Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup

Desert Orchid said:
Frisco Depot was one I highlighted in the race won for us by Roberto Goldback at Ascot a couple of weeks ago. Having not done less than 10-7 in the previous 12 months, Sam Waley Cohen got down to 9-12 so there has to be a chance he’s managed to shed another couple of pounds in order to do the weight here.
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That 9-12 was 2 lb ow though, so I'd prepare yourself for him doing the same again on Saturday. Think he has a rock solid chance either way.
 
I like the fact Frisco races with the pace which will be a plus here, and I like the form with Flemenstar. He has solid e/w claims and probably the one I'd most want to be with at the top of the market. I may have a saver on him on the day

But I'm happy with Carruther e/w. After seeing Desert Orchid ratings where he figures highly, I'm surprised you have discounted him so easily on the basis of some 'improvers'.

Backing 'improvers' without the form in the book is the thing that has lost me the most betting wise over the years, on the flat and jumps. I really do beleive that by-and-large it is the quickest way to the poorhouse.

I'll say it for the final and last time, Carruthers is a cracking e/w bet.
 
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Last year's renewal was terrible. Carruthers is one of the last horses I'd back for this.

I'm on Magnanimity and Frisco win and place. The ground has put me off Alfie Spinner in this company but I'll have a small just in case bet on Diamond Harry on the day.
 
Marble said:
Backing 'improvers' without the form in the book is the thing that has lost me the most betting wise over the years, on the flat and jumps. I really do beleive that by-and-large it is the quickest way to the poorhouse.
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I reckon 90% of my bets (Flat or NH) are on horses I have with a 'p' and I reckon I'd have given up punting years ago if they weren't keeping me ahead.
 
Euronymous said:
Last year's renewal was terrible. Carruthers is one of the last horses I'd back for this.
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Swirly Chaser used to argue the Hennessy form was seldom franked but I think you need to look beyond the bare form.

You could argue that Planet Of Sound was trained to peak that day and it may have cost him his season, as it may have done to so many over the years. The previous season's Scottish National winner was well beaten and subsequent Gold Cup placer The Giant Bolster was even further behind.

Don't underestimate what this race can take out of a horse.
 
Lol Euro, because in last years renewal there were loads of so called 'improving' second season chasers, (the same type of horses people are scouting and getting hard-ons over this year), namely, Wayward Prince, Wymott, Great Endeavour, and Aiteen ThirtyThree: They didn't figure last year and have not even won a race since between the lot of them, you degrade Carruthers performance because of that.

You go for your improving types and I'll go for proven form horses who are fancied to run well on the day...
 
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Thanks for that important information, Hamm. Yes, he was a third season chaser wasn't he: The rest were all 2nd season chasers though.
 
Euronymous said:
Last year's renewal was terrible. Carruthers is one of the last horses I'd back for this.

I'm on Magnanimity and Frisco win and place. The ground has put me off Alfie Spinner in this company but I'll have a small just in case bet on Diamond Harry on the day.
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Scary how I end up with very similar bets to yours so often.
 
So last year's second-season chasers may not have run up to expectations. That doesn't mean this year's will follow suit. There's more chance that this year's will revert to type.

2010 Diamond Harry (S2)
2009 Denman (took advantage of a lenient handicap mark)
2008 Madison Du Berlais (S2)
2007 Denman (S2)
2006 State Of Play (S2)
2005 Trabolgan (S2)
2004 Celestial Gold (S2)
2003 Strong Flow (S2)
2003 Gingembre (S4 but runner-up 2 years earlier to another S2)

Off the top of my head, there was also the likes of Ever Blessed, Strands Of Gold, Galway Blaze, Forgive N Forget, etc etc.
 
I like a couple each way.

Lion Na Bearnai & Duke of Lucca. Both need a test of stamina and even if it's not bottomless this is usually won by strong stayers.
 
davidjohnson said:
Apologies, I thought you were suggesting he'd get down to 9-10. Like I say, either way, he's a player.
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My apologies, dj. I was suggesting there was a chance he could shed another two pounds in the last three weeks in order to make 9-10. I misread your post.

There has to be the chance they've known for some time Frisco Depot would be at the bottom of the weights if he got in so the weight-loss schedule may be a long-term plan as opposed to the unhealthy idea of trying to get rid of 11+lbs in a week or two.
 
Desert Orchid said:
First Lieutenant and Bobs Worth, second and first respectively in the RSA Chase at the festival are the ‘profile’ horses: second season chasers with the prospect of challenging for the very top honours later in the season yet still unexposed in terms of their handicap mark. With Roberto Goldback already having lifted the very valuable handicap at Ascot for the yard, the inference is that they were also laying down a marker for Bobs Worth and Geraghty takes over. It’s hard to envisage First Lieutenant turning the form around but he shouldn’t be too far behind Bobs Worth who will carry the burden of being the main selection.
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FL didn't settle that great in the RSA, has the advantage of a recent run and a proper gallop will suit him. I think the price difference between the two is excessive.
 
The Package for me- price, ground and trip all seem spot on. Nicely handicapped and looks to have plenty more to offer(being so lightly raced for various reasons).
 
I'm with Magnanimity as well. Was gutted with his performances last season. Looks on a nice mark IF last season can be written off due to the Hughes stable stinking. Hopeful, not confident he'll be there at the business end of the race.
 
I can't help myself I'm a stickler for punishment but I'm going for Diamond Harry. It's more than likely he's gone at the game but he won this race off a much higher weight before and he loves Newbury.

It's a massive IF but IF he still holds ability and the track livens him 25/1 could look monstrously generous.
 
Although the purists may dismiss handicap racing the wide range of selections for this race above underlines the thrill of a top level handicap. Love this race and in particular remember Burrough Hill Lad winning.
 
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