Blackmore of the same
Let’s take a punt on A Plus Tard and Rachael doing it again
A PLUS TARD (3.30) is a risky proposition in the Boodles Gold Cup... but might just be worth it.
Henry de Bromhead’s defending champion has endured a nightmare season, which has seen him appear just once.
That was a disaster for A Plus Tard, who travelled over to Haydock as an odds-on shot for the Betfair Chase but was pulled up by Rachael Blackmore without a whimper.
De Bromhead found a problem, sorted it and set stall out for Leopardstown at Christmas – only for the Cheveley Park hero to knock himself in his box, sustain a wound and be ruled out. None of this back catalogue would drag you back to him and it now has to be a major leap of faith.
But if you trust in de Bromhead, who had the first two home in the past two Gold Cups, to work his magic and get him back, the price now appeals.
And, of course, the defending champ will also have Blackmore to help.
Galopin Des Champs is a red-hot favourite and boasts the potential to be an absolute superstar.
Bravemansgame looks transformed into a mature beast for Paul Nicholls. Ahoy Senor is a huge threat for Scotland plus Lucinda Russell. And Noble Yeats is a Grand National winner guaranteed to stay.
But like stablemate Minello Indo, A Plus Tard has been there and done it.
If you watched his 15length romp in the big race 12 months ago and were told you’d get around 7/1 this year, you’d have been remortgaging the house.
It’s a gamble, of course it is. He might be gone at the game but the price makes it worthwhile finding out.
You should be on much safer ground backing LOSSIEMOUTH (1.30) to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Owner Rich Ricci’s youngster had a disastrous day out at the Dublin Racing Festival last month when finishing second to stablemate Gala Marceau.
Trainer Willie Mullins gave jockey Paul Townend a public kicking but she was brave to fight back from the problems in-running and will surely reverse the form.
Blood Destiny is another hot Mullins contender but Lossiemouth looked all class in two starts before the Leopardstown letdown.
The Albert Bartlett is devilish. Corbetts Cross would be the stand-out judging by showings but he’s not certain to run. If he doesn’t, HIDDENVALLEY LAKE (2.50) must be solid each-way, despite losing to stablemate Monty’s Star last month. De Bromhead’s pair are decent but
Hiddenvalley
Lake looks the one who will benefit most if the surface is quickish. If the rain turns it soft, look closely at THREE CARD BRAG.
BOB AND CO (4.10) will be interesting for the Hunters’ Chase if Jamie Codd takes the ride for trainer Harry Derham and ALLEGORIE DE VASSY (4.50) is a potential star in the Mares’ Chase.
The County Hurdle is a ‘wait for the day’ race but Gordon Elliott looks mobhanded with talent in the Martin Pipe. FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU (5.30) has an entry in the Albert Bartlett. If he doesn’t take that and comes here, he has a big shout with Gigginstown House having a cracking record in the event.
If Elliott sends the eight-year- old to the Albert Bartlett, the vote in the finale goes to stablemate COOL SURVIVOR.