Williams can finally be the King of Cheltenham
Trainer evan Williams has come so close to landing a series of prestigious handicaps at Prestbury Park, but KING’S ODYSSEY (Cheltenham, 1.55) can end the frustration in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup today.
Buywise, Barrakilla and De Faoithesdream have all hit the woodwork in recent seasons in feature contests for the Welsh handler.
King’s Odyssey added his name to a lengthy list of misfortune when crashing out of last year’s renewal mid- race when travelling powerfully, but he is a fair bet to make amends this afternoon. a recent spin at Carlisle over an inadequate trip was encouraging as the gelding stuck to his task in impressive fashion after understandably becoming outpaced.
Given King’s Odyssey hails from a family of dour stayers, it was good to see he retains plenty of zip and his jumping, which has occasionally been called into question, stood up to scrutiny.
The selection has always been viewed as a ‘ proper winter horse’ by connections and won’t mind one bit if conditions are gruelling as his ability to operate in deep ground is already confirmed.
That isn’t necessarily the case for all of his rivals and it must surely only be a matter of time before Williams’ eightyearold repeats the dominant display he produced at Cheltenham in January 2016.
needless to say, Paul nicholls will have a big say in trying to prevent the prize crossing the Severn Bridge.
He saddles a powerful trio in opposition with Clan Des Obeaux and Le Prezien looking the chief threats.
The former has twice been beaten by Whisper, including here, in an eight-race career which has often promised plenty. Critics might suggest he is yet to add consistency to his career profile, but he took a major step in the right direction at Haydock in tough conditions last time and his form looks better now given Whisper’s recent effort in the Ladbrokes Trophy.
Le Prezien was a place behind Starchitect when they found Splash Of Ginge too strong in the BetVictor Gold Cup last month and it was a case of what might have been for both.
a mistake two fences out cost Starchitect dear, while early errors meant Le Prezien was left detached on the first circuit before rattling home to snatch third late on.
Both have huge claims this afternoon, but they gave plenty that day in atrocious conditions and preference is for King’s Odyssey to exorcise a few Cheltenham ghosts for his trainer.