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Cheltenham Gold Cup
14th March 2008
God willing Friday March 14th could be one of the most epic
days in Festival history. Two of the finest staying chasers
of modern times are due to take each other in the Gold Cup.
Can the incredible Kauto Star defend his crown or will his
younger stablemate Denman steal the glory from the Clive
Smith owned horse? Which one of the Paul Nicholls horses do
you fancy?
Let’s start with the defending champion. Kauto Star has
already achieved so much as a horse with eight Grade 1
titles under his belt and a raft of amazing performances
that will be talked about decades down the line. There is no
doubt he will go into the Gold Cup as favourite. His form
this year has been sublime, with his 11 length King George
victory the highlight. He is currently a best priced 5/4
with Ladbrokes to stay on top of the world. Who would dare
oppose this gritty warrior?
Looking to dethrone Kauto will be his eight-year-old
stablemate Denman (13/8 with VC Bet). This massive brute of
a horse has been sensational this term with a heroic
Hennessy performance followed up with easy wins at Leopardstown and Newbury. Some say the Gold Cup will suit
Denman better but he’ll have to run the race of his life to
grab the glory.
It would be a huge shock if neither of the big two were
victorious on the final day of the Festival but there’s no
doubt that Exotic Dancer can influence proceedings. This
underrated horse got to within half a length of Kauto Star
in the Betfair Chase and although he was soundly beaten in
the King George he was ridden more vigorously than usual.
Each way punters would do well to take the 14/1 on offer at
present.
Kicking King (generally 33/1) warmed the hearts of all
racing fans when he returned in January with a sound
performance at Gowran Park. Briefly thoughts of a credible
Gold Cup challenge were comprehended but his next run three
weeks later at the same course was a huge disappointment.
After his terrible injuries it would be a great achievement
just to get to the Gold Cup but any chance of a repeat of
his 2005 win look extremely unlikely.
Other Contenders
Robert and Sally Alner’s The Listener has had another
promising season with victory in the John Durkan in
Punchestown before Christmas and more recently in the Irish
Hennessy and he has definite each-way claims in this race at
33/1.
Neptune Collonges entered his name into the Gold Cup mix
with a 13 length win in the Country Gentlemen’s Chase at
Wincanton in February and at 33/1 he is another each-way
proposition.
Like Neptune Collonges and the big Two
Star De Mohaison is
trained by the champion trainer Paul Nicholls and this horse
has something to prove after over a year off the track with
injury. His comeback run was satisfactory but you get the
impression the only way he’ll make the headlines on Gold Cup
day will be if he plays a supporting role in a Paul Nicholls
1-2-3-4.
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