It is the final day of the Festival and the Irish domination of days two and three have certainly left things a little bit flat for me (more in next week’s blog), especially in the handicaps where your eyes are always drawn to the well travelling Irish runners. It could be more of the same on day four but at least the Gold Cup looks to be a cracker and we have strong claims of keeping that for ourselves.
Gold Cup
The enigmatic Might Bite is an extremely classy animal that likes to have a wander up the Cheltenham hill before consenting to stay on and claim victory. It was some performance to win the RSA last year but there are questions marks with the extra two furlongs and much softer ground this afternoon. His performance in the King George was certainly solid and while there were no quirks on show, he needs to improve on the bare form. With the recent rain and fresh campaign, I think Native River turn last year’s third into victory twelve months later. He had a tough campaign last year, winning exceptionally competitive handicaps in the Hennessey and Welsh National and that may have left his mark last March. It won’t take much improvement for him to claim victory this time around and I was impressed by his return in the Denman at Newbury. The concern would be his yard’s form but having tipped up a few of his runners this week, they are generally running ok but were just no match for the Irish runners. Our Duke could be his main danger, extremely progressive last year in a campaign which culminated in an Irish National success and he looks to be running into some form, his latest win boosted by Presenting Percy on Wednesday.
Other Races
Apples Shakira has not impressed me in two wins at Cheltenham this season and feel she may be better over further so will take her on with Stormy Ireland who won by 57 lengths on debut for Willie Mullins. Spiritofthegames has run some solid races in top handicaps and he might go one better under Harry Skelton today. Santini was impressive when winning last time under similar conditions and can give Nicky Henderson another winner. Wonderful Charm may give Paul Nicholls another Foxhunter success. Carter McKay in the Martin Pipe has some usual form in Novice company and the Irish might win the finale with Three Stars.
Selections
1:30 Stormy Ireland
2:10 Spiritofthegames
2:50 Santini
3:30 Native River (nap)
4:10 Wonderful Charm
4:50 Carter McKay
5:30 Three Stars