, so best to look to the younger brigade. Long Run is the most progressive and established his credentials with an emphatic victory in the King George. He is a seriously talented horse in the Kauto mould and similarly must overcome doubts about his ability to handle the track. He got a prep in the Paddy Power and his RSA run was better to my eye than generally acknowledged. If he copes with the quicker going, he will take all the beating. Main rival should be the equally progressive Pandorama, particularly if the expected rain materialises before 2pm. With any reasonable amount of cut, expect him to be staying on well to give Noel Meade and Paul Carberry a shot at Festival Glory.
The Triumph Hurdle is equally competitive. I am finding it difficult to decide between the regally bred Zarkander (half brother to Zarkava) and Dermot Weld's nice mare Unaccompanied (oozed class at Leopardstown) and will be quite happy to contemplate another stab at a forecast whilst also splitting straight stakes.
The remainder is less compelling but still interesting. The County Hurdle, as is the modern way with handicap hurdles, is too difficult to call but the stats suggest five year olds and Soldatino offers best value. The Albert Bartlett is all about potential and one here to keep an eye on is Moonlight Drive.
enjoy and good luck...
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