LESS than a fortnight to Cheltenham and our thoughts are really aimed at that, but, a horse that I follow religiously is expected to run in The Grimthorpe chase at Doncaster on Saturday.
CALGARY BAY is one of the finest looking chasers in the country will be allocated top weight and that will put most off, particularly when you look down the handicap and see progressive sorts like Court By Surprise and Night in Milan sitting right down there on and around the 10-0 mark.
That doesn’t bother me in the slightest as I remember going to Doncaster for last year’s SkyBet Chase run over course and distance just to cheer home ‘Calg’. He clocked a time some 20 seconds faster than the two mentioned above, both of whom also have C/D form on Good/Soft Going. I just hope he gets there as I can’t oppose him.
Over at Newbury I’m expecting the JP Mcmanus horse IF IN DOUBT to go in again in the Greatwood Hurdle. He beat Calgary Bay’s young stable companion the other day, a horse well regarded by connections called Viva Steve, and a repeat will see him go close.
For the Cheltenham festival itself I have been backing an outsider for the Gold cup at 33/1 called Cape Tribulation. He’s still available at 25/1 and I give him a massive e/w chance.
Selections
Saturday
Doncaster – Calgary Bay (in the Grimthorpe Chase)
Newbury – If In Doubt (in the Greatwood Hurdle)
Ante-Post
Cheltenham Gold Cup – Cape Tribulation (25/1)