Horse by horse guide to Cheltenham's Caspian Caviar Gold Cup
Dave Ord runs the rule over the final field for Saturday's Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, featuring plenty of familiar faces.
The 'December Gold Cup' has been won by some fantastic steeplechasers down the years and in recent seasons has been captured by the likes of Monkerhostin, Exotic Dancer, Poquelin and Village Vic.
Last year it was four-year-old Frodon who took top spot under Sam Twiston-Davies, in so doing providing his trainer Paul Nicholls with a record fourth success in the valuable two mile, five furlong contest, and Nicholls has three chances this time around including top weight Clan Des Obeaux who is set to be ridden by Harry Cobden.
Last month's BetVictor Gold Cup hero Splash Of Ginge returns to the fold and he's out to confirm superiority over seven others who contested the same race.
Here, Dave Ord casts his eye over the field and finds himself drawn to one of the septet - a northern raider at the foot of the weights.
CLAN DES OBEAUX: Made subsequent Ladbrokes Trophy runner-up Whisper pull out all the stops in a match at Kempton on reappearance before regaining winning thread in another graduation chase at Haydock. There’s every chance a mark of 155 underestimates him and has every chance despite top weight.
LE PREZIEN: Third behind Splash Of Ginge in BetVictor when he did well to get as close as he did after another sketchy round of jumping. Has the ability to win a big pot when things finally come together – but the wait goes on.
STARCHITECT: Second in that BetVictor Gold Cup and arguably would have won but for a significant mistake two out. Has to be a player again although the handicapper has raised him four pounds for the last run which doesn’t make things easier.
FOXTAIL HILL: Went into the BetVictor on a roll but was never a factor in eighth. Better than that but the suspicion is the assessor has caught up with him for now.
LONG HOUSE HALL: Lightly raced over fences and impressive when landing the Summer Plate in July 2016. Has plenty of ability but the ground here is an unknown as rain replaces snow at Prestbury Park. Wouldn’t want it to get too testing on his first run after a mammoth layoff.
ROMAIN DE SENAM: Travelled strongly for a long way when fifth in the BetVictor and switch to New Course may aid his cause – but the worry remains how strongly he’ll come up the hill if the ground gets testing.
BALLYALTON: Fourth in the BetVictor when losing a shoe and that confirmed he’s back on song. Likes it round here, is proven in testing conditions and is a danger to them all again.
KING'S ODYSSEY: Lot to like about his reappearance run at Carlisle over an inadequate trip which was a sighter for this. Has plenty of ability but a mark of 140 looks tough enough for what he's achieved over fences so far – for all there could be more to come.
SPLASH OF GINGE: Has two ways of running and was very much a going day when making most and fending off Starchitect to win the BetVictor. However, up five pounds for that and would need a career best to strike again. Percentage call has to be to look elsewhere.
Splash of Ginge returns as winner if the BetVictor Gold Cup to a chorus of “We all Live in a Ginger Submarine” #gingerlegend pic.twitter.com/FKDycg0MMK
— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) November 18, 2017
DEAUVILLE DANCER: Won his last three including when presented with a straightforward task at Doncaster last time. This is a completely different kettle of fish though and others make more appeal.
GUITAR PETE: Our selection to win the BetVictor but race was all but over when badly hampered at the first. Remains a major player here from a mark of 135, having run himself into form for new connections. Had Splash Of Ginge back in fourth when winning at Wetherby last month and with only 10-2 on his back courtesy of Ryan Day’s claim is very much at the right end of the handicap.
Verdict
Clan Des Obeaux could be a cut above these but faces a stiff task under top weight. Last month’s BetVictor Gold Cup is probably the key - of those involved in the finish Ballyalton strikes as being a big player, but GUITAR PETE was wiped out at the first fence. He’s definitely worth another chance from the foot of the handicap.
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