3 minute read
Timeform preview the Hennessy Gold Cup, a traditionally competitive contest over three miles and two furlongs which, since its inception, has been won by some of jumps racing's greatest names...
Neptune Collonges is a 3-time Grade 1 winner who showed he retained plenty of ability when winning small-field Cotswold Chase in January. Can go well fresh but big ask giving lumps of weight all round.
Planet of Sound improved for first-time tongue tie when landing Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown last year, but reportedly choked when well held in King George. Subsequently had breathing operation.
Sarando showed improved form switched to fences, close second to Quito de La Roque in Grade 2 at Aintree in April. Made winning return in minor event at Carlisle but expected to come up short off this mark.
Aiteen Thirtythree looked a smart prospect when winning twice over fences here last season. Disappointing in RSA Chase but solid return when second to Somersby at Kempton, and remains with potential over fences.
Blazing Bailey is a one time high-class hurdler who was rejuvenated over fences last term, winning twice at up to 3½m. Resurgence came to an abrupt halt thereafter, however, leaving him with bit to prove on return.
Great Endeavour has given connections some major success at Cheltenham with wins in the Byrne Group Plate (2010) and PP Gold Cup earlier this month. Impossible to ignore with just a 4 lb penalty.
Beshabar is fulfilling his potential as a chaser for new yard, second in four-miler at Cheltenham before winning the Scottish National at Ayr. Not one to discount entirely from 4 lb higher on return.
Wayward Prince was a Grade 1 hurdler who won first three starts over fences last season before making the frame in RSA Chase at Cheltenham and Grade 2 at Aintree. Loves the mud and a likely sort for in-form yard.
Carruthers is a splendidly genuine and enthusiastic front runner who goes well in the mud. Respectable third to Galaxy Rock at Cheltenham on return and too well handicapped to ignore now tongue tied.
Muirhead is a classy hurdler who improved on previous chase efforts to record a stylish win in the Munster National last month. Below form next time, however, and makes little appeal up in trip now.
Michel Le Bon has evidently had problems, last seen when wide-margin winner of Grade 2 3m novice at this meeting 2 years ago on what was his chasing debut. Lack of experience a concern, but remains with potential.
The Giant Bolster has won both completed starts over fences, including on handicap debut at Cheltenham (21f) in January. Fell/unseated rider on all other chase starts, however, and jumping will be tested in this.
Wymott was a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and already a better chaser, winning at Bangor, twice, and Exeter. Looked unwilling when pulled up in RSA when last seen in March, though reportedly suffered injury.
Fair Along is a smart hurdler/chaser who's been a grand servant to connections. Ran well when second at Wetherby on return, but poor effort back over fences at Cheltenham next time and tongue tie back on now.
Balthazar King quickly developed into useful novice chaser around 3m this time last year, and improved again to win handicap at Cheltenham on return. Didn't jump as well next 2 starts, however.
Tullamore Dew took really well to chasing last season, third to Divers in handicap at Cheltenham Festival. Yet to be asked for effort when falling at eleventh in Paddy Power and step up in trip ideal.
Billie Magern is a better chaser than hurdler, completing 4-timer in novices last year. Well prepared when winning at Cheltenham on return and fifth from out of the weights in Paddy Power. Stiff task.
Qhilimar has been an improved performer since joining Charlie Longsdon, winning 2 of 3 starts before finishing good second to Power Pack Jack at Carlisle last month. Faces stiff task from 5 lb out of weights, however.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Great Endeavour
2. Wayward Prince
3. Michel Le Bon
Timeform Daily: Paul Nicholls looks to hold a strong hand with Michel Le Bon a particularly fascinating contender, but it would be heedless to overlook the standout claims of Great Endeavour, who has an excellent chance of following up his PP Gold Cup success, so long as this doesn't come too soon. Wayward Prince is worth a saver at the very least.
