Cheltenham Gold Cup

Cheltenham - Friday 13th March 

My first stab at the Gold Cup officially sank this week, when Dynaste was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

In truth, I had pretty much given up on it anyway, as his connections seemed intent on targeting him at the Ryanair.

Such are the perils of ante-post punting – not every 33/1 shot I put up is going to perform like Emperors Choice did  !

That said, I am very optimistic that this one just might ;)

Taquin Du Seuil is the forgotten horse of the Gold Cup.

4 months ago, he was starting his campaign as a second season novice with the world at his feet: 3 disappointing runs later, he is in the wilderness.

But, in my opinion, it is far too soon to be writing him off…

It was only last March that he took the Grade 1 JLT chase at the Cheltenham festival, showing great tenacity to run down Uxizandre in the shadows of the post.

It looked for all the world that day, as if he needed further than that 2m5f, so it was no surprise to hear Jonjo nominate the Gold Cup as his objective for this season – and for him to be campaigned accordingly.

However, it just hasn’t worked out.

A disappointing seasonal debut at Newton Abbot was followed by an OK run at Wetherby; and then more disappointment in the Betfair chase at Haydock.

However, it should be borne in mind that Jonjo has had a wretched time of it so far this season – so the performances of Taquin so far this seaon, need to be looked at in context…

Certainly, if you ignore this season and just look at what he achieved last season, you have the profile of a potential Gold Cup contender.

And that’s what I’m hoping he will prove himself to be – starting tomorrow.

He contests the Denman chase at Newbury tomorrow afternoon, and victory there is likely to see his current price for the Gold Cup slashed.

At the moment, he can be backed at 40/1 with Sky NRNB for the race.

My feeling is that if he wins well tomorrow, that price will come crashing down.

The reality is, this still looks a wide open Gold Cup – Silviniaco Conti aside – and Taquin could easily throw his hat into the ring tomorrow.

Ofcourse the beauty of this bet is that if he doesn’t win (or run well tomorrow), he probably won’t run in the Gold Cup.
So, a win: no lose bet – now they are the type I like :)

0.25pt EW Taquin De Seuil 40/1 Sky NRNB (33/1 B365,Tote,Betfred,Paddy Power - all NRNB)

Don't be tempted by the 50/1 offered by Stan James as it isn't NRNB