Cooldine Gold Cup Odds – Are They Good Value?
Posted by adminFeb 11
Cooldine is now a best price of 14/1 with VCBet for the Cheltenham Gold Cup following his return to form in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown last Sunday. But is that price good value?
On the face of things we are struggling for a viable alternative to the power duo from the Paul Nicholls yard so last year’s RSA Chase winner would seem the each-way thieves ideal pick now he appears to have put in another top-class performance. Or is he?
Plus Points:
- Already a Cheltenham Festival winner so the course and fences hold no fears.
- Came close to winning a Grade One last time out so apparently in good form.
- Trainer Willie Mullins stated before that race that he was concerned his horse might not be 100% fit so an even better performance could be expected at Cheltenham.
Negatives:
- The RSA Chase he won last year has turned out to be a sub-standard renewal of that race.
- The Hennessy Gold Cup last Sunday was run at an absolute crawl and is no real indication of Grade One form (or fitness).
- It could be argued that his overall form is no better than Taranis or What A Friend and they can be backed at three times the price.
So, Cooldine, excellent each-way bet for the Cheltenham Gold Cup or over rated and likely to flop – let us know which side you would be on?
4 comments
Comment by Racingrainsden on February 23, 2010 at 12:03 am
The facts are there and in comparison to others 14/1 for Cooldine isn’t really value, particularly as it’s likely not to win. The improvement required to win appears excessive and out of range. As you state others such as What a Friend have at least as good form, if not better.
For an outsider where I don’t think the full potential of his form has yet to be seen is Tricky Trickster, another runner from the Paul Nicholls yard. The way he finished in his last race shows you the stamina and/or ability to finish fast in a race. I had this horse earmarked for the Scottish National last year after he won the 4miler at the festival. I was there! This horse scooted away from the field; the hill at Cheltenham holds no fears for this horse, he jumps well too. I thought it strange that Mr Nicholls ran him against high quality opposition such as Denman when a good run might have damaged his handicap rating for the National. Yet with Denman fell Ruby galvanised his horse into action and he got up on the line. The money paid for this horse was serious money too, with the aim of winning the Grand National, but like when a decent athlete trains against the best they show their best. I suspect this horse is thriving at the Nicholls yard and although he has still retained a reasonable mark for the National and he may not be good enough to beat Kauto Star, you will see a better performance in the Gold Cup than his current rating. Denman wasn’t looking his best even before he made his howlers at Newbury(Tony McCoy confirmed it in his postrace interview) beacuse if he was then Tricky’s performance looks even better. The occasion Kauto was beaten in the Gold cup and one or two other races show he can run occasionally flat. I think the Gold Cup, with it’s guaranteed pace will be ideal for Tricky Trickster and if you’re looking for an improver, look no further than this horse. I suspect Mr Nicholls when interview nearer the race will say something similar. I suggest e/w for the Gold Cup and a lesser win bet for the National – if he’s in the first 5 or 6 in the Gold cup he will probably shorten for the National.
Comment by Ryan Turner on February 23, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I’d go for decent each-way bet. Like you say – in good form, been there and done it before and in peak condition.
A lot could depend on the weather though. Some horses are in form, but only in particular conditions. If there is an unexpected change of conditon in Cheltenham it could really blow the race wide open.
Comment by Daniel Edwards on March 4, 2010 at 2:16 pm
What A Friend is a far far far better bet….and at a far far bigger price.
That’s where my ew money will be on the day.
Comment by DJS Cheltenham on March 12, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Thanks for the tip Daneil! Cant wait for the cheltenham festival!