The Road to the 2019 Cheltenham Gold Cup

It really is an intriguing race.. Maybe it's lacking a superstar going into the race but hopefully has one by the end

At least 8 horses you could make a reasonable case for
 
Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Kelly said: "I'm walking the course at Fairyhouse and will be discussing whether we'll run with the horse's owner Philip Reynolds tonight. We'll make a decision before declaration time tomorrow."
The ground at Fairyhouse was described as "good, good to yielding in places" yesterday and with a dry forecast selective watering of the course was under way.
 
If the ground comes right, I really fancy Frodon, I was lambasted at Ascot on Saturday for saying so, but I think Bryony can nurse him round, the others will be watching each other and I think she can get him there. Yes on paper he may not have the rating but none of the others apart from CDO have come out and done anything mega impressive yet imho........I really think she can get him home, but it will really depend on the ground.
 
This is an absolute joke. The connections of course reserve the right to do what they believe is best by the horse but how on earth can he be Gold Cup fav having not raced over fences since his novice campaign ?
 
You're absolutely right, he shouldn't be favourite. Not that it's the fault of his connections, of course.
 
he's no longer fav and highly unlikely he will be on the day with no prep over fences

i still think he's gonna run a huge race but wouldn't be surprised if he just misses out on the winners spot and everyone wonders what might have been with a normal preparation
 
G-G said:
If the ground comes right, I really fancy Frodon, I was lambasted at Ascot on Saturday for saying so, but I think Bryony can nurse him round, the others will be watching each other and I think she can get him there. Yes on paper he may not have the rating but none of the others apart from CDO have come out and done anything mega impressive yet imho........I really think she can get him home, but it will really depend on the ground.
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I'm still keen on his chances too, G-G. I'm not even sure he'll need nursed round. I don't expect him to make the running but if he is allowed a soft lead it could be a case of heaven help the rest. I'll be happy with a front-five possie on the inside and hopefully his jumping will keep him on the bit longer than most.

For what it's worth, I still think he is better than Cyrname. And I am pretty sure the trip will not be an issue for him.
 
wilsonl said:
This is an absolute joke. The connections of course reserve the right to do what they believe is best by the horse but how on earth can he be Gold Cup fav having not raced over fences since his novice campaign ?
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Because of the dry ground again? As it stands we’re looking at a good/good to soft festival only if they water the course. Perhaps he’ll be willing to let him take his chance in the big one on ‘unsuitable’ ground but can’t be rushing in at 3/1 to back it with so much against it now. Agree with the gents on here who like Might Bite at a price, ground in his favour.
 
IF they get the same horse back as last year on better ground then yes. Big IF though.
 
jinnyj said:
I backed Might Bite shortly before Hendo announced how pleased he was with him after cauterising his soft palate (and also tweaking a "couple of other things?!") I took 28s and he's now about 18s which is probably fair. If I'm right in my assessment of the wind being an issue (I thought even in the GC last year it was as he came there cruising only for his head to go up and not get past NR), then I will be very happy!!
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Nice bet. I think either he will shorten on the day as long as it isn't bottomless

You should know your faith a mile in too

Percy will be nowhere to be seen until the top of the hill
 
granger said:
Anyone warming to a bet on Might Bite yet?
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This is just heart vs head!

There is nothing I want to do more than part with my money and watch him gallop like he did last year but on a perfect surface....but I just can't bring myself to do it on the back of what we have seen.
 
Going to have to go in on Might Bite. Ive had R2R all year for this, but having just watched Might Bites RSA on Youtube there is some animal in there.

If the ground comes up anything like it did 2 years ago Id be surprised if he goes off more than 6s. 3s around for Percy is rancid, could see him being 5s or more come the day. Ive changed my mind about this being a very poor race. The more ive looked into the form and some figures I think it could actually be very good. Think CDO may go off fave. Ive well and truly got festival fever now.
 
Marble said:
having looked through American's form, I believe that despite his last few awful performances, there is a lot of raw ability in this horse. He's a horse who beat Rock The Kasbah eight lengths while giving him six pounds in March 2017. He has been well fancied in races since then, but simply cannot have been under any circumstances his usual self
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Thankfully I didn't back him for The Gold Cup as he wasn't declared that day, but American holds an entry in the Ultima Chase at The Festival, so will hopefully be declared for Kelso tomorrow as he as surely needs a run before the Festival.
 
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Nicky Henderson taking Might Bite (plus Santini and On The Blind Side) to Newbury on Sunday morning to school over fences.
 
Fair play to Galway for showing that initiative.
A Gallic touch given the French trial their Epsom horses the wrong way around Chantilly racecourse .
Easter Hero 1928 the last horse to win Gold Cup without a chase run the same season; funnily enough the year Fianna Fail was founded by Eamon de Valera, a party led by Albert Reynolds, Peter's father. ( Dev was the last Irish president to have a Classic Race winner carry his silks Giolla Mear 1968 Irish St Leger.)
 
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