*** Shoddy's view of the Cheltenham Gold Cup ****

So, the day is finally here and we can all look forward to a terrific Gold Cup later this afternoon. Not since the days of Dessie has a nation been looking forwards with such anticipation to a Gold Cup. The Gold Cup is run at 3.30 this afternoon.

We do of course have the much talked about match today between two top class horses, both from the Paul Nicholls yard.

The current champion, KAUTO STAR is the favourite at around 11/10 (and shorter) at time of writing. Apart from an unexpected 2nd on his reappearance this year (was a little bit lazy), the champion has 10 unbeaten starts as his recent form. His jumping has improved over time, and the stable jockey Ruby Walsh has chosen this ride over his fancied stablemate.

Running against the champion is his stablemate DENMAN, who has been heralded as the next champion chaser. Unbeaten over the larger obstacles, he demonstrated his promise by winning the Hennessy with top weight earlier this year. DENMAN is currently around 2/1 to beat the field. The talented Sam Thomas takes the ride.

These two mighty horses have never raced together, and I, like hundreds of thousands of National Hunt racing fans around the world, am relishing seeing these two slug it out at the very highest level. Lets hope that we all get the race we are hoping for.

My tip for this race is to avoid betting on the match, as this may spoil your enjoyment of this unique spectacle.

My bet for this race is for EXOTIC DANCER to PLACE. Current price for this is around 7/4 on betfair. EXOTIC DANCER has only been unplaced in 1 chase out of 14 career starts when falling at Sandown Park on Boxing Day in 2005. 11 times Champion Jockey A P McCoy has the job of steering my selection today.

My selection would struggle to beat the two favourites in a true run race, and we all hope that all the animals get round this afternoon. However, even if this is the case I believe that 7/4 to beat the remainder of the field still offers excellent value.

Please note though, that this is not a selection for big stakes. Lets hope that the race lives up to its promise.

For what it's worth, I believe that KAUTO STAR will still be the champion come 3.45 this afternoon.

Enjoy the best race of the year.

Shods.

Posted By: shoddy on March 14th 2008 at 13:04:26

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