RACING anorak Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) takes a look at the headline act of the Cheltenham Festival, Friday afternoon's Gold Cup.
Gold Cup | Friday 15th March 2019, 15:30 | ITV1
The Gold Cup is the highlight of the week and this is a hotly-anticipated renewal. Plenty of top-class horses have taken their chance but in my opinion its very much a one-horse race.
Native River (9/2 888) won this last year in an epic battle with Might Bite, however neither of them have quite shown the same sparkle since. It was a really gruelling race and though Native River has to be respected, his stable form concerns me gravely.
Clan Des Obeaux (9/2 Ladbrokes) has shot to prominence in this division, and his wins in the King George and the Denman Chase make him the one to beat here. However, the extra distance, the tacky ground and his apparent dislike of Cheltenham means I will oppose him, but he is the main risk to my selection.
Presenting Percy (4/1 BetVictor) is a Festival specialist and I have no concerns about his preparations. The last time he jumped a fence in a race was at this meeting last year, but in this day and age its not a negative.
His trainer is a master at producing horses for Cheltenham. He jumps for fun, stays, handles heavy ground and is fresh. He wins the Gold Cup.
Best Bets
Gold Cup – Presenting Percy to win (4/1 BetVictor)
