Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 17/03/2017

Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase - Cheltenham Festival

March 17, 2016 15:30pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 3m 2f 70y

Grade: 1

Runners: 14

Winner: £327,462.00

Going: Good (Soft in places)

Friday`s showpiece race has thrown up half a dozen strong contenders, but there are two horses that have made it onto the shortlist.

First up, is Native River who has progressed at a phenomenal rate since being runner-up to Minella Rocco in last year`s National Hunt Chase. The former point-to-point racer bagged a Hennessy Gold Cup win at Newbury back in November and followed that up with victory in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow in December. He extended his unbeaten run over fences with a Gold Cup warm-up win in the Denman Chase at Newbury. A sound galloper and strong jumper, the Colin Tizzard-trained gelding should have no problem navigating his way round this course.

Djakadam finished second in the past two editions of this race and comes here well fancied once again. Willie Mullins has been talking up his chances and the punters have been piling in. As a result, he should head off as favourite on race day. Despite having fallen twice over this course, he has always shown well in the main event and a repeat of either of the last two year`s performances could be enough for him to go one better this time round. Last year, he ran with a slight injury sustained in a fall on the same course and he will have benefitted from having a long rest ahead of this year`s race. Yes, there are a few nagging doubts aver his stamina but Mullins is certainly enthused about his chances.

Betting odds and tips

In quite an open field, there are a handful of genuine contenders but it is Native River who has all the attributes to top off a tremendous season with one of the sport`s biggest prizes.

You can back Native River at a best price of 4/1 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 winners - Last three years:

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

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

2016: Don Cossack (9) - Bryan Cooper (Gordon Elliott)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/03/2017 09:54:06) but are subject to change.