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The first point to make about this year's Gold Cup is that, with last year's winners Rite Of Passage on the sidelines and few emerging stars on show, it looks a very winnable race.

The second point to make is that Fame And Glory looks tight enough at 2.98 for a horse who is unproven over this far and hasn't been that impressive in two wins this season.

Rain could well complicate things and make this a searching stamina test, and if conditions do change then don't be surprised if Tastahil and possibly Blue Bajan go well at long odds.

Tastahil has come up short against the very best in the past but is as good as ever aged seven and shouldn't be trading at over 20, while Blue Bajan is in the form of his life aged nine and shouldn't be written off either.

Most of the supporting races on Gold Cup day look incredibly tough, but do keep a close eye on Banimpire in the Ribblesdale Stakes at 15:05 and Brown Panther in the King George V Handicap at 17:35.

The feats of such as Finsceal Beo and Lush Lashes show just what Jim Bolger can achieve when a filly goes on a roll and Banimpire looks cut from similar cloth as those two stars based on recent efforts. Her hungry galloping style carried her well clear in a Cork Group 3 last time and she looks bound to be a major player again here.

Michael Owen and Tom Dascombe have made no secret of their belief that Brown Panther is primed to run a big race in the King George V and I'm very happy to go along with that view.

Brown Panther is improving fast based on the way he settled matters at Haydock last time and a 10l rise may not be enough to stop him continuing his ascent through the handicap ranks.

Recommended Bets
Back Brown Panther @ 7.6 in the 17:35
Back Banimpire @ 3.65 in the 15:05
Back Tastahil @ 25.0 and Blue Bajan @ 16.0 in the 15:45

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