Bonusprint.com Gold Cup/Bula Hurdle - Bet365 Analysis

Martin Pipe's Our Vic has been our favourite for this weekend's Bonusprint.com Gold Cup since betting opened on the race. Described by his trainer as "still the best in our yard" he has to be on the shortlist, especially considering he is almost certainly open to further improvement. However, his odds are a little cramped for what he has actually achieved so far, so there could be some value in taking him on this time. Shamawan enters the reckoning after his close second to Lady Cricket off this same handicap mark over course and distance in January last year. Both runs since have been over hurdles, including last time out at Uttoxeter, when he finished fourth on his seasonal debut. The form of that race is working out well - the second and third has won since - and he will be a lot sharper for that run. He could run well at a big price, and may be good enough to emulate stable companion Legal Right, who won the race back in 1999.Recommendation: Shamawan @ 16/1 (each way).bet365 Bonusprint selected prices ? Our Vic 10/3, Thisthatandtother 4/1, Monkerhostin 6/1, Redemption, Non So 10/1, Shamawan 16/1, others on bet365 website.Rooster Booster heads our market for this Saturday's Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham, after showing he retains much of his ability when running fourth under a big weight last month on his reappearance. He is bound to come on for that run, and looks sure to run a big race on what is his favourite track. However, with the strong end-to-end gallop that he needs not guaranteed, the 2003 Champion Hurdle winner could be vulnerable to Noel Chance's Flame Creek. The eight-year-old has been off the course since January, but has won on each of his three previous seasonal appearances, and escapes a penalty for an easy win in a Grade 2 hurdle early last year. Best fresh and getting the weight from the favourite, he looks worth an each way bet. Recommendation: Flame Creek @ 14/1 (each way).bet365 Bula prices ? Rooster Booster 9/4, Inglis Drever, Back In Front 7/2, Flame Creek 14/1, others on bet365 website.