| Weakened field leaves Gold Cup wide
open By David Thorpe
 The spate of
accidents and defections which has seriously weakened this year’s
Gold Cup field means the blue riband of National Hunt racing is a wide
open affair.
Most Irish attention will focus on Beef Or Salmon —one of the most
hyped horses in racing.
But Michael Hourigan’s charge is extremely unlikely to win a Gold
Cup because his methodical jumping style is too slow for Cheltenham.
In previous years when asked to jump at a faster pace Beef Or Salmon has
fallen.
The best Irish hope at this particular moment is War of Attrition.
Mouse Morris’ charge defeated Kicking King earlier in the season
and was a fast improving second be-hind Beef or Salmon on a trip short
of his best in the Lexus Chase over Christmas.
Aside from the Irish contenders Kingscliff has shown in the past he can
compete at this level though the bookies preference is for Monkerhostin.
Phillip Hobbs’ charge shocked the racing world with his excellent
second in the King George when beaten by the shortest of short heads.
That form is good enough to win a Gold Cup any year and with Richard Johnson
aboard Monkershosstin is the value proposition at this stage of the season.
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