The Hennessy Gold Cup meeting started with a low key meeting on Thursday but Friday’s card is an improvement. Wonderful Charm goes for a quick hat-trick when he lines up for the Grade 2 Novices’ Chase at 2.05.
The Paul Nicholls-trained French import won impressively at Fakenham first time out and then followed up in a much better race at Wincanton. He pulled back three lengths from the last to deny Fox Appeal with Third Intention ten lengths away in third. He ran too freely in the early stages and is still learning his trade but he has plenty of potential.
His main rival tomorrow is David Pipe’s Tanerko Emery who was second to Raya Star over fences before running a respectable seventh behind Dell’ Arca at Cheltenham. That form received an early boost when Ifandbutwhynot (tenth) came out and won the Gerry Feilden Hurdle today.
The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Qualifier at 1.30 has attracted a huge field. The one that catches my eye is the consistent Twelve Roses. It’s a sobering thought that I can remember this one’s grand-dam winning at Cheltenham! That was Rose Ravine who beat stable companion Crimson Embers in controversial circumstances for Fulke Walwyn.
Twelve Roses seems to have inherited her battling qualities if her recent effort is anything to go by. Kim Bailey’s mare forced More Of That to pull out all the stops at Wetherby before going down by just a length. The winner came out and won a much better race at Haydock last weekend and looks like being yet another high-class performer in the JP McManus colours.
Of course there are plenty of dangers including the hat-trick seeking Minella For Steak and David Pipe’s Western Warhorse. Chiberta King is another interesting runner having won at Royal Ascot in the summer. If he can transfer that kind of form to hurdles he is well weighted here.
Looking further ahead, my two selections for the Hennessy have stood their ground with Barry Geraghty electing to ride Triolo D’Alene. This has caused Hadrian’s Approach to drift and his jumping admittedly causes concern in such a big field. There is still no clear favourite and it looks like the most open renewal of the race in recent years.
Wonderful Charm Evens 888Sport
Twelve Roses 6-1 Bet365
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
