Rory Delargy returns with 6 lay bets for Gold Cup Day.
13:30 – Triumph Hurdle
Experience is important here, and I must field against the promising Pentland Hills here as he has had only one start over hurdles, and that came a matter of days ago, when beating the horse which finished last in the Supreme.
He did look an exciting sort at Plumpton, but this is an altogether different question, and he will struggle to make the frame.
Recommended: Place Lay Pentland Hills @ 4.8 or shorter to win 5pts [max liability 19pts]
14:10 – County Hurdle
Capitaine won’t appreciate any more rain, and this free-going type will be gasping for air up the hill given he’s essentially a fast ground performer best suited by a relative test of speed. This race often goes to one who stays further, and while Capitaine doesn’t lack class, he’s hardly a grinder.
Recommended: Place Lay Capitaine @ 4.1 or shorter to win 10pts [max liability 31pts]
14:50 – Albert Bartlett
Experience and stamina are vital attributes here, and I’d be inclined to take on several at the head of the market, most notably Dickie Diver who was an excellent second to Lisnagar Oscar at Chepstow on debut but has had just one more run.
I’d also lay stablemate Birchdale on the same basis.
If taking a few on in the win market, I’d include Commander of Fleet who is also a 5-yo who looks like he needs more time to progress, for all he won nicely at Leopardstown last time. If you don’t like the win liabilities, just take on the first-named in the place market. You still have plenty running for you.
Recommended: Lay Dickie Diver @ 11 or shorter to win 5pts [max liability 50pts]
Recommended: Lay Birchdale @ 7.5 or shorter to win 8pts [max liability 52pts]
Recommended: Lay Commander of Fleet @ 9.5 or shorter to win 6pts [max liability 51pts]
15:30 Gold Cup
A few of Colin Tizzard’s horses have run quite well this week, but none have won and several have underperformed markedly. I’m keen to be against Native River on the basis that he has had a lot of tough races, and while he’s always run with credit, this will be his fifth Festival, and he’s entitled to show some wear and tear against speedy rivals.
If he can maintain his pitch on the run to the straight then he will come home as well as anything, but I can see him struggling to do so in this field.
Everyone is coming round to the idea of him as a safe bet for the places, but I’m happy to go against the crowd on this one.
Recommended: Place Lay Native River @ 2.25 or shorter to win 20pts [max liability 25pts]
Your host Tom Stanley is joined by Sam Turner, Brendan Powell and Matchbook’s Micheál Deasy to preview Day 3 and 4 of the Festival with the Gold Cup of course leading to lots of different opinions.
