Warthog a solid place option in Caspian Caviar

Warthog
1.55 Cheltenham
Buy at 7 on the index

Warthog would barely make the shortlist were you to ask me for likely winners of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. However, in a race of novicey jumpers and talented hard-pullers, he is the solid option on the spreads.

His course form is beyond reproach. He gave a bold sight for a long way in the National Hunt Chase before his stamina gave out, then he did much the same when third in the BetVictor Gold Cup last month.

Whether he truly gets the trip is the question, particularly given the New course is that bit more galloping. The ground is likely to be less testing here, though, while he did plenty of the donkey work last time and it is expected that he will be able to sit off the likes of Knocknanuss and Imperial Presence.

Warthog runs off the same mark as when he was third behind Happy Diva, so it is clear that he can be competitive given the circumstances.

His odds reflect his chances of coming up the hill first, but more than any of the other contenders he seems sure to give his best shot and any placed effort would ensure a return for his buyers.

1.55 Cheltenham
Sporting (50-30-20-10): 11-14 Secret Investor, Cepage, 10-13 Not That Fuisse, 8-11 Brelan D'As, Good Man Pat, 7-9 Clondaw Castle, 5-7 Warthog, 4-6 Keeper Hill, Benatar, Robin Des Foret, Knocknanuss, 3-5 Generous Day, 2-4 Spiritofthegames, 1-3 Imperial Presence

Match bet: Secret Investor/Cepage -0.75-0.75

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