Dry Cup run looks perfect for Kalondra
AN ARID autumn has driven most National Hunt trainers to distraction in recent weeks, but Neil Mulholland will be delighted the rain has missed Prestbury Park for his principal BetVictor Gold Cup hope KALONDRA (Cheltenham, 2.25).
The seven-year-old operates well enough on soft ground but is blessed with so much speed for a staying chaser that deep conditions can blunt his pace.
That appeared to be the case on a couple of occasions last term, notably in graded company behind Modus and Terrefort, and he was seen to much better effect in spring handicaps when encountering a stronger gallop and sounder surface. He may well have won the first of those events at today’s venue when leading turning for home, travelling strongly in the Silver Trophy Chase.
Unfortunately, Kalondra went too early and his speed could not be fully utilised.
More patiently ridden at Galway, he was creeping into contention when he fell at the second-last in a conditions event which he could have finished on the heels of rivals rated up to and beyond the mid-150s.
In hindsight, that fall may prove a blessing as it ensured he can compete in today’s feature off a handy weight. A big field and the likelihood of a strong gallop should be ideal and Mullholland’s classy chaser looks capable of a huge run if he and Noel Fehily can find their rhythm over the early fences.
The Festival form of Rather Be and Mister Whitaker makes them serious contenders and many will favour the former, given he is 9lb better off for a narrow defeat in March.
However, the latter has the benefit of a winning comeback at Carlisle and is unbeaten in two starts at Cheltenham, so it is not a foregone conclusion.