He’s Out to strike Gold!
FROM spending the first two days of the meeting in the wilderness, Willie Mullins roared back to form with a fabulous four-timer yesterday and that momentum could ensure Djakadam is sent off favourite for today’s Gold Cup.
Twice runner-up in this afternoon’s blue riband event, the eight-year-old appears to have been brought to the boil perfectly this season and his trainer has been keen to keep him fresh.
Djakadam has not been seen since finishing third to OUTLANDER in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and his preparation has gone far more smoothly than last year, when he fell on trials day.
The score between Djakadam and Outlander stands at one apiece this term and the latter could be some value to give Gordon Elliott a second straight win in the race.
Elliott was the go-to man earlier in the week before the Mullins juggernaut began rolling and I
TRIUMPH HURDLE 1.30: 2 MILES 1F — GRADE ONE
IRISH horses have given the hosts plenty to think about this week and MEGA FORTUNE could dent a couple more lofty reputations in the opener. Cheekpieces at Leopardstown sparked a stylish display from the selection, who landed a good trial for this race. Mega Fortune would prefer easier ground, but the watering on Wednesday night should still be having an effect and he can topple Defi Du Seuil and Charli Parcs. The long run from the second-last hurdle to the last should suit Dinaria Des Obeaux, who rallied to take third behind Mega Fortune at Leopardstown despite a bad error. BEST BET: MEGA FORTUNE NEXT BEST: DINARIA DES OBEAUX
ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE 2.50: 3 MILES — GRADE ONE
DEATH DUTY has been nominated as the smartest hurdler Gordon Elliott has trained and can justify that hype today. The six-yearold unbeaten in four starts over hurdles, has been targeted at this race for much of the season and he would arguably have still beaten Augusta Kate at Naas last time if she hadn’t fallen at the last. Everything about Death Duty’s style of racing suggests the step up to three miles will suit. Monalee finished nearly four lengths behind the selection at Navan before Christmas and has since impressed at Clonmel (3m), so he should be thereabouts again. BEST BET: DEATH DUTY NEXT BEST: MONALEE
MARTIN PIPE HANDICAP HURDLE 4.50: 2 MILES 4F
COO STAR SIVOLA has a great chance of giving his stable a landmark second win of the week. Trainer Nick Williams was on the mark with Flying Tiger on Wednesday and his five-year-old bounced back from a disappointing performance in Grade Two company here in January to rout a small field at Warwick. Of course, there will be more required for the selection to trouble the protagonists here, but he was a fine third in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle 12 months ago and already boasts a track win. Willie Mullins found the ideal riposte to his critics yesterday and Battlefordl looks a major player. BEST BET: COO STAR SIVOLA NEXT BEST: BATTLEFORD
CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 3.30: 3 MILES 2F — GRADE ONE
was impressed with the manner of Outlander’s Lexus Chase win, where he powered clear of Don Poli and Djakadam to score with something in hand.
The selection is only a couple of pounds behind the likes of Cue Card and Native River, according to official ratings, and his finish at Leopardstown suggests he should relish the step up in trip.
There appears to be a number of strong stayers in this field, which could spell trouble for Cue Card and Sizing John, especially with the prospect of a good gallop.
COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE 2.10: 2 MILES 1F — GRADE THREE
PAUL NICHOLLS has not saddled many giltedged chances at this Festival but DIEGO DU
CHARMIL looks capable of making an impact in a typically open renewal of the County Hurdle. Although a slightly fortunate winner of the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle here 12 months ago, the five-year-old looked better when tackling his favoured good ground at Musselburgh. The handicapper took a dim view of that five-length success, raising the selection 9lb, but he is reported to be in great form. North Hill Harvey represents the same connections who won this event last year and has enjoyed a similar campaign. BEST BET: DIEGO DU CHARMIL NEXT BEST: NORTH HILL HARVEY
ST JAMES’S PLACE FOXHUNTER CHASE 4.10: 3 MILES 2 FURLONGS
ON THE FRINGE arrives looking for an historic hat-trick, however he traditionally appreciates more cut in the ground and didn’t have much in hand at the line in this race 12 months ago, so WONDERFUL CHARM could be the one to side with. Will Biddick, in the saddle for the nine-yearold’s two wins this season, is claimed to ride Ask The Weatherman, so Katie Walsh is the beneficiary on a horse who will love the good ground. The rain that fell last year was not ideal for Paint The Clouds, who finished on the hooves of On The Fringe, and he has each-way claims again. BEST BET: WONDERFUL CHARM NEXT BEST: PAINT THE CLOUDS
GRAND ANNUAL HANDICAP CHASE 5.30: 2 MILES — GRADE THREE
THIS race is blessed with a wealth of plots and
THE GAME CHANGER could outrun his price if the rain stays away. A sound surface is a must for the eight-year-old, who spent most of last year chasing home Douvan at various festivals, and he makes some appeal dropping into a handicap where the likelihood of a strong pace should play to his strengths. Dandridge represents a master in this sphere, with six of Arthur Moore’s eight Festival wins coming in two-mile chases. Dandridge charged into second 12 months ago in this closing race of the meeting and it looks like his campaign has centred around going one better today. BEST BET: THE GAME CHANGER NEXT BEST: DANDRIDGE