Hennessy Gold Cup 2012 Newbury

[Cooper]

Duke To Get Lucky With The Ground

1pt Duke of Lucca to win the Hennessy @ 20/1

For anyone thinking about placing a bet on the Hennessy during the week, the first consideration is the state of the ground. It’s currently soft, heavy in places and the forecast is for light frosts but no rain in the run up to the race. Everyone is saying the ground will be bottomless, but I’m not so sure. Of course it’s going to be softish, as courses don’t dry quickly at this time of year, but a dry week could lead to the official (or actual) going containing the word ‘good’. Diamond Harry nearly broke the course record on ground officially described as good to soft in 2010.

The market looks to be priced up on the basis it’ll be a bog like the last two weekends - and the value might be to assume it’ll ride better than predicted. If it’s not too bad, then the Hennessy is usually won by a horse that has showed plenty of speed over hurdles. Some, like Denman, Diamond Harry and What’s Up Boys had won or been placed at the Festival over about two and a half miles. Others like State of Play, Trablogan and Madison Du Berlais didn’t run in big hurdle races but none ran beyond 2m4f.

Bobs Worth (4/1) has been favourite since ante-post markets opened. He was one of the best of last season’s vintage novice crop, but there are plenty of negatives. Firstly, he’s rated 160, which is only 1lb lower than the mighty Denman won this off after his RSA win. Good horse though he is, he’s never looked in Denman’s class. Secondly, his RSA win doesn’t look so good now - First Lieutenant has been beaten in all 3 races since and Call The Police was blown away by Hidden Cyclone on Saturday. It might be the RSA was an ordinary race in a strong season for novices. Finally, whilst it might be that going left handed is the key to him, he could be a Cheltenham specialist and I wouldn’t be surprised if, like Long Run, he’s not cherry ripe for his first run of the season.

Hold On Julio (7/1) was a revelation when joining Alan King last season, bolting up at Sandown off 133, despite jumping averagely. He had an interrupted preparation for the Festival so it wasn’t surprising he wasn’t competitive there, and he had a nice pipe opener at Cheltenham’s October meeting. He’s 15lb higher than his last win and whilst he’s the type to continue to improve, I wonder if his jumping will be good enough to hold a position in this competitive field. His price looks fair and if I had to back one at the front of the market it’d probably be him.

Tidal Bay (8/1) has to shoulder top weight off 166. Paul Nicholls has been brilliant at sweetening up the old rogue but this would require a Denmanesque performance to win this rising 12. The key to him looks to be really soft ground, which would enable him to hold a position. Unless the ground is really bad, I can see him getting out of contention early and I want to take him on at this stage.

The Package (9/1) was a good winner of the Badger Chase off 139 at Wincanton from Michel Le Bon, the pair well clear. He’s up 8lb for that but that doesn’t look harsh if you think Michel Le Bon is a good horse. It might be that the opposition at Wincanton wasn’t great and in some cases badly in need of the run. He still looks to be improving rising 10 but his price is about right given the Grand National rather than this might be his priority.

Frisco Depot (10/1) was a good novice in Ireland last season when highly tried against Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs. He was running a fine race when coming down two out at Ascot and has been dropped 2lb to 141. However, with Sam Waley-Cohen’s claim that’s 9-10 so he’s likely to carry some overweight. The horse was bought for the Grand National and having tipped up in 2 of his last 3 races I wonder if a clear round and a good experience will be the priority here.

[Cooper]

First Lieutenant (14/1) bombed behind Sizing Europe when well fancied at Gowran in October and then ran a fair race in a weak Grade 1 at Down Royal. Whilst he has the right sort of profile for this he does look much better on quick ground and he’s not going to get that here. 159 doesn’t look an obviously good handicap mark and he’s not a certain runner so I’m opposing him again.

Magnanimity has been well backed into 12/1. He had a bit of a return to form when finishing 2nd to Roi Du Mee and then Sizing Europe this autumn but he was beaten miles by the latter and needs to improve a lot to figure here. Dessie Hughes’ yard is going great guns and someone thinks they know something but I’m struggling to make the case for him. Something similar happened with Carruthers last year though and if he really is back to his best then he’s got sound claims off 10-3.

The other well backed outsider is Teaforthree (16/1) who won the 4 miler this year. He obviously stays well but his trainer says this is his prep run for the Welsh National which looks a more suitable target. He’s one to consider near race time if conditions are appalling.

The joker in the pack is Diamond Harry (25/1) who’s potentially chucked in off 143 (13lb lower than his winning mark 2 years ago). He’s been pulled up 3 times in a row though and is regularly ruled out on the morning of his intended races as he’s so fragile. I’m going to wait until it’s non runner, no bet – and look at his price then.

The two I like at this stage though are two of last season’s novices, Duke of Lucca and Alfie Spinner, who were 2nd and 3rd to Roberto Goldback at Ascot in early November. For both that looked an ideal run to blow the cobwebs away so they should be perfectly primed for this.

Duke of Lucca (20/1) was a classy enough novice hurdler to get within 2l of Peddlers Cross in a Grade 2 at Aintree and 2¾l of Reve De Sivola in a Grade 1 at Punchestown, both at around 2½ miles. He got plenty of experience in an 8 race novice chase campaign and gets in off 144, (10-4). He has the ideal blend of speed and stamina and he jumps much better now, having been a slow learner. If I knew the ground wasn’t going to be too bad he’d be a confident selection at the prices. Richard Johnson said on Tuesday the plan was to chance the ground and run, and on ordinary soft ground I think he’ll be effective as it was pretty testing when he won at Cheltenham in April.

There are no such concerns for Alfie Spinner (14/1) who looks versatile as to ground conditions but acts well on heavy. He was campaigned at a lower level over hurdles between two and two and a half miles, but was good enough to be a close 4th off 122 in the EBF final at Sandown. He had 6 runs as a novice chaser, all at 3m or further. The eye catching piece of form is where he split Bob’s Worth and Silviniaco Conti in the Reynoldstown, (receiving 7lb from both.) It’s well documented that neither were at their best that day but he’ll get 20lb from Bob’s Worth here and even 2lb out of the handicap proper he looks on a good mark, (runs off 140).

It’s a close call but the fancy prices on Alfie Spinner have gone and I’m siding with Duke of Lucca as he’s the classier type and Phillip Hobbs expected him to come on a lot for the run at Ascot. The yard is just hitting top gear (3 winners on Monday and another on Tuesday) and this step up in trip is just what he needs. For those wanting a genuine soft ground horse then Alfie Spinner would be the call.

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

First Lieutenant would be my pick now ...why isnt Davy jocked up though ?

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

Tony McCoy has been snapped up to ride Teaforthree in Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup after a late change of plans saw the champion miss a trip to Newcastle.

With Darlan pulled out of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, McCoy will re-route to Newbury and trainer Rebecca Curtis moved to book him for the big race as well as stablemate At Fishers Cross earlier on the card.

"Rebecca wasn't certain about running but when AP became available that helped to make our minds up," said her partner Gearoid Costelloe.

"The obvious plan for him has always been the Welsh National, but this is a big race and the horses are running so well that he'd have to be in with an each-way chance.

"To some extent we've still got an eye on Chepstow but if he's in with a chance three out, we'll be giving it our best shot.

"The ground won't worry him and we were pleased with his reappearance run."

[Hoof]

First Lieutenant my choice. Might do a forecast with bobs worth too. Just think Bobs Worth might need the run.

[GMOOH]

BOBS CAN MAKE MY HENNESSY WAIT WORTH-WHILE

Outside of the big races at Cheltenham and Aintree, the one we all want to win is the Hennessy Gold Cup (3.10). I’ve been second a couple of times, first with Joss Naylor for Jonjo in 2003 and the closest was two years ago on Burton Port for Nicky Henderson.

But this year Nicky has presented me with the best chance I’ve ever had with the horse I sold to him at Doncaster back in 2009, BOBS WORTH.

It’s proven statistically that this is a great race for novice chasers in their second season – Nicky won it with Trabolgan first time out in 2005 – and novice chasers don’t come any better than this lad who won the RSA Chase like Trabolgan. And don’t forget he won the Albert Bartlett at the previous Cheltenham festival, too.

The only doubt that anyone had about him was the possibility of bad ground but having ridden the chase track on Thursday I can confidently say that unless it rains then it’s going to be perfect jumping ground which is what he wants.

Although this is his first run of the season I don’t see a problem with his fitness because I schooled him over ten fences two weeks ago and he was grand.

But when I popped him over five last week he felt really well and I could feel the difference because he’d come himself and felt ready.

I do think it’s a winnable race and I just want things to go right for him. Now the ground concern has gone we just need normal luck in running.

As you’d expect, the opposition is tricky and although Tidal Bay has top weight I’ve got plenty of respect for him because he’s a horse that’s coming right back to his best.

I was impressed with him at Wetherby last time and I do think Ruby suits him well and gets a good tune from him. He seems a rejuvenated horse to me.

I rode Roberto Goldback when he won on his first outing for Nicky at Ascot at the beginning of November when he got what he’d been crying out for – decent ground and a galloping track.

I know he’s been raised 12lb for that and there will be plenty ready to go along with Frisco Depot who fell going well late on. But this track and ground will play to Roberto’s strengths and I see him as a danger.

I’d be inclined to rate him on Ascot rather than his other runs in England at Aintree and Cheltenham which were too sharp.

First Lieutenant was a couple of lengths behind Bobs Worth in the RSA and has a 1lb pull but I think it’s the decent ground which will help him more than anything else.

Hold On Julio has to be in the mix but this represents his biggest test so far and his jumping needs to hold together. If it does then he’ll be a contender from three out.

But all I want is a clear passage on Bob’s Worth because if we get that he’s going to be hard to beat.

[GMOOH]

Mouse Morris is hopeful First Lieutenant can overcome Bobs Worth in Saturday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury.

The Irish raider chased home Bobs Worth at Cheltenham and was eventually beaten two and a half lengths, before going on to finish third at the Punchestown Festival.

Trainer Mouse Morris said: "Bobs Worth is obviously a much shorter price than us. Maybe they (bookmakers) are right, but it won't bother me - the horse doesn't know what price he is."

He added: "Ideally we'd like better ground, but then so would he (Bobs Worth), so what's good for the goose is good for the gander. I'm very hopeful our horse is going to run a big race.

"He's ready to rock and roll and hopefully the ground is drying out a bit and it isn't going to be too bad. There is nowhere else for him to go before the Lexus, so he might as well run as he's in really good fettle at the moment."

Hold On Julio caught the attention of many pundits when a fine third at Cheltenham on his seasonal return, and though he disappointed when sent off joint-favourite in Grade Three company at the Cheltenham Festival, trainer Alan King is sweet on his chances this time.

The Barbury Castle handler told his website, www.alankingracing.co.uk: "Hold On Julio represents us on Saturday and is unquestionably the best chance we've had of winning the prestigious handicap.

"He continues to improve, even as he approaches his 10th birthday, and I couldn't be happier with his well-being. I was thrilled with his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham last month and he has come on significantly for that run.

"He's got a nice weight, should handle the ground and gets the trip well. In short, he ticks all the boxes and I'm hopeful of a big run

[Sefton]

Evening folks ...

Tidal Bay

Enigmatic performer, but hard to argue with his last two starts (bet365 Gold Cup last April and John Smith's Hurdle on his reappearance last month), where he travelled well and put the race to bed in a very professional manner on both occasions. New mark of 166 may not be enough to stop a bold bid if he's in the same mood once more and he loves soft ground to boot. Don't rule out.

Roberto Goldback

Made a fine impression on his debut for Nicky Henderson (formerly trained by Jessica Harrington then Dessie Hughes in Ireland), winning the United House Gold Cup at Ascot by an easy nine lengths despite a few iffy leaps along the way. 12lb rise in the weights to cope with here, hence the very capable 5lb claimer on board, so needs to improve once again, however he might be a new horse after his change of scenery.

Bobs Worth

Won on his chasing debut here last November (having looked beaten two out) but most impressive performances have come at Cheltenham where he is unbeaten in four starts, including the RSA Chase in March. This is likely to be the softest ground that he has faced to date, but he doesn't look too harshly treated as he tackles handicaps for the first time. The chosen mount of Barry Geraghty, who bought the horse as a youngster.

First Lieutenant

Looked a potential superstar when winning over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011, but career hasn't gone to plan since tackling fences. Ran well behind Kauto Stone at Down Royal last time (in first-time cheek-pieces) where the ground will have been too soft, so not discounted here, although he is only 1lb better off with Bobs Worth than when beaten comfortably by the latter in the RSA Chase.

Hold On Julio

Very encouraging reappearance at Cheltenham in October, especially as his jumping was less than fluent at times. Has made giant strides since returning to the racecourse, having won a hunter chase in April 2011 and rising 31lbs in the handicap since. Far from done with however and should run well here, although very soft ground might not be ideal.

Lion Na Bearnai

Hit a very rich vein of form in the spring, winning a grade two at Navan at 50/1 and then the Irish Grand National at 33/1. Still lightly-raced over fences and trainer, who only has a handful of horses, may have found the key to him. 12lbs higher today but will appreciate a strong examination of stamina in the mud and capable of hitting the frame.

Carruthers

Has been a disappointment since winning this race 12 months ago, but isn't really a Cheltenham horse (three of his five runs since have been there) and a return to Newbury should see a significant improvement. Form record here reads 1-6-1, and is also proven on very testing ground, so not hard to see him bouncing back to form once again.

The Package

Had a long period off the track (missed all of 2011) but returned in fine fettle, filling fourth spot behind Alfie Sherrin in the 3m1f handicap at the Cheltenham Festival, and then walking off with the Badger Ales Trophy on his seasonal return in November. Up 8lbs for that, but the rise looks justified given the front two were miles clear (although the race did fall apart a bit in behind). Stays well, has won on soft ground before and is also a course winner; strong chance.

Teaforthree

Got on well with AP McCoy last season, winning two together and being placed on another occasion from four starts together. Didn't show much on his reappearance at Cheltenham, but better judged on his four mile win at the Festival. Stamina a real forte, and the Welsh National is his main aim this season, however a slog in the mud suits down to the ground and should run a big race.

Fruity O'Rooney

Another who didn't offer too much encouragement on his reappearance but finished ahead of The Package (and behind Alfie Sherrin) in March and then ran with credit in the Scottish National. This trip more suitable, and the ground isn't an issue, so not hard to see him giving his backers a good run for their money from the front. Likely to come up short though.

[Sefton]

Saint Are

Signed off for last season with a hard-fought victory at Aintree, appreciating the step back up in trip to three miles. Might be that he is best suited by Liverpool (both of his British wins there), but has run well here before and a strong case to say that his mark of 145 could be lenient for the six-year-old. No prep run however, so the worry might be how the weather has held up any homework and whether that might take its toll late on in testing conditions.

Duke Of Lucca

Has won two of his four starts since the application of a tongue-tie, and he did best of those who chased home a rejuvenated Roberto Goldback at Ascot last time. Mark unchanged here, and has winning form at the track as well as a meritous fourth behind Big Buck's to call on. Still a nagging doubt that he's not fully proven over this sort of test of stamina but is really coming to himself at the age of seven and not ruled out; wouldn't want ground to soften any more though.

Diamond Harry

Last three starts have all been woeful, although there may have been extenuating circumstances in the Badger Ales last time (held-up, jumped across several times). Certainly capable of getting heavily involved off a mark of 143, considering he won this in 2010 off 156. Shame Timmy Murphy is required to ride The Package, as the pair used to gel well, but course record offers plenty of hope (1-1-1-3-1-1) and Nick Scholfield is a more than capable deputy.

Magnanimity

Hasn't won since January 2011, and record has been patchy at best since. One of his better efforts behind Sizing Europe last time (although never threatening) but the cheek-pieces go on for the first time and not one to trust implicitly. However his record on these shores is good (close fourth in RSA Chase and a credible sixth behind Alfie Sherrin and co in March) and is on a fair mark of 140 if putting everything together.

Harry The Viking

Another who has cheek-pieces on for the first time, having blundered away any chance at Cheltenham last time before pulling up. Also failed to complete in the Scottish National last season but that was at the end of a long season so easy to forgive, and encouraging that today's pilot Daryl Jacob is three out of three on the lightly-raced seven-year-old. Question marks over the ground but this sort of race looks a good fit, albeit that a mark of 142 doesn't, at this stage of his development at least.

Ikorodu Road

Was certainly on an upward curve in the spring, before disappointing at Ayr, but is a proven course and distance winner. Ground might be a bit on the soft side (all three wins on good going in the month of March), and is 4lbs worse off with Harry The Viking than when beaten by him in January, but not one to discount too readily. Normal headgear back on having been left off for his reappearance over hurdles.

Frisco Depot

Attracted support in the betting and was still lobbing along when falling at the second-last fence at Ascot last time, despite racing keenly early on. Now able to race off his correct mark of 141 (although jockey could easily put up over-weight) and looks an interesting contender off this perch, especially as he has winning form on a variety of surfaces. Untested over this far however and intriguing that connections reach for a first-time tongue-tie.

Soll

Irish recruit who was brought-down very early on during his final start for Willie Mullins in the four mile race at Cheltenham in March. Has only had six career starts, winning three times and being second twice. Reported to need soft ground so has conditions in his favour, but hard to work out whether he is well-handicapped here running effectively off 140. Market watch perhaps the best course of action.

Alfie Spinner

Perhaps done for a little bit of pace at Ascot last time, but a very promising reappearance nonetheless, especially the way he rallied for third behind Roberto Goldback. Likes soft ground, has won at the track before, and respected despite racing from just out of the weights again.

Verdict

This used to be a fine race for second-season chasers but for one reason or another the tide has changed of late and the temptation is to take on Bobs Worth despite the figures backing up his chance, as Ian Ogg details in his scintillating stats guide.

THE PACKAGE has had plenty of racing, but the talented nine-year-old looked in fine fettle when winning the Badger Ales Trophy and his trainer David Pipe won this race in 2008, as his father Martin had in 2004.

A sound jumper, the David Johnson-owned gelding is proven in a big field, and although he'd prefer slightly better ground, he has plenty of form on a soft surface.

Another hold-up horse Tidal Bay is not discounted given his undoubted talent, whilst Hold On Julio is short enough given the way his jumping seems to have deteriorated since running in large fields.

A bigger threat could be the lightly-weighted Frisco Depot, as he was still in with every chance when falling at Ascot last time, whilst it wouldn't be a surprise to see previous winners Carruthers and Diamond Harry bounce back to form now returned to the track.

[Statto]

Four 7 year olds, three 6 year olds, two 8 year olds and a 9 year old have been successful.
Winners have carried between 10-0 and 11-12 with three defying top-weight and three between 10-0 and 10-5.
Winners have been rated between 140 and 174 with seven between 140 and 150 but only two of those came in the last five years.
Winners have been priced between 9-4 and 25-1 with three favourites (including one joint) successful, only two other favourites were placed.
Seven winners finished in the first three on their preceding start but three of the last four finished PU, F, 6.
Three of the last seven winners had their preceding start in the RSA Chase where they finished PU, 1, 1.
Seven winners had won a chase at Grade Three level or above, including the last five.
Four winners had won a Grade One or Two contest over hurdles.
Seven winners had run no more than 12 times in chases, winning at least half of their starts.
All of the last 10 winners had finished first or second over three miles.
Six of the nine winners to have previously run at Newbury had been successful.
Six winners were in their first or second season over fences.
Four winners were making their handicap chase bow, two were having their second handicap start having finished 1,1 on their handicap debut.
Summary

Traditionally a good race for second season chasers, that statistic has been challenged of late with three of the last four 'experienced' winners coming in the last four years; all four such winners in the decade had previously contested the race which is bad news for supporters of Tidal Bay who also has to defy the age stats with only the exceptional Denman aged older than 8.

He was rated 174 when winning for the second time and was also the next highest rated winner when scoring from 161 (before a further gap to 156) the first time around so Bobs Worth is at the higher end of the ratings spectrum and this has been a relatively bad race for favourites.

Of those lower down the weights, Frisco Depot and Saint Are are of most interest but Bobs Worth really does tick all of the boxes and is selected ahead of the RSA runner-up First Lieutenant.

[Hoof]

BOBS WORTH and Hold On Julio sit uneasily at the head of the market for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday as First Lieutenant was cut

Favourite Bobs Worth was 9-2 with several firms on Friday night and no shorter than 4-1 for victory in the Hennessy having been 7-2 on Friday morning.
Hold On Julio was also drifting for the £150,000 Grade 3 with Coral and Betfred knocking his price out to 9-1 (from 7) although he remained 6-1 with Ladbrokes.

The price of First Lieutenant was heading the other way however as he was cut to as short as 8-1 (from 12) by bet365 to give Ireland a first win in the race since Bright Highway in 1980.

The seven-year-old, who was slashed to 9-1 (from 14) for success by BetVictor, was second to Kauto Stone in the JNWine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on his last start and trainer Mouse Morris said: "He's in super form. Hopefully, the ground won't get any slower than advertised as he doesn't like it too testing."

Backers of The Package face an anxious night after jockey Timmy Murphy was taken to hospital for x-rays on his back after a fall at Newbury on Friday.

Speaking at 7pm on Friday, Murphy's agent Chris Broad said: "I haven't spoken to Timmy since he went to hospital. He called me from one of the paramedic's phones when he was in the ambulance and he was in a lot of discomfort."

After concerns about potentially testing going at Newbury on Saturday, the chase course was described as good to soft and the hurdles track soft, good to soft in places. Ruby Walsh called it "holding" after riding in the first at the course on Friday.

[Hoof]

Has Ruby been cleared ? Thumb not a good place for an injury ...a few bankers on Sunday and a certain Big bucks 2 mrw so sure he will try and get passed

[Old Vic]

Bet365 paying 5 places plus the Channel4/1 offer.

[mayo]

An explanation for Davy's absence ...

ANYONE looking for early pointers to tomorrow's Fairyhouse meeting might consider the two mounts that Davy Russell has elected to pass up in England.

At Newbury, the Youghal native's employer, Gigginstown House Stud, is represented by First Lieutenant (11st 5lb) in the Hennessy Gold Cup; at Newcastle, Trifolium flies the flag for the Michael O'Leary franchise in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Exactly which of the 27 Gigginstown entries at Fairyhouse prompted Russell to stay local is impossible to say, though the likely participation of Bog Warrior is a reminder of the calls that the champion jockey has to make in his privileged position.

On the corresponding weekend last year, Russell's loyalty to the Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant cost him Drinmore Chase glory to Bog Warrior, before then seeing him miss out on a third Grade One when Last Instalment obliged at Leopardstown over Christmas.

First Lieutenant went some way to repaying his regular rider's faith when a fine second in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but when Russell deserted him at Down Royal last month, he then denied him the runner-up berth on Quito De La Roque.

Given First Lieutenant's apparent disdain for Russell's decision-making, maybe it's no surprise that he was backed into 10/1 last night to provide a first Irish win in the Newbury feature for 32 years. The in-form Bryan Cooper, who steered the dual Grade One winner in the North, keeps the ride, with the travelling delegation completed by Magnanimity (10st 3lb) and Lion Na Bearnai (10st 8lb).

Dessie Hughes' Magnanimity is another that will sport the familiar maroon and white silks under 5lb claimer Mark Enright. And despite plundering the Irish Grand National on his last start, victory for Lion Na Bearnai would somehow amount to another shock result for Tom Gibney and 3lb claimer Andrew Thornton.

In all, 19 stood their ground for the prestigious three-mile handicap. Cheltenham Festival-winning 5lb claimer Jerry McGrath, a native of Waterfall in Cork, is booked to ride Hughes' former charge Roberto Goldback for Nicky Henderson, with Barry Geraghty on Bobs Worth.

The ground at Newbury – where Tony Martin's Benefficient was just run out of it close to home by Kim Bailey's exciting Harry Topper in yesterday's big novice chase – remains soft.

At Newcastle, the heavy going ruled Rock On Ruby and Darlan out of tomorrow's two-mile Grade One, with the Andrew Lynch-ridden Trifolium one of just four left in.

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle third underwent surgery to correct his breathing since being beaten at long odds-on at Punchestown first time up. His Cheltenham conqueror Cinders And Ashes is among the opposition, as is Triumph Hurdle hero Countrywide Flame, with Bothy completing the line -up

[Statto]

3.10 – Hennessy Gold Cup Chase (Handicap) Grade 3 (CLASS 1) (4yo+) CH4 3m2f110y

9/10 – Won over fences, over at least 3m previously
9/10 – Raced at Newbury previously (5 had won over fences at the course)
9/10 – Won by a horse aged 8 or younger
8/10 – Won between 2-5 previous chase races
8/10 – Priced 10/1 or shorter
8/10 – Won a Grade 3 or better class chase race previously
7/10 – Officially rated between 140 and 151
7/10 – Carried 10-13 or more in weight
7/10 – Winning distance – 2 ½ lengths or more
7/10 – Placed in the first 3 in their last race
7/10 – Won by a horse aged either 6 or 7 years-old
7/10 – Raced at either Aintree (2) or Cheltenham (5) in their previous race
5/10 – Favourites unplaced
5/10 – Raced already that season
5/10 – Irish-bred horse
5/10 – Won their last race
3/10 – Favourites that won (1 joint)
3/10 – Trained by Paul Nicholls
2/10 – Ridden by Ruby Walsh
2/10 – Trained by the Pipe stable
The last horse to win back-to-back Hennessy Gold Cups was Arkle (1964-65)
There have been 11 winners (50%) aged 7 years-old since 1990 (22 runnings)
The average winning SP in the last 10 renewals is 9/1
Only been one winner aged in double-figures since 1968 (1981 Diamond Edge, 10)