Vic set to atone for painful defeat
Those of us old enough to remember fans’ favourite Dublin Flyer soaring over the Prestbury Park fences will recognise the same attributes in VILLAGE VIC (Cheltenham, nb, 1.50).
National hunt enthusiasts will have another opportunity to witness the exuberant nine-year-old attack Cheltenham this afternoon in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. The selection rates a decent bet to make up for a frustrating defeat at the Cotswold venue last month.
Village Vic led a talented BetVictor Gold Cup field everywhere bar the line on his seasonal reappearance, before the Cheltenham hill again proved a cruel mistress as the classy Taquin Du seuil overhauled him in the final strides.
The old Course at Cheltenham is thought to favour front runners more than today’s New Course as it is tighter and can allow pacesetters to skip clear.
however, Village Vic is unbeaten in two starts on the New track. The probable reason is that chasers are required to jump six fences from the top of the hill.
From a similar point on the old Course, runners would face only four more fences. so, given the way Philip hobbs’ gelding relishes jumping, it is easy to understand why he is unbeaten in two starts on today’s track, including when a comprehensive winner of this race 12 months ago.
Admittedly, Village Vic poured heart and soul into that display a month ago and there could be a chance that those following behind — predominantly Aso, Buywise and Bouvreuil — can narrow the gap and reverse the placings.
All three have reasons for optimism. Aso should be fitter for his comeback, Buywise may improve for the first-time visor and switch of track, while the better ground should find favour with Bouvreuil. Add the likes of Kylemore Lough, Aloomomo and Thomas Brown to the mix then Village Vic will probably require a career-best performance to win today’s prize off top weight.
however, if he can find his trademark rhythm over the early fences then he may prove a tough rival to reel in. THE NEW ONE (Cheltenham, 3.00) was supposed to be going chasing this term and would already have jumped a fence in public for the first time but for his intended reappearance being postponed because of the weather.
It is probably a tall order for him to beat Champion hurdle runner-up My Tent or Yours today as the selection was only fourth that day, but The New one is a brilliant horse fresh and, as a dual previous winner of this race, looks like he could have some value against the likely favourite.