Hello all, first time I have posted here. I was casting my eye over the Gold Cup, and seeing Time for Rupert entered, I must admit, initially I dismissed him as not experienced enough for such a big step up. However on further reflection, and accepting he is more likely to go for the RSA, I believe he would not be not such a no hoper for the gold cup as his odds suggest. I don't think Kauto or Denman can win it again, given age and probable decline. Imperial Commander cannot be dismissed as easily, but age is an issue, and he has been off a long time, although he is lightly raced and loves Cheltenham. Diamond Harry would seem to have much the same chance as Denman on Hennessy form, and his RSA run last year just puts me off a bit. Long Run must have a fair chance, only 6, but has had plenty of experience for a young horse, I personally just have niggling doubts as to Cheltenham being suited to him. Pandorama seems best of the Irish, on his form in Ireland he can be well fancied, but he has yet to do it in England or at Cheltenham, his Hennessy effort was appalling. Yes, Time for Rupert would have to bridge a massive gap from Novice chases to a Gold Cup, but I think novices have won it before?, Little Owl springs to mind. He will stay the trip, right age, loves the track, and although he will have to jump fences quicker than ever before, you would have to think he has the class given last years world hurdle run. There are doubts, mainly being a novice, but there are just as many doubts surrounding the principles, If he were mine (such a dreamer I am) I think I would take a chance and go for the big one, maybe it might just now be "Time for Rupert"?
Hi Paul4, I know these four will have their supporters, out of these I respect pride of dulcote and punchestowns, but they are not for me. Take heart that, like most punters I'm wrong more often than I'm right.
Hi Paul4, I know these four will have their supporters, out of these I respect pride of dulcote and punchestowns, but they are not for me.Take heart that, like most punters I'm wrong more often than I'm right.
Stays, has class, is young, jumps superbly (touch wood) 3 from 5 at Cheltenham (2nd to Big Buck's and Tidal Bay in other two). Denman and KS 11 years old (49 years back to last 11-y-o winner). IC is 10 just two 10-y-o winners since 1990.
16/1 NRNB available. If he skates up in the Argento he will shorten for the GC. If he struggles he won't run in GC - money back.
Stays, has class, is young, jumps superbly (touch wood) 3 from 5 at Cheltenham (2nd to Big Buck's and Tidal Bay in other two). Denman and KS 11 years old (49 years back to last 11-y-o winner). IC is 10 just two 10-y-o winners since 1990.16/1 NRNB av
Would be great to see Rupert run in the Gold Cup but why would Webber bother when he has an open goal with the RSA chase. Rupert is a very exciting prospect for sure, but he will take the easy money this year before sweeping up next year I think.
There is no doubt he has looked a right machine.
My fancy is Punchestowns, I have always loved this nag as it is such a great mover. Something was amiss sat the festy last year and I expect him to give a full account of himself in the Gold Cup. Geraghty will be riding as Sam WC will be on Long Run. The stats support a horse of Punchestowns profile as well. Although just headed by Pride of Dulcote at Newbury recently he was given weight to him. And the fact that Pricewise has tipped Pride of Dulcote adds a bit of credibility to Punchestowns and at 25s it is a great small stakes ew punt in my opinion.
Would be great to see Rupert run in the Gold Cup but why would Webber bother when he has an open goal with the RSA chase. Rupert is a very exciting prospect for sure, but he will take the easy money this year before sweeping up next year I think. The