HENNESSY GOLD CUP BETTING TIPS

Neptune Collonges is the outright favourite ahead of several high-profile horses heading into this week's 2009 Irish Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown. The Paul Nicholls camp has a wonderful track record on Irish soil having won 12 of their last 25 races and many punters are expecting Neptune Collonges to make a big statement going into the Cheltenham Gold Cup. My money, however, is on Air Force. Considering both the form of the horse and the overall value from the 10/1 odds, I think that an each-way on Air Force is a quality wager and I'm going to be backing him at Leopardstown. I would be looking at either Notre Pere or The Listener to complete your trifectas, but I'm not swayed by the 7/2 on Notre Pere. I don't see him finishing well and I have a feeling that Air Force One will be strong throughout the final third. Many observers will be tipping Neptune Collonges thanks to the withdrawal of Exotic Dancer, which has seen the odds shorten considerably as Neptune has drifted from 11-8 down to 5/6. The Listener is a strong horse, but at ten years of age I just don't think the pace is there and pace will be what wins the Hennessy Gold Cup. Back Neptune Collonges if you're looking to back a high-profile horse, but back Air Force One if you're looking for the payday.