Bookmakers keen on Leader's Hennessy prospects

Keen Leader, seen by many as the main danger to Best Mate recording an historic third success in chasing’s blue riband at Cheltenham in March, has been installed a hot favourite for the Hennessy Gold Cup on Sunday week.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained eight-year-old beat last year’s Gold Cup runner-up Truckers Tavern by 17 lengths at Haydock in December and is vying for second-favouritism for the Festival along with French ace Jair Du Cochet.

Irish layers Cashmans make Keen Leader a 7-4 chance to further advertise his claims at Leopardstown.

Cloudy Bays, winner of his last two starts, is next in the betting at 7-1 with Gold Cup third Harbour Pilot available at 8-1, along with Le Coudray, who chased home Best Mate in the Ericsson at this track over Christmas.

Florida Pearl, successful in this race in 1999, 2000 and 2001, is 10-1 to record a remarkable fourth victory.

The Ted Walsh pair of Rince Ri and Commanche Court are also bracketed on the 10-1 mark.

The market could change dramatically, though, should Michael Hourigan let Beef Or Salmon take his chance on what would be his return to action after disappointing behind Best Mate in the Ericsson.

He was subsequently found to have mucus in his lungs and Hourigan wants to make sure he is absolutely spot-on before he runs again – 2-1 ‘with a run’ is his quote.

First Gold is a 4-1 chance with the same proviso.

Hennessy Gold Cup, Cashmans bet: 7-4 Keen Leader, 7-1 Cloudy Bays, 8-1 Harbour Pilot, Le Coudray, 10-1 Commanche Court, Florida Pearl, Rince Ri, 20-1 Rule Supreme, 33-1 Alexander Banquet, Be My Belle, 50-1 Jenniferjo.