SALVER is chanced at biggish odds of 17/2 in the Triumph Hurdle, the traditional Gold Cup day curtain raiser (1.30pm). Clearly the Mullins hand is very strong, and perhaps Bunting will be the one to move forward most, but the form as it stands suggests there is no standout unless relative unknown quantity Salvator Mundi turns it on. As for Salver, he is a strong and powerful galloper with an assured jumping technique who could seek to dominate this from early. The overnight rain is a big plus, and the exploits of half-brother Saldier hint that he could be capable of more.
PIED PIPER can better last year’s narrow loss and take the County Hurdle with top weight (2.10pm). He really doesn’t have to do much more either, as he should have won last year, is here from just a fraction higher in the handicap with an outstanding conditional offsetting that. He is more that capable of winning off a break, has run a stack of good races here, and connections could easily have been tempted to run for some likely place money in the Champion Hurdle. Last year’s race was the only time he’s contested a handicap over jumps. 12/1.
CAPTAIN TEAGUE may be the best suited to a real test in the Albert Bartlett (2.50pm). I’m almost sure Gidleigh Park is the most talented horse in this, but less convinced that he’s necessarily a thorough stayer. Readin Tommy Wrong is clearly very promising, but his form has taken a few knocks this week. As for the selection, the combination of a very good Bumper third, that Challow win when he was just dosing up the run in, plus softening ground make him the most compelling suggestion at a fair price. 17/2.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS can be a dual Gold Cup winner (3.30pm) at Evens. Stars have aligned nicely for him, with a smaller field, softer ground and the likelihood of a nice pace to break the race apart and expose the dubious stayers. He comes here in terrific shape, and looks pretty bombproof. Gerri Colombe, who didn’t look at his very sharpest over Christmas, can benefit for the break and stay on for second, perhaps catching Bravemansgame for that spot. The latter looks sure to run well again – an uncomplicated and sound jumper who would probably hang in there a bit longer on better ground.
PREMIER MAGIC looks a little overpriced at 6/1 to repeat last year’s win in the Foxhunters (4.10pm). Although 66/1 that day, it didn’t look a fluke then and certainly doesn’t now, with all three subsequent wins delivered with consummate ease, including another decent hunter chase here. This is not a stronger running than last year, and Its On The Line looks a shade short by comparison given his hard race last time. Ferns Lock is the new talent, but his staying power for this particular race must be taken on trust.
LIMERICK LACE looks the one in the mares’ chase (4.50pm) at 5/2. She is a pretty uncomplicated conveyance and scooted home on her last visit to Britain, having been outmuscled in a war at Navan by the high-class gelding Coko Beach. It is her superior stamina which may give the edge over Dinoblue and Allegorie de Vassy today.
SONIGINO has possibilities in the Martin Pipe (5.30pm). He’s right in this on his Greatwood fourth under today’s excellent rider, and looked smart at Aintree on really soft ground next time. He perfectly well treated on both efforts, and you can forget Kempton, as he lined up out wide and hung right all the way round. Granted he’s recovered from one bad run, he can run a massive race at 18/1.
