2m1f (2m179y) (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
The brilliant Galopin Des Champs goes for his third Gold Cup and odds of 4/7 look fair with only eight opponents and a clear class edge on all known form. He looks as good as ever this season and I have no stones to throw at him but I’m firmly with BANBRIDGE. When you break it down, he’s a better jumper than Galopin Des Champs and his form over the minimum trip is strong evidence he’s the faster horse too. When the ground has good in the description, he’s two from two at Cheltenham including a Festival win in the Martin Pipe, so the track is no issue, and on that logic the only way Galopin can beat him when granted good ground is through pure staying power. I’ve long believe Banbridge will relish this type of test because of his gigantic stride, and the way he closed out a strongly run King George reinforced that view – for all this is a very different test. He’s by no means a guaranteed stayer but at 7/1 I’m paying to find out. I really do think it’s a proper clash.
1pt win Banbridge @7/1, 16:00 Cheltenham Festival, Friday
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