Hennessy Gold Cup betting

Leading ante-post hopes Aiteen Thirtythree and Great Endeavour feature among 18 runners declared for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, writes Mikey Mumford. The Paul Nicholls trained Aiteen Thirtythree bids for this prestigious handicap after an encouraging second behind Somersby at Kempton while Great Endeavour aims to follow-up after scooping the Paddy Power Gold Cup a fortnight ago. Now in its 54^th running, there are 21 fences to be jumped over a distance of 3m2f and is open to horses aged four years plus.

Hennessy Gold Cup odds

Planet Of Sound Not been seen since a distant fifth in last year’s King George and last win came in April 2010 at Punchestown. Difficult to know how he will fare on his reappearance but may just need this outing. Probably vulnerable to an improver and has to defy top weight to get in the picture; worth a market check.

Aiteen Thirtythree Won at this meeting twelve months ago and started 2011 in good fashion when making all over 3m at this course. Weakening when pulled up in the RSA but returned with a decent effort at Kempton latest where he was beaten by the useful Somersby. More on his plate again here but should give his running under Ruby Walsh.

Great Endeavour Easy winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup a fortnight ago and had a few of these rivals in behind. Been put up 6Ib by the handicapper but must be taken seriously in his bid for a quick big race double and foolish to discount from calculations; shortlist.

Wayward Prince Failed to justify favouritism at Aintree last April but had previously racked up a four-timer. Reunited with regular rider Dougie Costello this time who is 5 from 6 on him may help and he could creep into contention if putting his best foot forward.

Michel Le Bon Absent since this meeting in 2009 and hard to know what ability he retains after such a long lay-off. Lightly raced sort has been sent off favourite four times in his five career starts but steps up markedly in class here. Market signals could reveal more but probably best to look elsewhere after long absence.

Wymott Only finished out of the top two once prior to being pulled up on his last run when taking little interest in rear. That is a slight worry after he helped himself to a four-timer this time last year but stays at least this far and chances if last run can be forgiven.

Beshabar Jumping can be a little suspect sometimes but dangerous if he can get it right and he did just that in the Scottish National in April. Had previously posted some good efforts and must come here in good heart but may be vulnerable to a younger challenger. Should give it another good go nevertheless.

Sarando Often thereabouts without getting his head in front on too many occasions but took advantage last time in the Betfair Graduation Chase. This represents a significant step up in class and it might just be beyond him.

Plenty in with chances in this lively affair, and Great Endeavour has an excellent chance of following up from just 6Ib higher. However, there are several others who are fairly treated and WAYWARD PRINCE can continue Dougie Costello’s fine record on him at the expense of Aiteen Thirtythree who should improve again for his latest Kempton second. [Mikey Mumford]

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