The Hennessey Gold Cup is a popular race amongst punters and racing fans as it heralds the start of the countdown towards the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National. Although touted as a major race on the National Hunt calendar, the race has been dominated in recent years by new up and coming horses, particularly second season chasers. This years event looks to be a very open race with almost half the field having a claim on victory.
The pre-post favourite in horse race betting is Aiteen Thirtythree at 5/1 marginally ahead of Great Endeavour at 6/1. These two have dominated betting, with some bookmakers making them joint favourites at 5/1, so shop around if you like Great Endeavour. We’re actually looking beyond these two for the winner since they are both suspect at either the distance, the fences, or the track conditions.
Beshabar won the Ayr Cup over 4 miles recently so the distance shouldn’t be problem. He also doesn’t mind the sting out of the ground so if there’s any rain about the 3 plus miles of today’s event will feel more like 4 miles for these horses. At 12/1, he’s certainly good value and worth including in the chances. Wymott is considered the most likely based on statistics, however, he’s got poor form in races with big fields and in events on big tracks.
Wayward Prince is well in the market and ran on well in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham last season. He is not well weighted but his form suggests he can handle his current impost. He will certainly be there at the finish. At 8/1, he is good value and is another that should be included amongst the chances.
When it comes to tipping a winner, it’s hard to go past the punters and bookmakers favourites. However, on form, and for value, we’re tipping Wayward Prince ahead of Beshabar with Great Endeavour filling the minor place. The National Hunt season is always exciting to watch, is often fraught with danger when it comes to punting, yet delivers good value winners if you can pick them. Look for bookmakers offering money back if your horse fails to finish, it’s always a tough way to lose your money, and while you may have to accept a point or so less in odds, money back is better than doing you bet because your selection been brought down.