New champion must emerge (From Gazette Series)

New champion must emerge

HEDGEHUNTER can emerge from one of the most mediocre-looking Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup fields in years to claim the top honours in today's blue riband event.

In a race where punters seem to be looking for the horse with the fewest question marks against its name instead of being drawn to the one with the most convincing credentials, last year's Grand National winner Hedgehunter can once again deliver on the big stage.

In the absence of reigning champion Kicking King and the late great Best Mate, the race is there to take for any challenger good enough on the day.

Every horse in the field has negatives in respect of one or more of their form, jumping ability, staying power and class, so while Hedgehunter may not be a stand-out candidate, he has what it takes to come out on top.

Hedgehunter's Grand National win clearly demonstrates his stamina and safe jumping, while solid performances behind Leopardstown specialist Beef Or Salmon this term show the horse to be in decent form.

Only his ability in top class company can be called into question but, quite frankly, this is not a race of the highest quality.

Market leaders Beef Or Salmon and Monkerhostin look to be the classier types in the race but doubts loom over both.

Beef Or Salmon has disappointed here before on more than one occasion, while questions must be raised over Monkerhostin's ability to last the trip.

In fairness, Cheltenham specialist Monkerhostin's second in the King George proved he had a little more stamina than it would have normally as the race was run at Sandown rather than the less demanding Kempton.

Of the remainder, Celestial Gold's lack of racecourse action and disappointing show a year ago counts against him, Kingscliff is dreadfully inconsistent, while both L'Ami and Cornish Rebel often make the frame but rarely the winner's enclosure.

Forget The Past and War Of Attrition have serious stamina doubts over this extended trip, Iris's Gift and One Knight are both festival winners but neither look safe bets to get round, while many of the other have multiple negatives.

On the plus side, the previous Gold Cup placings of Take The Stand and Sir Rembrandt give them every chance of making the frame again, with 2005 Scottish Grand National winner Joes Edge looking the best of the big outsiders.

Lord Of Illusion runs for local trainer Tom George from Slad.

Gold Cup field: Astonville, Ballycassidy, Beef Or Salmon, Celestial Gold, Cornish Rebel, Forget The Past, Hedgehunter, Iris's Gift, Iznogoud, Joes Edge, Kingscliff, L'Ami, Limerick Boy, Lord Of Illusion, Monkerhostin, Ollie Magern, One Knight, Royal Auclair, Royal Emperor, Sir Rembrandt, Take The Stand, Tikram, Turnium, War Of Attrition.

Gazette sports editor Keith Watson predicts the 1-2-3 for the 2006 TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 1ST HEDGEHUNTER 2ND MONKERHOSTIN 3RD TAKE THE STAND