The Grand Military Gold Cup is one of the most historic races in the National Hunt calendar. Limited only to amateurs serving in the armed forces, the five runners in this year’s race are previewed alongside SkyBet‘s new offer of Bet £5 And Get a £5 Free Bet for each day at the Cheltenham Festival, plus one more £5 Free Bet.
Owner P J Vogt, whose colours have been carried with distinction by Frodon in recent season, snapped up the somewhat wayward DIDERO VALLIS in the last couple of weeks.
His last three runs have seen him take a significant downturn, ironically just as Venetia Williams’ yard clicked into overdrive. He was second at Ludlow back in December, but has been beaten at least 34 lengths in his last three outings.
On ratings, he is in with an excellent chance and there is no doubt trip and ground would be absolutely fine if he decided to show up. Indeed any of his early season form would surely see him romp home.
Private Alexandra Bell takes the ride and she was fourth for Williams in a much bigger field of 13 aboard Royal Palladium the last time this race was run in 2019. Going three better here is well within the question.
The Royal Artillery Gold Cup is run the month before the Grand Military edition and both are over this course and distance.
With the same conditions, that February race was won by ROLLING DYLAN in quite comfortable style. His rider that day, Major Charlie O’Shea, retains the ride and will be confident of achieving that same position.
He defeated Hogan’s Height that day, a horse rated higher than any of his rivals in this contest. There is every chance that he was value for a greater margin of victory in that contest as well.
The horse has been in relatively consistent form all season, with one blip on ground too heavy back in January. A strong repeat bid looks likely and he will be very difficult to beat for Philip Hobbs.
It is the best part of four years since BALLYCROSS last won a race, but this looks a really good opportunity for Nicky Henderson’s 11-year-old.
He is yet to win for Seven Barrows, with that last success coming with Paul George at Ffos Las in April 2018. However, he has been consistent for Henderson, with figures of 5344-3P3 showing only one serious blip since the start of 2021.
Moreover, his chances look even greater when looking at his previous start. He too ran in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup and was beaten only 5¾ lengths by Rolling Dylan that day. However, he meets him here on 5lb better terms.
The winner may have had a bit in hand, but on pure figures alone, his 5lb gain on that rival should be significant enough to close that gap. Sergeant Nathan Rahman retains the ride and he is another to consider.
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The youngest horse in the race at the age of eight, ERAGON DE CHANAY is a rarity in this contest insofar as he is still a novice chaser.
He won’t be next season due to a narrow success at Wincanton at the end of January. That came over 3m1f, while he was not disgraced in the Sussex National on soft ground at Plumpton over 3m4½f. Stamina is one of his fortes over fences.
A bold front-runner, he was outpaced late on back on good ground at Kempton last time out. That said, the horse who won may have been well ahead of his mark and the third place finish achieved was respectable.
Trooper Benson Kattenhorn will be aboard for gary Moore and while he has a little to find, could make a good go of trying to steal this from the front.
May 2019 was the last time ROC D’APSIS ran under rules, although he has been kept busy in point-to-points over the last three years.
He has failed to win in that sphere, but has achieved six placed finishes in eight starts within that time frame, all when ridden by Lieutenant Commander Vicki Sollitt. It nevertheless ensures that he has not won a race for the best part of five years, that coming at Kempton in May 2017.
He was rated 136 in his peak over fences, which rivals any of these, but he is now 13 and looks more up against it than any of his rivals.
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Big Race Verdict
This looks a good, open contest and should be a grand celebration of the men and women of the armed forces involved. ROLLING DYLAN looks well set to do the double of the Royal Artillery and Grand Military Gold Cups, though Ballycross and Eragon De Chanay could both be dangerous.