Kylemore Lough makes his debut for Harry Fry today and heads the market in this Grade 3 event which is run over an extended 2m4f. He has gone well fresh in the past and is 2lb lower than when a good fifth in a similar event over course and distance. He looks to have a good chance in this wide open race but under top weight things are going to be a lot harder.
Le Prezien ran well when second at the showcase meeting a few weeks ago but more is needed today in my opinion.
Festival winner Tully East also lines up in this field and rates an interesting contender, he had a nice prep run in October which should of put him spot on for this and I believe he has a leading chance today and trainer Allan Fleming has said he is A1 for this.
Foxtail Hill was an impressive winner at the showcase meeting and the trip/ground should be fine and I would expect him to go very close although he’s going to have to improve again off this sort of mark.
Romain De Senam is going to need some luck in a big field as he loves to come from well off the pace but as he is not fully exposed there could be some improvement to come and granted a trouble free round, I would expect him to be a major player at the finish.
Ballyalton is a much older horse, who tends not to do so well in this race in the past and but his recent return from a long absence was good enough one to believe there is more to come and although the stats aren’t in his favour form wise he’s a big player.
Viconte Du Noyer has just an outside chance for me. Trainer Colin Tizzard said “He won over three miles and three furlongs last year but it looked as if this would be his trip at Punchestown. He looks really well and I’m expecting a big run“. The ground was reported as good today but the jockeys reported it as soft and with rain expected tomorrow I would expect the ground not to suit this one.
Starchitect won nicely on reappearance a few weeks ago and the softer ground likely will be fine although improvement is needed to make a big impact today.
Another to note is Splash Of Ginge; if the rain comes I think he could go well at a huge price.
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Conclusion:
Foxtail Hill is going to need to step up again but for me ticks all the boxes and at 10/1 I really think you’ll get a good run for you’re money e/w. I am also going to have a small play on Ballyalton e/w at 11/1, although the stats are against him the in form Ian Williams team will have this one fit for this race and can easily show up very well.
Advice for 2.25 Cheltenham – BetVictor Gold Cup
Foxtail Hill 10/1 e/w
Ballyalton 11/1 e/w
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