Hobbs: Detroit can motor home
The four-year-old grey sports the colours of Terry Warner, made famous by the late Champion Hurdler Rooster Booster, and has won two of his three starts since switching from the Flat.
Detroit City is vying for favouritism with the Willie Mullins-trained Mister Hight and the pair were two of 17 declared for the opening contest on the Gold Cup card. Hobbs, who is also represented by Fair Along, said: “Detroit City has improved from race to race since Terry Warner sent him here in the summer.
“Although he was disappointing on his first outing he’s made up for it with his wins at Newbury and Sandown and although the form of the last race took a knock on Tuesday, I’ll be disappointed if my horse isn’t in the thick of things at the finish.
“I thought it was a staying performance at Sandown and my only concern is that he might want further than two miles, although the way they go in the Triumph that’s just the attribute you want from a horse.
“I’d be surprised if there’s anything in training that can live with Fair Along in the early stages of the race and I fully expect him to make the running.
“His form is pretty solid and it’s a question of how long he can stay there.”
All the other leading fancies have stood their ground including Afsoun from Nicky Henderson’s yard, Paul Nicholls’ Turko and First Row for Dessie Hughes.
The Henderson team is on a high after two successes on the third day and the trainer reports Afsoun in good form after a slight scare in his preparation.
“We were a bit worried last week when he went a bit quiet on us but he has been much more himself over the last few days and if the form book can be believed he is the one they have to beat,” he said.
“Mick (Fitzgerald) thinks he is the ultimate professional and his win at Huntingdon has shown us that he can win on any type of ground.”
