Irish raiders out to end 29-year hoodoo
Bright Highway was the last Irish-trained winner back in 1980 for Michael O’Brien, who retired last week.
Both O’Grady’s Tranquil Sea and Northern Alliance from Martin’s County Meath yard are prominent in the betting, however Martin’s confidence has been dampened with concerns about the soft going.
“I would say the ground has gone a little against him, he doesn’t want it too soft. But I’m happy with the horse, he’s in good form,” said Martin.
“He ran well in the Jewson last year. Despite the ground hopefully he’ll still run well.”
Andrew McNamara gets the leg-up on O’Grady’s Grade One-winning hurdler Tranquil Sea as the jockey bids to follow up his big-race victory on The Listener at Down Royal last weekend.
“He did it very nicely at Naas last time and I think that was a good preparation for a race like this,” he said.
“He’s gone up 8lb for it but I suppose he deserved it.
“Hopefully he’s going there with a very good chance.”
Nigel Twiston-Davies saddled Imperial Commander to success in the race 12 months ago and has a strong hand in the well-backed Ballyfitz and Knowhere.
“If this rain comes Ballyfitz has got a superb chance and old Knowhere has done it all before, he’s been third in this. The handicapper hasn’t given him much chance but he always runs a good race,” the Naunton trainer told Channel 4 Racing.
Owner Andy Stewart is represented by Poquelin and Tatenen and admits further rain at Cheltenham would tip the scales in favour of the latter.
“Poquelin has won on soft ground but he is obviously a lot better on quick ground as it was pretty fast when he won at Cheltenham last time,” he said.
“Tatenen likes a test of stamina so if it does end up being bottomless, I think he would have the better chance.”
Our Vic, the winner in 2005, and I’m So Lucky are David Pipe’s two runners.
“Our Vic is an 11-year-old and has been around for years. He loves it round here and has dropped a few pounds in the handicap,” said the Nicholashayne trainer.
“He’s got top-weight but any rain will be all the better for him.
“I’m So Lucky is down at the bottom of the weights and the rain might just stretch his stamina a bit over this trip.”
Nicky Henderson is represented by My Petra, who had to be pulled-up on her latest outing over hurdles at Wetherby after taking the wrong course.
“She’s run well round here and jumps well, so the only thing that’s going to worry us is if they get a lot of rain,” said the Lambourn trainer.
Although Andy Turnell would also prefer good ground for Bible Lord he is happy his runner, a winner at Wetherby two weeks ago, only has to carry 10st 8lb.
The Swindon handler said: “I think he’s probably a better horse on good ground, but he has won on pretty heavy ground, so he obviously can handle it.”
Power Gold Cup: Cashmans bet - 11/2 Tranquil Sea, 6 Ballyfitz, 7 Tatanen, 8 Chapoturgeon, 10 Northern Alliance, 12 Tarotino, Poquelin, 14 My Petra, According To Pete, From Dawn to Dusk, 20 Tartak, Bible Lord.
