Punting pointers and trainers' views for the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup

1.55 Cheltenham
Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase | 2m5f | ITV4/RUK

Punting pointers

Is Clan Des Obeaux a worthy favourite?

For many punters Clan Des Obeaux has the perfect profile for a race of this type in that he is an unexposed, second-season chaser from a top stable who is likely to get better and better.

Always highly regarded during his hurdle days, he made a smooth transition to fences last year without perhaps scaling the heights that some would have expected.

However, he looked a five-year-old going places when destroying Vintage Clouds by seven lengths in the Haydock mud last time, jumping well throughout and powering clear up the run-in.

This will be his first handicap, and trainer Paul Nicholls said: “He was impressive in testing ground at Haydock, but a 7lb rise means he’s got top weight here and that makes life difficult.”

Can Splash Of Ginge confirm BetVictor Gold Cup form?

After a rather quiet time in the 2016-17 season, which saw his handicap mark slide significantly, Splash Of Ginge exploded back to life with a thrilling neck victory over Starchitect in the BetVictor Gold Cup last month.

The second, third (Le Prezien), fourth (Ballyalton), fifth (Romain De Senam), eighth (Foxtail Hill) and ninth (Guitar Pete) all reoppose in what rates a mini re-run of that valuable event, with Splash Of Ginge now competing off a 5lb higher mark.

The market suggests that plenty expect Starchitect, Le Prezien and Ballyalton to turn that form around, but the Tom Bellamy-ridden Splash Of Ginge remains well treated on his best form – he was officially rated 153 in March 2015, and is still 14lb below that mark.

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: “Last month’s performance by Splash Of Ginge speaks for itself and I’m delighted how he has come out of that. He’s gone up 5lb but is in great form and should be bang there again.”

Will King’s Odyssey prove too well handicapped for others?

King’s Odyssey has always looked the type capable of carrying off a major prize of this nature granted his favoured soft underfoot conditions.

The Evan Williams-trained eight-year-old, a winner over course and distance in January 2016, was travelling strongly in the race last year when departing at the 12th fence.

Now 7lb lower in the weights, it appears that his canny trainer has meticulously laid him out for this contest once again, and there were plenty of positives to glean from his reappearance Carlisle third to Nuts Well over an inadequate two miles.

Williams said: “He took a hell of a fall in this last year and it really shook him. He’s not been anywhere near his best since, but his last run was much more encouraging and we know he runs at the track well.”

Can Guitar Pete call the tune?

Guitar Pete was always on the back foot and unable to show his true form after being badly hampered at the first fence in the BetVictor Gold Cup.

Before that he had bounced back to top form when slamming Sametegal by seven lengths at Wetherby, with the useful Royal Vacation in third and Splash Of Ginge fourth.

A dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles in Ireland when trained by Sandra Hughes, he definitely has the class for a race like this, and receives weight from all his rivals, with Ryan Day taking off a valuable 3lb.

Trainer Nicky Richards said: “That race a month ago didn’t tell us a lot. He was nearly brought down at the first and then got interfered with.

"He’s in grand fettle and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t run a good race. He won well at Wetherby and I think his confidence is back. If he can get into a good rhythm he’ll run a cracker.”

What the rest say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Le Prezien and Romain De Senam
Le Prezien has run really well in defeat at this track the last twice, but has been nudged up another 2lb so it’s not getting any easier. He won’t mind which way the ground goes. Romain De Senam is probably more of a spring horse as he wants better ground.

David Pipe, trainer of Starchitect
He ran a cracker in the BetVictor Gold Cup and came out of the race really well. We go there full of optimism. He’s gone up 4lb, which makes life a bit tougher, but we’ve got a live chance again.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Foxtail Hill
Foxtail Hill was slightly disappointing last time, but we know he’s better than that and he’ll be a danger to them all if he can get into a nice rhythm on the front end.

David Dennis, trainer of Deauville Dancer
He’s in good form but steps into the unknown off a career-high mark of 137. I’d be worried if the ground came up soft. If he could nick a bit of prize-money I’ll be delighted.

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