Adrian Wall expects 10-1 bet365 Gold Cup tip to go off much shorter

The ground at Sandown is currently good, good-to-firm in places. With a dry forecast all week, the ground could end up very quick and that will suit one horse in particular.

El Presente finished off a great year last year with a gutsy success in Wincanton’s Badger Beers Silver Trophy. Trainer Kim Bailey stated that he did not even fancy his chances that day but they planned to put him away for the winter after it.

The ultimate plan was the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown which is a prestigious handicap chase. The seven-year-old had a terrific summer campaign last term, winning three of his four starts.

The Gloucestershire-based trainer put El Presente away for a winter break and he had a nice prep run at Ludlow last month. It was clear that they were not going to be hard on the horse that day as this race on Saturday has always been the target.

Connections have always thought of him as a Whitbread-type horse. He loves going right-handed and adores fast ground so conditions are likely to be absolutely perfect for him on the day.

He also likes running fresh and has won after a break a couple of times so fitness will be of no concern.

Other contenders of note

Initially, I really liked the chances of Harry Fry’s runner, Ask Me Early. However, that horse needs cut in the ground and he is not going to get it so he is one to avoid now.

Christian Williams’ runner Kitty’s Light heads the market after his recent success at Kelso. He looks plenty short enough in the market considering he had to work hard to win that day and is now much higher in the weights.

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