There is some absolutely impeccable Grade 1 talent in competition this week at the 2009 Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup. We've got several of my favourites lining up against each other and the punters are left with a real chore to determine who's going to take this one- there is so much quality on display it is certainly a task and a half.
At this point in the wagering, we're looking at a nearly dead-even call between Imperial Commander and Notre Pere- two quality equines that have simply oozed talent up until this point in time. They're more or less dead even at 7/2 with most major bookies. Imperial Commander is looking to make it a double having won the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, overcoming the favoured Voy Por Ustedes in a very solid race.
Notre Pere is a quality French horse and has taken 2 from his past 3 overcoming Operation Houdini and Cornish Sett during the winter and running a solid 2nd to Neptune Collonges at the Grade 1 Hennessey Gold Cup at Leopardstown. You have to go back to his beginner days before you get a victory at Punchestown, so he doesn't bring much recent form into this.
Air Force One will be competing and you can back him around 14/1. Albertas Run is a strong contender who had Cheltenham aspirations, but he finished 9th to Kauto Star during the Gold Cup run this year. He did very well in the totesport Bowl at Aintree on April 2nd, finishing a strong 3rd to Madison Du Berlais.
War of Attrition is a very strong selection and looks like a sure bet for your show ticket. Currently sitting around 5/1, he has an excellent Chase and Hurdles record with victories over some quality runners. He's still not been run this year and went 1-1-3-2 in his four races before Christmas. I like Mouse Morris and he's got a good system. I also like his record at Punchestown.
I'm backing Imperial Commander and War of Attrition in a reverse forecast. I'll be monitoring Barbers Shop, who may receive a late entry.
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