Who’s Favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Thursday, February 6th, 2014
Who’s Favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Festival is just weeks away and soon the town will be bustling with racegoers making their way to Prestbury Park. Cheltenham’s economy can always expect a boost in March with the influx of visitors that come to the town for festival every year and racegoers will brave all kinds of weather to be there.
Last year was a record breaking one for the Cheltenham Festival; many described it as one of the best ever. Economic pressures didn’t stop people making the journey to see the Cheltenham Festival. Record numbers attended with nearly quarter of a million race goers attending over the four days, and almost 70,000 filled the stands at Prestbury Park on Gold Cup Day.
In 2005 the Cheltenham Gold Cup moved to a four day event, which has proved to be a huge success with racegoers. Best Mate and the now retired Kauto Star are just some of the winners from recent years, and in 2013, the Nicky Henderson trained Bobs Worth would emerge triumph.
The Favourites
Trainer Paul Nicholls has been known to dominate the Festival, however, 2014 is likely to see some new stars as well as some old favourites, and the 2013 winner Bobs Worth is currently being given the best odds of winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Bobs Worth
Bobs Worth will undoubtedly be one to look out for this year. The thoroughbred has registered nine wins out of twelve races and is known to perform well at Cheltenham.
Bred in France and trained by Paul Nicholls, Silviniaco Conti, is expected to do well at Cheltenham and is currently on good odds to seal the victory when it comes to the main race. Silviniaco Conti is one of the leading long-distance steeplechasers; the chestnut gelding had a strong season in 2012/2013, and the success looks set to continue into 2014, although there have been some fitness issues.
Cue Card has competed against Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth before and usually gives a strong performance. The bay gelding has won at Cheltenham before but is currently being given longer odds of winning the Gold Cup.
The Outsiders
Racing wouldn’t be the same without the occasional upset. Wayward Prince, Champion Court and Time for Rupert are all ranked as outsiders for the 2014 event, but let’s take a closer look at them.
Wayward Prince returned from injury last year. The horse has suffered problems with his back and was pulled up at Aintree. For this reason, Wayward Prince is an unlikely winner of the Gold Cup and is very much an outsider.
Trainer Martin Keighley has been preparing Champion Court for the Cheltenham Festival. Champion Court is said to be jumping well and will be taking a break ahead of the Festival.
Some would argue that Time for Rupert hasn’t fulfilled his potential. Injuries have blighted his career recently and although he can cope with the challenges of the Cheltenham course, it is felt unlikely that he will be the winner.
Cheltenham Gold Cup will run from 11th March – 14th March and will end as always with Cheltenham Gold Cup Day.
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