December Gold Cup Handicap – Cheltenham December 14th 2m5f
|
2012 |
Unioniste (FR) |
15/2 |
P F Nicholls |
4 |
9-9 |
143 |
Mr H Derham |
Heavy |
|
2011 |
Quantitativeeasing (IRE) |
6/1 |
N J Henderson |
6 |
10-7 |
145 |
B J Geraghty |
Good |
|
2010 |
Poquelin (FR) |
16/1 |
P F Nicholls |
7 |
11-7 |
163 |
Mr I Popham |
Good To Soft |
|
2009 |
Poquelin (FR) |
7/2 |
P F Nicholls |
6 |
11-8 |
151 |
R Walsh |
Soft |
|
2007 |
Tamarinbleu (FR) |
22/1 |
D E Pipe |
7 |
11-8 |
150 |
Denis O’Regan |
Good |
|
2006 |
Exotic Dancer (FR) |
8/1 |
Jonjo O’Neill |
6 |
11-4 |
149 |
Tony Dobbin |
Soft |
|
2005 |
Sir Oj (IRE) |
16/1 |
Noel Meade |
8 |
10-0 |
132 |
P Carberry |
Good To Soft |
|
2004 |
Monkerhostin (FR) |
4/1 |
P J Hobbs |
7 |
10-2 |
134 |
Richard Johnson |
Good |
|
2003 |
Iris Royal (FR) |
7/1 |
N J Henderson |
7 |
10-13 |
142 |
Mick Fitzgerald |
Good To Soft |
|
2002 |
Fondmort (FR) |
5/1 |
N J Henderson |
6 |
10-5 |
143 |
Mick Fitzgerald |
Good |
Race Cancelled 2008
I see no reason why John’s Spirit cannot go close again. Although 2lb worse off with Colour Squadron, I felt he was idling on the run-in and had more in the tank. He jumps safely, handles ground underhoof, and travels kindly through his races. The runner-up had an unlucky run over the final two fences. However, he does have a habit of finding a way not to win. That said he is talented and respected. Grandioso is an improving sort. If coping with what is likely to be, a fast run race he should run well. Any market strength on the day of the race for Salut Flo, would I feel, be significant. Cantlow has claims though I feel he may have been at his peak for his win at Newbury. He is closely matched with Eastern Meteor and Grandioso on that run. Indeed the form ties in with John’s Spirit when he fell two from home when staying on strongly. If avoiding mistakes, Attaglance should be finishing to good effect in this race run on the New Course. In truth any of the aforementioned horses that puts in a clear round and runs to form, has a shout of success.
Ma Filleule switches to fences and races off a similar handicap mark to that achieved over the larger obstacles in France.
Salut Flo and Sew On Target top FSF ratings. The latter holds a clear chance with John’s Spirit at the revised weights. Double Ross is third best followed by Silver Roque. A good run to the second last and longer finishing straight should favour those needing a slightly stiffer test.
