[WoodyTHFC]

Gold Cup. This does look to be a very strong race unlike possibly some of the others. Kauto Star in many ways is a modern staying chaser who has a real turn of foot and often travels extremely well. Last year it did it all despite some jumping errors. The main question I would have is whether it is a complete stayer. Last years Gold Cup was ridden at a slow pace (Beef and Salmon led them for a long time and that is no front runner) and not really a true test of stamina whcih may have asked question of Nicholls star chaser. If Denman in it this year, it will be more of a test which means there is a potential scenario of both Nicholls horses ruining each others chances or mainly Kauto Star's. However Kauto Star's last run was interesting as it did not travel as well as it has been doing like a 2m horse but looked more of a stayer and if that is the case then it will be difficult to beat imo as it is more likely to properly stay a strongly ridden race and yet should still have a bit of its speed left. There are many others to consider. Exotic Dancer got better and better last year but could not quite catch Kauto Star and despite being a good horse, imo in what looks a hot Gold Cup it could find a few too good and it might just want to improve its jumping a bit because for all Kauto Star's mistakes, this one can make equally as bad if not worse errors. My Way De Solzen won a very good Arkle last year even if two very lively rivals fell and proved the year before that it stays when winning the World Hurdle. Like Kauto Star it might be one who has the 2m speed and can 'stay' the Gold Cup distance. It is in many ways a dark horse and looks an obvious threat and will be interesting to see how it runs before the Gold Cup because if it does struggle to stay it could still run elsewhere. Aces Four who made a quietly un noticed re appearance, challenged Denman for a long time at Cheltenham and could be another dark horse but I have a suspicion that this one could go to the RyanAir. Taranis is another one who we are not sure what it will be aimed at but it is a very hard giving horse and the type who I could see running very well if does run and clues will be given at Haydock next week and Kempton next month. Dont Push It I think is more of a staying type with the 2m kick like KS and MWDS and is another dark horse but again could go for the Ryan Air as could Another Promise who won a top Irish race that often provides good clues for Cheltenham. Other returning horses to consider are Star de Mohasion who is still unexposed and if they come back, Kicking King and War of Attrition who imo might find it hard. Overall a top race in prospect and if I had to pick one I might go for Kauto Star in particular if he can can show that he can properly stay as suggested LTO over a shorter trip.

Just a few thought for all these four races but of course a lot can change and some of these horses might not even be there come March.