Pepper’s Gold Cup chance not to be sneezed at
The four-year-old has exceeded all expectations this term, wining four of her six starts and rising in the ratings from 74 to a current mark of 103.
Her win in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month was a career best and her trainer has his fingers crossed she can put in a similar performance.
He has reservations about the draw (11), but is not too worried as there are a couple of fancied runners in nearby stalls.
“She seems in good form and hopefully she can repeat her run in the Great St Wilfrid. It would give her a great chance,” said the North Yorkshire trainer.
“We would have preferred to have been drawn nearer one rail or the other, but Mac’s Power and the Irish horse that is fancied a bit (Croisultan) are near to us so that helps.
“She has surprised us all. Hopefully she will break well and get a clean passage through.”
Croisultan is the sole Irish challenger and Liam McAteer’s five-year-old showed he is in good form when third to Bewitched in a Group Three race at the Curragh last Sunday.
“He ran really well last time and he needs some ease in the ground,” said McAteer.
“If it is drying out then we would want some more rain really. He has won a Listed race and has been placed in Group Threes and I’m happy with the draw (seven), as he’s alongside Mac’s Power and High Standing, who should take him through.
“I think six furlongs is his best trip and I’ve got my fingers crossed, as he needs a bit of luck.”
Ancient Cross continues to surprise his trainer Mick Easterby and after another fine effort when fourth to Nocturnal Affair in the Portland at Doncaster last Saturday, the seven-year-old tries again.
“He was rated 63 once and now he’s rated 100 – he’s unbelievable,” said Easterby. “I think he’s had five operations, but he’s so honest and he’ll run a big race.”
