Friday, April 27, 2007

Sandown Betfred Gold Cup meeting


Tomorrow the Betfred Gold Cup meeting brings down the curtain on another jumps season, one of the wettest I can remember, although all that heavy going seems a long time ago now.

The Celebration Chase over two miles is due off at 2.40. Dempsey would be the choice if Carl Llewellyn's stable was in better form but he hasn't had a winner for the best part of a month. I'm passing over River City who is likely to be feeling the effects of travelling back from Punchestown earlier in the week and taking a chance with Yes Sir who returned to form when winning well at Ayr last weekend over two miles four furlongs. His front running style will be an asset around here.

The Gold Cup has attracted just eleven runners but looks competitive nonetheless. A number of these have had a busy season. Henry Daly's Alderburn is the selection; he's fairly fresh, carries the minimum ten stones and will act on the ground.

Early next week I'll write a review of the jumps season as the flat looks forward to the Guineas meeting at Newmarket.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a race the Betfred Gold Cup was. Even in the absence of Alderburn (my selection too), I would not have thought Hot Weld could win again seven days after the Scottish National.

GeeDee said...

Agreed, Tom, an exceptional performance. It looked an unlikely victory as Graham Lee gave the horse reminders with a circuit to go but the horse pulled his way to the front from then on and I don't think he was headed afterwards.

GeeDee said...

Yes Sir (7/2) missed out the first two fences and struggled thereafter, finishing seventh of the eight runners. 5/4 favourite Dempsey won easily.
Alderburn was a non runner having been found lame on the morning of the race.