Paddy Brennan: He is in some form at home, absolutely flying
I have said for a while that Redicean would win this race, so I will stick with him.
Poetic Rhythm
He is in some form at home. He is absolutely flying. Now I know that this is a hugely competitive race, but we really couldn’t be happier with our horse. You need a battle-hardened and experienced horse to win this race, and he fits the bill. He had six starts in points, three in bumpers and this will be his eighth start over hurdles. He has loads of experience around the track – he won his bumper at the course and was giving them weight when third to On The Blind Side here in November – and he will handle the ground. That said, I’ll be honest and say I would definitely prefer better ground for him. We have given him a nice break since he won the Challow and we have had this race in mind ever since. In fact, we have purposely left this race as his first attempt at 3m, and I think he will relish the test. I’m confident of a big run, as you may have guessed, but I am particularly wary of Chef Des Obeaux.
I think Definitly Red could just win the Gold Cup. He is improving, and will love the ground and the stamina test. I also like the fact that this is his first run in a Gold Cup. I think I read some stat that beaten Gold Cup horses trying to win the race subsequently – discounting winners like Kauto Star, obviously – are 0 from 66.
Doitforthevillage
He has just got in at the bottom of the weights and I think he has a big chance if it keeps raining. He did it really nicely for me when winning here in November – I fancied him that day – and we have kept him to hurdles on his last two starts. He has run two decent races, too, but obviously he is a much better chaser and he was only raised 4lb for that win here. He has an excellent record on heavy ground, and has a lovely racing weight. I expect him to go well.
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