Call on D’Arc for the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
HARTUR D’ARC (2.20) won his first two starts after joining Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell last winter and looks to have all the tools for this famous Cheltenham race.
He ran and walked well in both wins but failed to complete the distance in the Irish Grand National Marathon on his last start of the season.
His wins have also come on testing courses, but I’m sure he’ll do much better on today’s much faster surfaces.
This Could be a great race for him and having Johnny Burke in the saddle is a plus. 3 points for 20-1. Several bookmakers pay in five places.
CAPTAIN’S TALK (1.10) is an addictive horse racing game.
His best win in France was officially described as very soft, but in reality it was as fast or faster.
He finished second in Auteuil’s amateur race at the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris weekend in the spring and has a perfect record after the break.
France coach Nick Littmoden is likely to be sidelined when he returns to the UK. Two points on the way to 22-1. Most companies are offering four seats.
CAPTAIN MORGS (2.55) is a picky customer but he likes a good place.
I’m not worried about his poor performance at Cheltenham last month as he lacks the ability to get over the hurdle.
A return to hurdles could improve his fitness and he suffered significant setbacks after winning over course and distance a few years ago. 1 point at 25-1. Most bookmakers will go with 4 and Sky Bet will go to 5.
FIRE FLYER (3.30) was runner-up at this meeting last year and despite much better performances this season, has turned into a useful hurdler late in the season.
It’s not hard to forgive his two poor performances in the spring. The first was in a softer than ideal position and made noise on his final run.
I hope that the summer respiratory surgery will solve all my problems. Each line has a score of 9-1. Sky Bet pays in four places.
