BEST of the BETS

Triumph - the cert of the week for me. Sir Erec. A promising group 1 stayer on the flat in soft ground. His first run over hurdles was average but he improved massively for the experience next time out when he romped right away after the last, He should be impressive here flying away up the hill, big brute of a horse with a big stride. Nothing in the race to trouble him either. 5+ lengths.

County - No bet race. Nothing is standing out to me. One thing I don't do though is back Ruby Walsh in big field handicaps so I'd avoid the fav. These aren't the races he wins, he's a grade 1 jockey.

Albert Bartlett - Lisnagar Oscar E/W. This is a clear as day pick for me. With a perfect trip round I'm pretty sure he wins but we know it sounds easier than it is. The way this horse picks up reminds me of Paisley Park. A strong stayer that grabs at the ground and gets his head down and finds and finds, that's what you want. Was beaten here in December but that was for missing the last hurdle but a brilliant run nonetheless.

Gold Cup - Presenting Percy & Native River both E/W. Listen this is what I do every year because it's a no brainer. Native River is always going to place at least, he jumps and stays so he's a free bet and I knew he'd win last year in the mud. It's a bit drier this year so you have to find a horse with a bit of class to go past him. The first year I did Sizing John & Native River E/W so that was a big win and now I'll go Presenting Percy. Was all over him last year in the RSA. Perfect performance and exactly what you want in a Gold Cup horse. He jumps, travels, quickens and stays. Nothing wrong with his preparation, that doesn't worry me in the slightest. He idled in front last time, he does that he was still comfortable. Native River had one run before the Gold Cup last year. I've been a fan of Clan Des Obeaux from day one but he's never struck me as a Gold Cup type at all. Usually been a powerhouse that needs a long flat straight. He's been to Cheltenham 4 times and lost 4 times. Kemboy was impressive at Leopardstown but DJ Mullins is on so we can rule that out. Don't think any of the rest need a mention.

Foxhunter - Stand Up And Fight & Caid Du Berlais both E/W. Process of elimination and I'm left with these 2 that match the trends of the winner of this race and they both come here in form. This race is full of old horses, Caid Du Berlais is 10 now but he's still got this in him and Stand Up And Fight is only 7 so he should have too much for these old boys. You saw Faugheen & UDS at 11 yesterday, they're too old. Stand Up And Fight is the one more guaranteed to stay on stronger so I'd favour that more.

Grand Annual - A clear pick in a handicap again like Band Of Outlaws. Magic Saint E/W. Stands out like a sore thumb to me. Again he obviously needs a good trip round but I'd be confident if he does. 5 years of age and improving. He looked like he had a lot more in the locker last time and what's against him? They're all exposed. Justanothermuddle won at Sandown which is Gary Moore's back yard, wow. Mind's Eye has Blackmore on. Brelan D'As has already been here and came nowhere in not the strongest of races. Has Le Prezien beat a horse home this year? Bun Doran has Brennan on. Can't ride. Whatswrongwithyou has De Boinville on, we all know I don't back De Boinville. Marracudja has Skelton on. Can't ride. Weak race.

Martin Pipe - the curtain closer so I probably will have a bet but on what I don't know. Dallas Des Pictons definitely stands out but does he stand out enough to be going straight win at 3/1 I'm not sure. Daybreak Boy caught my eye. He looked like he had more in hand when he won last time. The other 2 are If You Say Run and Mount Mews who are big prices to get into the places. Mount Mews is a bit of an awkward horse but he's got a big race in him when he puts it altogether.

Big last day which should get off to a bang with Sir Erec!