Is Definitly Red Overpriced For The Gold Cup?
A quick glance through the odds for the upcoming Cheltenham Gold Cup and it’s clear who the bookmakers favours. Presenting Percy is the clear favourite for bookies on odds as short as 9/2 with Betfair. Following him are Native River on ante-post odds of 5/1 and Kemboy on 9/1. The best Cheltenham betting offers are often available online so check them out to find the latest free bets, race previews, up to date news and offers.
Interestingly enough, Presenting Percy hasn’t been seen yet this season. Native River has returned but failed to win either of his two races at Kempton or Haydock. So Kemboy, from trainer Willie Mullins, is the only one of the top three to have had a successful seasonal return. His win, last time out, at Leopardstown put him firmly in the Gold Cup picture.
Historically Gold Cup favourites have a fantastic win rate. But according to Definitly Red’s owner, Phil Martin, the race is wide open this year. He believes, that based on current form, his horse is over-priced at general odds of 25/1.
He said: “Definitly Red is a little overpriced. When you look at the competitors from this side of the water, there’s only really Clan Des Obeaux who has improved and done something you thought he wouldn’t do.
“The rest of them, including last year’s winner Native River, have disappointed in my opinion. Definitly Red has got to step up on what he did last year by some way but hopefully, he’ll be competitive.”
Finishing in sixth place last year was obviously disappointing for connections so there is a change of plan for 2019. Prior to last years Gold Cup he ran at Cheltenham in January. That won’t happen this year. His last race, at Aintree in December, where he won the Many Clouds Chase, will be his last until the Festival in March.
Definitly Red is a horse that runs much better when fresh. But he also needs suitable ground. In 2018 it was deemed too deep. A bit firmer this year and with a spring in his step he could certainly improve on his 2018 performance.
That’s the hope and at ante-post odds of 25/1 it’s worth consideration for the each-way bet.
