What A Friend gained a few more admirers after impressively staying on to win the Grade One, Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on 29th December. The Paul Nicholls trained six year old held off a determined bid from Money Trix to win by a ½ length with race favourite, Joncol a further 1¼ lengths back in third.
The win earned What A Friend a 16/1 chance with Totesport to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March for which he is now disputing third favouritism. Punters however should note that he is still available at 20/1 with several other Bookmakers including Paddy Power.
It should be noted that in this Lexus win, he had the likes of Grade One winners, Notre Pere, Voy Por Ustedes and Cooldine beaten, suggesting that he has what it takes in the big time and even if he cannot win the Gold Cup this season he is certainly one for the future. This big improving six year old first came to high prominence when he was a gallant second to brilliant stablemate, Denman in the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup and whilst it is unlikely that he could reverse that form he is most certainly in with a huge shout for a place at the Cheltenham Festival showpiece on March 14th.
For Latest 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting News – See Here.
Part-owned by Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, What A Friend was ridden in the Lexus by Sam Thomas, who may well be in the enviable position of choosing between him and Denman in the big one come March. Thomas it will be remembered partnered Denman in the both the winning 2008 Gold Cup and when second last season to stablemate, Kauto Star.
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Whatever the qualities of the horse, his presence in the Gold Cup certainly gives Nicholls yet another strong hand where he can now expect a similar outcome to 2008 when he had the first three home. In the meantime, Kauto Star remains favourite for the race with odds of 6/4 with Paddy Power, while Denman is next best with best odds of 9/4 also with Paddy Power.
6/4 Kauto Star, 9/4 Denman, 14/1 Imperial Commander, Cooldine, 20/1 What A Friend, Joncol, 25/1 Barbers Shop, Madison Du Berlais, 33/1 Money Trix, Notre Pere, 40/1 BAR.
Posted: Wednesday, 30th December 2009
Author: Mark Files
Tags: lexus chase, what a friend, denman, kauto star, paddypower,
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