2024 Gold Cup

[jack1092]

I wouldn't fancy Shishkin per se, but i'd have him shorter than Gerri at this stage.

What are people's views on fastorslow?

 

[opatcho]

What are people's views on fastorslow?

I really like him, I was a backer of him at the start of the season
I think some people, like myself, forget that Fastrslow was still a novice when he beat GDC and BMG whilst hitting 175 - there hasnt been many novice chasers that have done that

Was pleased to see him win the John Durkan

My confidence has been slightly dented since GDC last run, scoring another RPR of 184!!! Thats huge

Fastorslow was a bet a few weeks ago, but would be against backing him how at the much short price, especially after seeing GDC do what he did.

I still think Fastorslow is the horse to taken on GDC, I think Fastorslow will be a high 170 horse. Will he be a 180 horse... I hope he is.... but hard to imagine two 180 horses performing in the Gold Cup - it would be one hell of a race

 

[Nwfb89]

opatcho Fastorslow wasn't a novice when beating gdc and bmg last season he won a chase in France before moving to Ireland.

 

[opatcho]

opatcho Fastorslow wasn't a novice when beating gdc and bmg last season he won a chase in France before moving to Ireland.

Technically yes.... but

He had one run in France over fences, 4 years ago, as a 3 year old
He beat GDC and BMG on his 4th GB Chase start, his 2nd start over 3 miles

That chase run over in france was not different than running in a PTP

For me, he was a novice from an experience perspective

 

[DenmanSacre]

GDC is going to be a lump job on the day.

This race has fallen apart and IMO you've got 4 contenders who haven't done anything wrong so far, with plenty of questions on two.

The King George was terrible - Il Est Francis and Hermes Allen would have won that race if they were in it IMO. Allaho is past it (he lacked speed and stamina and I'd be dead against him in the Ryanair, as I put in one of the lay threads), BMG hasn't been the same this year, Shiskin would have won the King George probably but it wouldn't have been far and beating Hewick a few lengths isn't good enough.

Gerri went up against a proper horse for the first time and showed himself to be second rate.

The 4 I'd have on the shortlist would be:

GDC - finally had him forward and he put in his best performance over 3m+. He didn't jump as well in the Gold Cup and John Durkan but was mostly much better at Leopardstown. Wins this cantering.

Fastorslow - done nothing wrong but they've finally rode GDC properly and that's the end of it for Fastorslow unless GDC makes a bad mistake or falls.

LHomme Presse - hasn't been seen this year which is a worry and doubt he has the underlying talent of the above two. Only on here as he hasn't ruined his chance so far this season but I wouldn't be confident he will be the same horse he was.

Gentlemansgame - I think the step up to 3m2 will bring out improvement in this horse. So inexperienced but a right stayer. The form of the win against BMG has taken a knock but he's got plenty of scope for improvement. One for me on the day in the w/o fav market.

 

[Stormez]

GDC is going to be a lump job on the day.

This race has fallen apart and IMO you've got 4 contenders who haven't done anything wrong so far, with plenty of questions on two.

The King George was terrible - Il Est Francis and Hermes Allen would have won that race if they were in it IMO. Allaho is past it (he lacked speed and stamina and I'd be dead against him in the Ryanair, as I put in one of the lay threads), BMG hasn't been the same this year, Shiskin would have won the King George probably but it wouldn't have been far and beating Hewick a few lengths isn't good enough.

Gerri went up against a proper horse for the first time and showed himself to be second rate.

The 4 I'd have on the shortlist would be:

GDC - finally had him forward and he put in his best performance over 3m+. He didn't jump as well in the Gold Cup and John Durkan but was mostly much better at Leopardstown. Wins this cantering.

Fastorslow - done nothing wrong but they've finally rode GDC properly and that's the end of it for Fastorslow unless GDC makes a bad mistake or falls.

LHomme Presse - hasn't been seen this year which is a worry and doubt he has the underlying talent of the above two. Only on here as he hasn't ruined his chance so far this season but I wouldn't be confident he will be the same horse he was.

Gentlemansgame - I think the step up to 3m2 will bring out improvement in this horse. So inexperienced but a right stayer. The form of the win against BMG has taken a knock but he's got plenty of scope for improvement. One for me on the day in the w/o fav market.

I’d agree with 3/4 of that list.

Only one I’m not in agreement with would be L’Homme Presse. Got too many questions to answer at present, so I’d want to see him run before I add him too the list. Hes 20/1 at the moment but how short could he really go if he wins first time out? I’m willing to forfeit a few points for confirmation that his ability remains, or maybe play the WTAF.

GDC has laid to rest any doubts with that performance in the Savills, he’s still got the stomach for it & everything will be in his favour come the Friday. He deserves to be a strong fav.

Was a shame Fastorslow didn’t run in the Savills, not that it took away from GDC’s win but would have been interesting to see where Fastorslow finished. I suspect somewhere in the middle of GDC & Gerri. Bookies cutting him without a run when the market leader also hardened was a piss take, but their collateral form argument is obvious if tenuous. Hes too short now.

Gentlemansgame has done nothing but improve & is the one in the market for me who’s still underrated. He’ll relish the test of a GC, and may turn out to be Robcours best chance. I’ve got my eye on a Hills double boost for him. Only worry is him getting there, doesn’t appear to be the easiest to get right.

I wouldn’t totally give up on Gerri Colombe. Hes got the extra couple of furlongs of the GC in his favour, but as many on here have suspected he’s probably going to be vulnerable to something with more gears. Horses like him win GC’s though, so I’ll cling to that & hope that race gets run in his favour.

 

[DenmanSacre]

I’d agree with 3/4 of that list.

Only one I’m not in agreement with would be L’Homme Presse. Got too many questions to answer at present, so I’d want to see him run before I add him too the list. Hes 20/1 at the moment but how short could he really go if he wins first time out? I’m willing to forfeit a few points for confirmation that his ability remains, or maybe play the WTAF.

GDC has laid to rest any doubts with that performance in the Savills, he’s still got the stomach for it & everything will be in his favour come the Friday. He deserves to be a strong fav.

Was a shame Fastorslow didn’t run in the Savills, not that it took away from GDC’s win but would have been interesting to see where Fastorslow finished. I suspect somewhere in the middle of GDC & Gerri. Bookies cutting him without a run when the market leader also hardened was a piss take, but their collateral form argument is obvious if tenuous. Hes too short now.

Gentlemansgame has done nothing but improve & is the one in the market for me who’s still underrated. He’ll relish the test of a GC, and may turn out to be Robcours best chance. I’ve got my eye on a Hills double boost for him. Only worry is him getting there, doesn’t appear to be the easiest to get right.

I wouldn’t totally give up on Gerri Colombe. Hes got the extra couple of furlongs of the GC in his favour, but as many on here have suspected he’s probably going to be vulnerable to something with more gears. Horses like him win GC’s though, so I’ll cling to that & hope that race gets run in his favour.

LHomme Presse is only on the list as he hasn't had a chance to do any wrong so far. Doubt he will be on it by the time we get to Cheltenham.

I can't see how Gerri can beat GDC at Cheltenham. Lacks the tactical speed to lie up with him and GDC isn't going to be stopping up the hill. He's too slow away from his fences as well so using up energy throughout to hold his position.

 

[Stormez]

Can’t argue any of that with regards to Gerri. I’m probably only looking for some positives as I’ve backed him, would likely be in the same camp as you if I hadn’t!

But boats like Synchronised & Lord Windermere won it, and I’d have him as a better horse than them. Christ Santini & Don Poli were placed.

I do think he’s nailed on to run into a place late on, but hand on heart I know he’s not winning it.

 

[AaronLad]

The King George was terrible - Il Est Francis and Hermes Allen would have won that race if they were in it IMO. Allaho is past it (he lacked speed and stamina and I'd be dead against him in the Ryanair, as I put in one of the lay threads), BMG hasn't been the same this year, Shiskin would have won the King George probably but it wouldn't have been far and beating Hewick a few lengths isn't good enough.

Really? a few lengths?
I'm sure if you took five minutes to watch back shishkins previous finishing efforts at kempton i sure hope would revise this opinion.
He would've put 10 lengths on them rags that were in behind, minimum.
He's a stout stayer now, bring on the irish trained horse we might see a 190 in the gold cup at the age of 10

 

[Eggs]

….20 entries;

Ahoy Senor (IRE) 9 11 10 Wymer & Russell Lucinda Russell
Bravemansgame (FR) 9 11 10 Bryan Drew Paul Nicholls
Conflated (IRE) 10 11 10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland
Corach Rambler (IRE) 10 11 10 The Ramblers Lucinda Russell
Datsalrightgino (GER) 8 11 10 The GD Partnership Jamie Snowden
Envoi Allen (FR) 10 11 10 Cheveley Park Stud Henry de Bromhead Ireland
Fastorslow (FR) 8 11 10 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Martin Brassil Ireland
Galopin des Champs (FR) 8 11 10 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins Ireland
Gentlemansgame 8 11 10 Robcour M. F. Morris Ireland
Gerri Colombe (FR) 8 11 10 Robcour Gordon Elliott Ireland
Hewick (IRE) 9 11 10 Mr T. J. McDonald John Joseph Hanlon Ireland
Jungle Boogie (IRE) 10 11 10 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Henry de Bromhead Ireland
L'homme Presse (FR) 9 11 10 DFA Racing (Pink & Edwards) Venetia Williams
Monkfish (IRE) 10 11 10 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland
Nassalam (FR) 7 11 10 John and Yvonne Stone Gary Moore
Protektorat (FR) 9 11 10 Sir A Ferguson G Mason J Hales & L Hales Dan Skelton
Royale Pagaille (FR) 10 11 10 Mrs S. Ricci Venetia Williams
Shishkin (IRE) 10 11 10 Mrs J Donnelly Nicky Henderson
Stay Away Fay (IRE) 7 11 10 Mr Chris Giles & Mr Dave Staddon Paul Nicholls
The Real Whacker (IRE) 8 11 10 Neville, Mann, Duffus, Dennis-Price Patrick Neville​

 

[archie]

Latest ORs:
180 GDC
173 Shishkin
170 BMG
170 L'Homme Presse
169 Hewick
168 Fastorslow
167 Gerri Colombe
166 Royale Pagaille
166 Ahoy Senor
165 Protektorat
164 Conflated
162 The Real Whacker

 

[Lobos]

No Allaho but Envoi in there. Could run in a Good ground GC I suppose.

 

[Faugheen_Machine]

Rory Delargy has put up Corach Rambler today on Sportinglife.com - worth a read. Scu was on RTV earlier saying they'll go for the Gold Cup after a racecourse gallop (same prep as last year). He's probably discounted as a handicapper but I think he could be a little better than that given the chance.

Festorslow has boosted the Ultima form in graded races and is 4/1. Should Corach Rambler really be six times the price?

He was 40s a couple of days ago but best price 25s this evening. I'm struggling to see many that I think will finish in front of him.

 

[ComplyOrDie]

Rory Delargy has put up Corach Rambler today on Sportinglife.com - worth a read. Scu was on RTV earlier saying they'll go for the Gold Cup after a racecourse gallop (same prep as last year). He's probably discounted as a handicapper but I think he could be a little better than that given the chance.

Festorslow has boosted the Ultima form in graded races and is 4/1. Should Corach Rambler really be six times the price?

He was 40s a couple of days ago but best price 25s this evening. I'm struggling to see many that I think will finish in front of him.

I agree with this.

I debated backing him at 40's and now I'm annoyed I didn't :highly_amused:

His course form alone entitles him to have an each way shout, IMO.

 

[Lobos]

Straight to Gold Cup for Bravemansgame.

 

[Eggs]

Rory Delargy has put up Corach Rambler today on Sportinglife.com - worth a read. Scu was on RTV earlier saying they'll go for the Gold Cup after a racecourse gallop (same prep as last year). He's probably discounted as a handicapper but I think he could be a little better than that given the chance.

Festorslow has boosted the Ultima form in graded races and is 4/1. Should Corach Rambler really be six times the price?

He was 40s a couple of days ago but best price 25s this evening. I'm struggling to see many that I think will finish in front of him.

….16-1 with PP in their w/o GDC market might appeal to some.

 

[Eggs]

A decision has yet to be made on whether “unknown quantity” Gentlemansgame runs in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup.

Grade One-placed over hurdles, the Mouse Morris-trained eight-year-old has only had three chasing start, but has won two of those – including Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase, in which he beat last year’s King George winner, Bravemansgame.

The Robcour-owned gelding was being prepared for Leopardstown over Christmas when he would have met Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs before a setback intervened. However, that clash could still happen pre-Cheltenham at the Dublin Racing Festival.

“If he runs anywhere he’ll go to Leopardstown for the Gold Cup,” said Morris.

“If not he’ll just go straight to Cheltenham. Touch wood at the minute he’s well.

“It was just a stone bruise, but it went right up his foot. He wasn’t out of training for too long which was great.

“He worked at Punchestown the other day and he worked well.

“He’s still still the unknown quantity really, he hasn’t run against Galopin Des Champs yet.”
​

 

[Lobos]

As a backer id prefer it if he went straight there as he does appear to be very fragile. Mouse can get them fit at home .

 

[Benjy23]

Nice to see l'Homme Presse back today at Lingfield. With his first time out record and the prize money on offer be expecting him to be fairly fit for it. Although it's likely Protektorat's Gold Cup. l'Homme Presses is getting 4lb from him though so you'd like to see a win.

Could argue his novice chase form hasn't worked out great. But he was going to be a good second to Bravemansgame in the 2022 KG. And that was a peak Bravemansgame in his ideal conditions imo, before he went on to finish second to GDC in the Gold Cup. So l'Homme wouldn't be miles away, and with better Cheltenham form.

14s NRNB for Gold Cup or 25s to win today and GC. Something I'm considering. I've only got GDC backed here. And Coach Rambler actually.

I know it's best not to get involved with these horses with a year plus out :boxing:

 

[DenmanSacre]

Good performance after 13 months off. Hopefully come out of the race ok and has a good chance of placing in the GC