Poor record of jollies in Gold Cup trial could well continue

Santini
2.25 Cheltenham
SP forecast 6-4

Has been a high-class performer since he first hit the racecourse, his only defeat over hurdles coming when third in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. Proved an even better chaser in first season last term, winning on debut and then running third in the Kauto Star (didn’t like Kempton) and a close second in the RSA. His November return at Sandown was underwhelming, as he only just edged home from a horse rated 19lb inferior. Has been given a wind op since, but faces much better rivals now, so questions to answer.

Conclusion Has more on plate than price suggests and this race may still be left waiting for its first winning favourite since 1999.