HENNESSY GOLD CUP (3.10pm Newbury, Saturday): Ahead of Saturday’s big race we take a look at five of the main contenders for Hennessy glory. The Hennessy Gold Cup is one of national hunt racing’s most prestigious handicaps and has been won by some of the greats of the game. The mighty Arkle once carried a huge weight to victory and more recent Gold Cup winners Denman and Bob’s Worth have proved their worth in this true test for a staying chaser. This year’s renewal may not have an established superstar but it instead contains a huge amount of untapped potential which makes it a fascinating betting puzzle.
1) Native River
(6yo, Indian River – Native Mo)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Richard Johnson
Form: 3321-2
BETDAQ Price: 6.4
A Grade 1 winner as a novice over fences last year, Native River made an encouraging seasonal reappearance over hurdles when a staying on second behind Silsol at Wetherby. A dour stayer, he will appreciate the true test this is likely to be. Likes to race handily so should be able to keep out of trouble and if getting into a nice early jumping rhythm is likely to trade much shorter in running giving an opportunity to trade out of your pre-race position.
2) Un Temps Pour Tout
( 7yo, Robin Des Champs – Rougedespoir)
Trainer: David Pipe
Jockey: Tom Scudamore
Form: 2414-1
BETDAQ Price: 9.4
A very easy winner of a handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, Un Temps Pour Tout is now rated 10lbs higher for that victory. Could only manage fourth in the Grade 1 won by Native River at Aintree but warmed up for this with a convincing win over hurdles 21 days ago. Another that races close to the pace he should stay out of trouble in the early cavalry charge. Potential to be well backed on the day coming from this yard whose handicap horses are often well supported.
3) Blaklion
(7yo, Kayf Tara – Franciscaine)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davis
Jockey: Ryan Hatch
Form: 2113-4
BETDAQ Price: 9.4
Last season’s RSA winner, Blaklion wasn’t at all disgraced when stepped into open company last time at Wetherby. He was another that was behind Native River at Aintree but will carry 1lb less than that rival and 5lbs less that Un Temps Pour Tout who was only fourth. A tough performer, he will have no problems with conditions if the rain comes. He should be cherry ripe for this after an excellent lung opener against some experienced campaigners.
4) Henri Parry Morgan
(8yo, Brian Boru – Queen Of Thedasies)
Trainer: Peter Bowen
Jockey: Sean Bowen
Form: U112U-
BETDAQ Price: 10.0
Yet another that ran in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novice Chase at Aintree, Henri Parry Morgan finished second to Native River that day and on that form he is eye-catchingly well treated off a mark of 150. Father and son team Sean and Peter Bowen will be sure to have him ready to run for his life despite a 217 day break. The main concern for his chances would be that he has unseated his rider on two of his last five starts, keep a close eye on him early in the race and if he is in a good rhythm; hit the orange button!
5) Vyta Du Roc
(7yo, Lion Noir – Dolce Vyta)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Tom O’Brien
Form: 2155-3
BETDAQ Price: 9.0
Dangerously well treated on his old hurdles form, you suspect that this has been the target for Vyta Du Roc for some time. He showed glimpses of top form over fences last year, particularly when beating Minella Rocco at Ascot. Had a warm up run over hurdles behind Un Temps Pour Tout which should leave him spot on for this. His trainer has a great record in this race and is one of the best in the business at preparing a horse for one big day, so discount him at your peril.
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