Support for Joss Naylor
And it was the John Joe O'Neill trained Barry Geraghty ridden Joss Naylor who has been all the rage with Cashmans, as the Cork-based layers cut his price to 7-1, from 9's, for tomorrow's showpiece.
Irish Hussar has been confirmed as the biggest liability of Ladbrokes, who have brought him in to 5-1, with spokesman Balthazar Fabricius saying: "Irish Hussar is the one we want to get beat."
Newbury's estate manager Richard Osgood reported yesterday that the forecast strongly indicates that rain could be expected in the run-up to the race.
Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup:
Cashmans: 5/1 Irish Huzzar, 6/1 Strong Flow, 6/1 One Knight, 7/1 Shardam, Joss Naylor.
Ladbrokes: 11-2 Strong Flow, 5-1 Irish Hussar, 6-1 One Knight, 8-1 Joss Naylor, Shardam, 9-1 Sir Rembrandt, 10-1 Hedgehunter, 12-1 Haut Cercy, 16-1 Gunther McBride, 20-1 Barrow Drive, The Premier Cat, 25-1 bar.
Meanwhile, conditions at Newcastle are reported to be on the fast side ahead of one the course's biggest weekends, although rain is forecast tonight.
Intersky Falcon is due to return to the track tomorrow to defend his crown in the Grade Two Pertemps 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle and should find conditions to suit.
"At the moment the hurdle course is good, good to firm in places and the chase course is good to firm, good in places," explained clerk of the course, James Armstrong.
"There is the possibility we might pop round with the watering machine on the chase course tomorrow to ease it a fraction but we will wait and see what tonight brings."
The lack of give in the ground has caused one trainer to rethink his plans with Howard Johnson has ruling Chivalry out of the two-mile contest.
Cashmans bet: 4/6 Intersky Falcon, 9/2 M. Pipe Stable, 11/2 Chivalry, 8/1 Geos.
Cashmans odds on other big weekend races:
Drinmore Novice Chase, Fairyhouse, Sunday; 2/1 Pizarro, 4/1 Nil Desperandum, 9/2 Satco Express, 11/2 Central House.
Hattons Grace Hurdle Fairyhouse Sunday; 6/4 Sacundai, 6/4 Solerina, 8/1 Back in Front, 10/1 Scarty Lad.
Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, Fairyhouse, Sunday; 4/1 Strike Back, 5/1 Accordian Etoile, 11/2 New Mill, 7/1 Field Marshall.
