Saturday, 24 April 2010
Bet365 Gold Cup Preview
Philip Hobbs feels Fairoak Lad could be the pick of his trio in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
The Minehead trainer also saddles past winners Monkerhostin (2008) and Lacdoudal (2006), but believes the youngest member of his team might be the one to give him a third victory in the prestigious handicap chase on the final day of the jumps season.
"Fairoak Lad is progressive and will be suited well by the trip, which is a big positive, so hopefully he has a strong each-way chance," said the Minehead trainer.
"I suppose before the race it would look as though Fairoak Lad has the best chance of the three.
"It's a big call for Monkerhostin with top weight at 13 years of age but he seems in good form, so hopefully he'll run well. He has a good claimer on board and the ground will be fine for him.
"Lacdoudal also likes Sandown and both horses have won this race before. He ran well at Cheltenham last time, so hopefully he'd have an each-way squeak."
Charlie Mann expects Air Force One (my selection) to bounce back after an uncharacteristic fall last time at Down Royal.
"He's in very good form and is very fresh. He's had a very light season and we've had this race in mind for a while," said the Upper Lambourn trainer.
"He's a Grade One winner, he's well-handicapped and I'm hoping he'll run well. He had a silly fall last time out and he's a good jumper normally. On his best form he'd have a good chance.
"The trip should be fine. He was second in the Hennessy over three and a quarter miles. He likes a right-handed track too and Graham Lee gets on well with him."