Entering 2014:
Ryanair Chase
Elite
Cue Card
Benefficient
Sir Des Champs
Elite with Exposed Limitations
First Lieutenant
Riverside Theatre
Captain Chris
Potentially Elite
Al Ferof
Dynaste
Arvika Ligeonniere
An eclectic mix as so often with this race but very few with any kind of chance should Cue Card attempt to defend his crown. He is by far the classiest horse in the list and this race suits his peculiar on/behind ratio very well.
Benefficient enters the elite list. He showed he has progressed into his open company season well by winning the Grade One Chase at Leopardstown over two miles. His Jewson Novices Chase win was full of merit and he would be a clear player in this race.
Sir Des Champs has limitations in a Gold Cup context but having won the 2011 Jewson Novices Chase a return to this trip may a more viable option. He may have a touch more class than First Lieutenant, who was second to Cue Card in this race last year. He therefore enters the elite list for this race.
The limitations of First Lieutenant, Riverside Theatre and Captain Chris are fairly obvious.
Al Ferof needs to confirm the promise of his King George run but that run and his Paddy Power Gold Cup win give him the foundations for a big run, physicality and maturity permitting.
Dynaste and Arvika Ligeonniere have various questions to answer.
No comments:
Post a Comment