DANCER SET FOR STEP UP
IT is a big step up for DEAUVILLE DANCER (1.55) in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup but it’s worth a shot.
He couldn’t come into Cheltenham’s feature race in better form, having rattled up a hat-trick over the last couple of months.
He has really come into his own over fences and is a much better horse over the bigger obstacles.
He will need to improve a stone on ratings to get in the mix here but he’s off a lowish weight and there should be more to come.
Great
The one I really like the look of is Ballyalton. He’s a class horse; just look back to that second to Faugheen at the Festival in 2014.
He had a pipe-opener over hurdles in October and then was a very good fourth in the BetVictor Gold Cup last month.
He loves Cheltenham and I think he’ll come on for that performance and give his followers a great run for their money.
I’m on Knight Destroyer (12.10) in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. He disappointed when jumping left at Market Rasen last time, which didn’t help his chance.
Left-handed Cheltenham will suit him better and he looked a very nice prospect when winning at Uttoxeter the time before.
The favourite, Apple’s Shakira, will be very hard to beat, though, so we could be playing for second. BRILLARE MOMENTO (3.40) would have a chance in her race. She has won twice here, including a Listed race in April and she is an obvious contender. She’d be my best chance of a winner.
I’m off to Southwell first thing tomorrow and I like GUNFLEET (2.05).
He’s only run three times and I think the form of hisfifth at Uttoxeter last time will work out really well.
It is a race Coneygree won five years ago and will produce some decent horses.
A couple with good form have penalties and Emma Lavelle’s horses are doing OK. He’d be my best chance on the card.
Easily
Looking back at the last week, I’d keep following Cresswell Breeze in the regional Nationals.
She was alongside the winner at the final fence in the London National at Sandown last weekend and clearly revels in marathon events.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise to see Sizing John dominate the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting.
He won three Gold Cups last season and easily saw off Djakadam in the John Durkan last Sunday. He’s already the one they will all have to beat come March.