Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase Preview

Published on: 17/03/2016

Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase Preview

March 18, 2016 15:30pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

The tipsters are having a tough time picking a winner for this year`s big race, so it must be even tougher for the punters.

Of course Don Cossack is the horse that is attracting all the attention but there are plenty out there who are not convinced that he is such a sure-fire bet.

Many instead are being drawn to the gritty grinder of the line-up, Don Poli. His impressive stamina and prior Cheltenham run-outs make him perfectly suited for this race. In an event where temperament as well as stamina and staying power are important, he seems to tick all the boxes.

His last poor showing came just a few weeks after his victory in the RSA Chase and he seems to have gotten that out of his system, having won two in two since. He hasn`t featured since December and will be coming into this fresh and keen. With the eager Smad Place likely to be setting the pace, Don Poli might be the one that still has something left in the tank coming up the hill.

Djakadam came close last year but has not had the perfect preparation this time round. Still, Willie Mullins fancies his chances.

There are also questions marks surrounding the staying power of Cue Card over this distance but he should certainly be in contention before the run-in.

Betting odds and tips

After much deliberation, Don Poli gets the vote of confidence. He just seems to be the best all round package.

You can back Don Poli at 9/2 with Bet365.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Cheltenham races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase - Last three years:

2013: Bobs Worth (8) - Barry Geraghty (Nicky Henderson)

2014: Lord Windermere (8) - Davy Russell (Jim Culloty)

2015: Coneygree (8) - Nico de Boinville (Mark Bradstock)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/03/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/03/2016 14:22:19) but are subject to change.