Hennessy Gold Cup on Saturday

Earl Hafler · November 23, 2009

2.40 Newbury

I've been studying this race for ages and keep coming back to the same horses so hopefully it will be like the Scottish National where i mentioned 5 horses and got the first 4 home.

Denman runs off top weight and whilst i think he'll run well for a long way, i think he'll be beaten into a place at best. He's a stone heavier than when he won 2 years ago and is not the same horse

Nicholls also sends out What A Friend and i think he has a chance but is weighted up to his best with little room for improvement. And Sam Thomas rides.

Killyglen is a smart horse who'll appreciate the distance and ground and should be primed for this having had a run a couple of weeks ago. I have a slight concern that his jumping could be put under pressure in the soft going at a good clip but he should be placed.

Barbers Shop would be a major bet on good ground but i think his stamina will be tested if it comes up soft. He won well over 3 miles at Sandown but that was a slowly run race - this is much more competitive. However, he'll run a good race, as should My will, who has been in the first four an incredible 22 times out of 29 races over fences.

The each way bet has to be Nenuphar Collonges. The conditions should be perfect and, because of Denman running off top weight, he gets to race off a lightweight 10 stone. His record when racing over 3 miles and going left handed also backs up his chances.

I tipped him at 20-1 at the Cheltenham Festival where he came 3rd by less than a length to the ill fated Wichita Lineman. King has trained him for this race since that day and gave him a prep race a few weeks ago. He's available at 20 or 25-1 and looks an outstanding each way bet. I'd rate it a 7/10.

domlfc · November 23, 2009

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