In a tough to crack Triumph Hurdle I’m going to tip Grumeti to take the glory in the opening race on Gold Cup Day. Grumeti made his debut over a hurdles race against older horses at Taunton at the end of December where he slammed Paul Nicholls’ Ted Spread (has gone on to win a handicap by 7 lengths at same venue) by 14 lengths.
He then went onto Newbury in the middle of last month to contest a recognised trial for the Triumph Hurdle – Detroit City en route to his Triumph Hurdle success in 2006 – only to crumple when landing over the second last. He was well on top at the time and perhaps the fact that he was cruising easily contributed to the fall.
To gain vital experience for Cheltenham Festival 2012 he then appeared at Prestbury Park for the Festival Trials meeting but needed the help of the stewards to get the verdict over Paul Nicholls’, Pearl Swan. The Champion Trainer must be wondering what he needs to do to beat Grumeti!
Grumeti is battle hardened from the flat, jumps well, has a high cruising speed and a good finishing kick. All these attributes will stand him in good stead in the hurly burly of the Triumph Hurdle. It’s also a huge plus that Alan King trains him as he is a top trainer of juveniles. His record in the past couple of years in the Triumph hasn’t been so good but last year the stable were out of form. But between 2005-2009 he had a winner or a place every year taking the spoils twice with Penzance in 2005 and Katchit in 2007 and having a horse placed in the other three years.
Ladbrokes are a standout 10/1 on Grumeti so take the price before it disappears.
1pt ew Grumeti in the Triumph Hurdle – 10/1 Ladbrokes
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