Gavin Cromwell is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s best trainers and has already won two of the Cheltenham Festival’s championship races. As such, it’s always worth taking note when he sends runners over to Britain and he’s due to saddle one at Carlisle on Monday. We’ve had a good look at the horse’s chances and highlighted the potential big danger. Why not Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Path d’Oroux showed some rock-solid form in handicap chases last term, despite failing to get off the mark in this sphere. The gelded son of Coastal Path earned his first chase success with a narrow victory over Jazzy Matty at Cheltenham last month.
Third in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham in March, the winner Unexpected Party is in opposition again but today’s conditions mean there’s an 8lb swing in Path d’Oroux’s favour. One would imagine that’s enough for Cromwell’s runner to turn the tables and he should improve for his latest effort.
Cromwell’s recent form is a slight concern, with just three winners from 38 runners in the last fortnight, but his runner here appears to have every chance.
Kalif Du Berlais has been the apple of trainer Paul Nicholls’ eye since day one and the talented juvenile hurdler is expected to flourish over fences. Connections have the loftiest of ambitions and the Gold Cup is on the agenda further down the line. He should be well up to winning this on chase debut if those expectations are anywhere near the mark. This four-year-old gets a substantial allowance, which could prove hard to overturn.
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