Morning everyone!
There’s a big race to look forward to today.
The Hennessy Gold Cup Chase at Cheltenham.
So if you’re still wondering where to put your money at 3.10 this afternoon, we’ve rounded up what the connections are thinking to help you decide.
Starting with…
Colin Tizzard
The trainer says the race is between Native River, who came in second at Wetherby last month and Theatre Guide, who placed twice in the race before. “It will be ultra-competitive,” he says. “It always is. But I’d like to think they are both going there with excellent chances.”
Richard Johnson
The champion jockey says of Native River, “There’s every chance he’s probably improved a bit over the summer and Colin’s horses couldn’t be in better form, so you go there with all the positives.”
Tom Scudamore
Jockey Tom reckons Un Temps Pour Tout is due some success. “You want to go back and watching him flying up the Cheltenham hill over three-one, he was certainly galloping all the way to the line,” he explains.
Alan King
The Smad’s Place trainer says that though his horse faces a battle, the conditions are good. “He’ll be his usual, competitive self, and the ground is sure to be on the slow side, which will suit us,” he insists. “He’ll run his race. Whether that’s good enough to win, I don’t know. We’re happy with him.”
Nigel Twiston-Davies
The racing legend is feeling positive about Blaklion. “He has got the right sort of profile for this because he is a second-season novice,” he says. “He will like the softer ground and longer trip, so it all looks good for him. I am quite bullish about it.”
Peter Bowen
Trainer Peter says Henri Parry Morgan has strengthened up and overcome some of his issues over the summer, explaining, “Henri is in great form. He had a racecourse gallop two weeks ago at Ffos Las. I worked him last weekend and he worked amazingly well and hopefully everything will be all right for him.”
Nicky Henderson
The racing champ is also talking up his charges, saying, “Triolo D’Alene does like good ground. He’s in excellent form. Vyta Du Roc is very ready as well. They both had a gallop at Newbury last week and both worked on the grass.”
Ben Pauling
The trainer, who was Henderson’s assistant for six years, says Local Show is looking sharp. “He is probably best going right-handed, but he has been schooling very well,” he said.
Andy Stewart
The owner says his horse has slimmed down, saying, “When Saphir Du Rheu ran at Ascot he looked fat, but I’ve seen him since with Nick Scholfield schooling and he’s not fat now. We’re going there optimistic.”
Paul Nicholls
Solid backing here for Scottish National winner Vicente. He says, “He’d dropped a few pounds and I think he’s on a high enough mark for what he’s achieved, but if he’s improved he’s a Scottish National winner who could run really tidy.”
So, who are you going to bet on?
