Hennessy Gold Cup 2014

3.50 Leopardstown

Hennessy Gold Cup (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €92,000

Advice: 2 pts First Lieutant to finish first or second (4/5 Paddy Power)

First Lieutenant: Tends to blossom in the spring, as shown with magnificent efforts at Cheltenham), Aintree (won Betfair Bowl), and Punchestown (third to Sir Des Champs); Taken his time to get to peak form but we most certainly saw it when caught close to home in Lexus Chase for second season running with Bobs Worth catching him in last furlong; Should go very well again although maybe

Last Instalment: Bought back from serious injury and no telling what he could have done had he stayed fit (beat First Lieutenant by 6 lengths here in 2011); Sadly injury befell him after another Grade 1 win but comeback was as good as one could have hoped behind Texas Jack recently when a good third, shaping as if he has most of his ablity; If not bouncing today, likely to play a big part for all

Lord Windermere: Fulfilled early potential in style when landing RSA Chase last year, but dreadfully disappointing on both open company starts and hard to envisage him reversing Lexus form today.

Lyreen Legend: As consistent as any of the novice chasers around last year, and second to Lord Windermere in the RSA Chase; Return in Lexus Chase was encouraging but seen lengths behind First Lieutant there and needs more here to get close.

Roi Du Mee: Wide margin winner of Down Royal Champion Chase when race fell into his lap a fair bit but has since been exposed as being below top level last twice and others make more appeal.

Texas Jack: Consistent and smooth travelling type who was ahead of RSA 1-2 when second in PJ Moriarty a year ago (disappointed at festival); First win in a while when taking the Kinloch Brae Chase but over this trip, one would feel he’ll struggle upped in class and Last Instalment, behind him that day, may improve past him.

Tidal Bay: Best “veteran” in training; Clawed down First Lieutenant, amongst others, in the last strides to land last year’s Lexus, and return over hurdles looked good but disappointment in Betfair Chase; However, right back to form when third under topweight in Welsh National, as good an effort as he’s posted in his time; Should go well here with ground having come right for him and presence of Ruby Walsh a great benefit.

VERDICT: Tidal Bay denied FIRST LIEUTENANT in heartbreaking but thrilling fashion in last year’s Lexus but Mouse Morris’s tenacious chaser can make amends for that and another close second in the Lexus over Christmas and take his second Grade 1 over fences. However, with Tidal Bay in opposition, the 5/6 on him finishing first or second (as he has done seven times over fences) makes more appeal than the 5/2 on him winning.