Don Cossack 5/2
Rather like Annie Power, his two previous visits to the Festival have not ended well. He fell in the RSA of 2014 and ran as if the Ryanair was too short for him last year, sticking on into third after traffic problems under a ride that the trainer has since criticised. His only defeat in six starts since that day was when falling in the King George on St Stephen’s Day, when he was staying on into the argument despite another troubled passage. It’s impossible to know whether he’d have won, as some claim, or whether the fall was a symptom of fatigue. Clearly a major player and should be hard to stop if he jumps cleanly.
Djakadam 7/2
Beaten by just a length and a half when second last year in a high-quality Gold Cup. Showed himself to be just as good this winter when landing a Grade One at Punchestown in December by 12 lengths. Fell at Cheltenham in January for the second time in three visits here, causing a delay in his preparation. It was only recently that his trainer was satisfied he could be brought to peak fitness in time.
Cue Card 4/1
Seeking a £1 million (€1.28 million) bonus from the Jockey Club after winning the Betfair Chase and the King George. Unbeaten in three starts since an operation to assist his breathing during the summer and now looks a thorough stayer at three miles for the first time in his life. Has shown amazing durability, having won Grade Ones at the Festival in 2010 and 2013. Represents a yard that does not often get top-class material and would be a very popular winner.
Don Poli 4/1
The subject of much rudeness, despite having won eight of his 12 career starts, and nicknamed “Don Slowly”. He certainly doesn’t make any sudden moves but his remorseless grinding has been very effective, including at the past two Festivals. Pulled six lengths clear in last year’s RSA and was a convincing winner of the Lexus at Christmas when last seen. Neither of those bits of form looks like the best on offer in this race, so must do better again, but might be the kind to raise his performance as he faces better opposition.
Smad Place 10/1
Like Cue Card, has benefited from a midsummer wind operation, with the result that he has won three of his four starts this winter. He was impressive in landing the Hennessy and again in beating Many Clouds here in January. Looked outclassed when a distant fourth behind Cue Card in the King George, when not getting his own way in front. 0/11 in Grade Ones, though he was only beaten by a neck here in the 2014 RSA. Should bounce off this ground and seems sure to do better than last year, when stuffed in eighth place.
Carlingford Lough 25/1
Twice a winner of the Irish Gold Cup but his forays to Cheltenham have been much less successful. He was sixth in the 2014 RSA, nine lengths behind Smad Place, the runner-up, and was a distant ninth in last year’s Gold Cup, making mistakes both times. This drying ground seems against him.
OFaolains Boy 66/1
Looked a likely type for this when winning the RSA in 2014 but missed the next season through injury. Poor efforts three times out of four since his return in November and it was not a strong contest he won at Newbury in December. Comes from a stable that has rather lost its way this season.
On His Own 66/1
Came within a short-head of victory in this race two years ago and should arguably have been given the race by the stewards. Had a hard race that day and subsequent record is just 1/14, landing a small-field Grade Three at Cork. Jumped right on his way to being a well-held fifth in this last year. Stuffed behind Carlingford Lough in the Irish Gold Cup, though he was much closer to Don Poli in the Lexus. Now 12 and would be the oldest winner since 1969.
Irish Cavalier 100/1
From the same troubled stable as O’Faolains Boy, he won the novice handicap chase at the last Festival and ran to a high level four more times by November. But he was a distant last of five finishers in the King George and toiled under top weight in a handicap here in January. Heavy going may have been an excuse that day but he has masses to prove in this company.
(Guardian Service)
