Caspian Caviar Gold Cup 2018

Entries out…..

https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/ante-post-racing/national-hunt/caspian-caviar-gold-cup/winner

As is usually the case, The BetVictor Gold Cup is as good a place to start as any. Despite the carnage in behind, Baron Alco and Frodon looked good value for getting the honours. I’d fancy Frodon to just shade it this time. A cracking little horse, who I always give a good word to, and he’s became a real favourite. This will be tougher again, and though disappointing in last years Ryanair, he looks a better horse this time around. I think he’s worth considering for that, and another good show obviously won’t affect his chances for that, as far as his mark will be concerned.

Slightly different situation for Baron Alco. Connections would like a shot at The Topham, and a big run here would affect his chances. Solid horse though, and wherever his future lies, he’s surely got more to offer.

Rather Be, not surprisingly, heads the market. He was another to run in that race, and fair to say he was cantering when he was brought down. Off the same mark here, it’s hard to pick holes in him.

It looks a stronger entry than usual this year, with plenty catching the eye. I was happy to duck The BetVictor Antepost this year, and a similar approach send the sensible option here. No harm in looking though, and these are some of the standout entries for me.

Theatre Territory – Yes, she doesn’t win too often, and certainly hasn’t won over fences, but this doesn’t tell the full story. She seems, recently anyway, incapable of running a bad race, and she’s miles better than 132. She would be a strong #1 fit me here, but given connections, she’ll surely head for The Becher. Smashing horse, who looks to have a very bright future.

Catamaran Du Seuill – Likeable type for Dr Newland, who’ll come here seeking a hat trick. Looks worthy of his rise in the weights, and an interesting entry. Risky right now though, as he could take in The Grand Sefton first of all.

Gold Present – Satisfactory comeback at the weekend, after his season had somewhat tailed off last year. No harm in going down to Politologue and Charbel, and getting close to his last winning mark, he looks a shade overpriced.

Guitar Pete – Defending champ, and although handed last years race in the saddest of circumstances, he seems a rock solid each way prospect here. Never really landed a blow in The BetVictor, but still made the frame, and one of the safer Antepost propositions. Bet365 have him as low as 7’s.

Happy Diva – Didn’t give her a second look in The BetVictor, but she was fair travelling when brought down alongside Rather Be. She’s certainly getting a second look this time.

War Sound – Been around long enough without really grabbing the headlines, but his win last time at Aintree, was a career best. This will ask more, but obviously coming here in good heart for a yard in form, and I’m very keen.

Cepage – I was keen on him for The BetVictor, but he didn’t trap. The more rain the better for him, and I seen enough last year to be equally keen on his chances for this. Decent price.

Aso – Stablemate of Cepage, and something of a forgotten horse. Runner up in this two years back, before going on to make the frame in The Ryanair, and if his well-being could be assured, he looks on a nice enough mark. Couldn’t be bet with any confidence Antepost, but interesting if he traps.

Romain De Senam – We didn’t get a chance to see where he’s at, when he was got no further than the first in The BetVictor, but Nicholls having a good time of it, and he’s got the look of a very well handicapped horse.

Forest Bihan – Not the type that I’d normally look at for this, but trimmed 2lbs for a very respectable effort behind Sceau Royal, he becomes that bit more interesting.

Foxtail Hill – Ultra impressive winner here last October, but truth be told, he didn’t do much after that. His comeback in October was adequate though, and he’s of note for this yard, coming here 3lbs below his last winning mark, and I like that 20’s.

Marienstar – Tons more on her plate here, yet off the back of three wins, all done in convincing fashion, she looks worthy of an entry.

San Benedeto – Ran ok on Saturday, but crucially, he’s finally getting some proper respite, having been off 158 at one point. His run behind Altior last year was dynamite, and he just has the look of a horse who might, just might, have been laid out for this. He’ll have other options, but should Frodon swerve this, then not out of the question he’ll be allowed to take his chance. I’d love to see him reunited here with Bryony Frost, and the fact that he’d come here off his last winning mark, makes him of serious interest at 25’s.

Those are the ones that immediately catch the eye, but plenty of time to change my mind.

Rather Be looks as worthy a favourite as you could get at this stage, while on the day place concessions make Frodon and Guitar Pete look solid each way.

No bet for me yet, but particularly keen on……

Cepage
Forest Bihan
Foxtail Hill
War Sound

However, should I buckle, it’ll be on

San Benedeto 25’s
Theatre Territory 10’s

I think Theatre wins this, but Aintree is a big distraction, and hard to see her running here, while other entries from the yard cloud the issue with San Benedeto, not to mention the owner having Frodon in there. He’s way overpriced though, and I’ll watch the market.

GL