Guitar Pete in tune for Cheltenham repeat

Richard’s inmate tempting prospect to retain title

GUITAR PETE can become only the second dual winner of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The only previous horse to achieve the feat was the Paul Nicholls-trained Poquelin, who landed successive renewals of a race that has had several different names in 2009 and 2010.

Guitar Pete, trained by Nicky Richards, ploughed through testing conditions to triumph 12 months ago and returns only 3lb higher and with a light weight on his back once again.

Last season the grey warmed up for this event by finishing a moderate ninth in the BetVictor Gold Cup the previous month, whereas this year he ran much better to pick up minor honours in third in that similarly competitive handicap.

That performance can be marked up as he fared best of those that were ridden with restraint and there is every chance he can at least close the gap on the two ahead of him, Baron Alco and Frodon.

Guitar Pete is clearly in good heart and double-figure odds are too tempting to pass up.

The withdrawal of Laurina takes a good deal of gloss off the Unibet International Hurdle, but at least it makes for an open renewal.

The vote goes to SUMMERVILLE BOY, who beat the topclass Kalashnikov twice last season, including in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle here in March.

The fact he managed to overcome a terrible blunder two flights from home to win the traditional festival curtain-raiser is testament to his ability and it is no surprise connections have decided to head down the Champion Hurdle route this season.

His claims for the two-mile hurdling crown suffered an early knock as he disappointed behind dual champion Buveur D’Air in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle a fortnight ago.

However, he was beaten at Stratford on his seasonal debut last season and deserves another chance on a track which clearly suits.

SELECTIONS

CHELTENHAM: 12.10 Fret D’Estruval, 12.45 Ok Corral, 1.20 Top Gamble, 1.55 GUITAR PETE (NAP), 2.30 Doux Pretender, 3.05 Summerville Boy, 3.40 Definitelyanoscar.

DONCASTER: 11.50 Golden Jeffrey, 12.25 Newtown Boy, 1.00 Amour De Nuit, 1.35 Coup De Pinceau, 2.10 Cliffs Of Dover, 2.45 Quel Destin, 3.20 Go Conquer.

DOUBLE: Guitar Pete and Summerville Boy.

Picture: Getty Images. Guitar Pete in full flow at Leopardstown.