This is a test post on the new blog. Please reply to it with a selection for the Gold Cup. Please use the Like button if appropriate as you read the posts, so we can see how that side works.
Historically the most important attribute for a Gold Cup winner is the ability to stay the trip. After the Betfair, A Plus Tard looked a good bet, but have we been here before? I'm thinking it may be the same scenario as Bristol de Mai, looking a serious contender but not just having that finish up the hill. That warning light was on again at the finish in the Savills and we know Galvin will stay as he's won over further and at Cheltenham. His price is tempting compared with APT but I think 6s is still a bit short. Minella Indo is a head scratcher as he looks off his game but the Gold Cup does that to some horses so he now must have a big question mark against him. Al Boom Photo has won me a lot and I know Mullins is deserving of being called a legend but does he have to use a crap race at Tramore as his warm up? Mullins likes the track and I suppose wherever ABP goes the opposition will likely go somewhere else. He does look a shade more convincing than last year so at some point I'll give in and put a few quid ew. Tornado Flyer presents a problem as he was well ridden and won a race that fell apart. He clearly stays but I'm not won over just yet. The other thing is that this is a list of Irish horses and some of our trainers will be wanting to have a tilt, hence Hendo not discounting Champ just yet. We all know the questions about him. JP is a sportsman and will want a runner or 2. His other option of Chantry House didn't sparkle this season in the King George. So he may turn up. Paul Nicholls is highly competitive and he must look at Bravemansgame in his stable and dream. In recent memory Long Run was 6, Sizing John 7, ABP 7 (1st win) and the Brave is 7. Oh the temptation. Skelton has 2. Shan Blue, off since his fall in the Charlie Hall where he was looking stunning, and Protektorat. Do Sir Alex and his mates want a runner? All the top horses look beatable on their day as Tornado Flyer proved. Is there a horse out there who may stake a claim late?
Good analysis GForce. A race best watched.
Historically the most important attribute for a Gold Cup winner is the ability to stay the trip. After the Betfair, A Plus Tard looked a good bet, but have we been here before? I'm thinking it may be the same scenario as Bristol de Mai, looking a serious contender but not just having that finish up the hill. That warning light was on again at the finish in the Savills and we know Galvin will stay as he's won over further and at Cheltenham. His price is tempting compared with APT but I think 6s is still a bit short. Minella Indo is a head scratcher as he looks off his game but the Gold Cup does that to some horses so he now must have a big question mark against him. Al Boom Photo has won me a lot and I know Mullins is deserving of being called a legend but does he have to use a crap race at Tramore as his warm up? Mullins likes the track and I suppose wherever ABP goes the opposition will likely go somewhere else. He does look a shade more convincing than last year so at some point I'll give in and put a few quid ew. Tornado Flyer presents a problem as he was well ridden and won a race that fell apart. He clearly stays but I'm not won over just yet. The other thing is that this is a list of Irish horses and some of our trainers will be wanting to have a tilt, hence Hendo not discounting Champ just yet. We all know the questions about him. JP is a sportsman and will want a runner or 2. His other option of Chantry House didn't sparkle this season in the King George. So he may turn up. Paul Nicholls is highly competitive and he must look at Bravemansgame in his stable and dream. In recent memory Long Run was 6, Sizing John 7, ABP 7 (1st win) and the Brave is 7. Oh the temptation. Skelton has 2. Shan Blue, off since his fall in the Charlie Hall where he was looking stunning, and Protektorat. Do Sir Alex and his mates want a runner? All the top horses look beatable on their day as Tornado Flyer proved. Is there a horse out there who may stake a claim late?
Before he runs today ABP is 14/1 not a bad EW punt, not that I'm putting money on it....
I'm hoping A Plus Tard's Haydock form is the true form. Not involved yet though.
Like Dan I think Minella Indo,the 10/1 looks fair at this stage.
Despite getting turned over the other day in what I think was a slightly poorly judged ride I'll stick with A Plus Tard.
Minella Indo