Pipe Picks Vodka As Number One

Vodka Bleu is challenging Taranis for outright favouritism in the Paddy Power Gold Cup after David Pipe's bullish appraisal of his chances.

The seven-year-old has been cut to 5-1 (from 6s) with the sponsors and joined Taranis at the head of the market at 4-1 (from 13-2) with Stan James after Pipe suggested a two-year absence would not prove a hindrance at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Pipe, who will also be represented by Tamarinbleu, said: 'It's two years since he's been on a racecourse but it's fantastic to get him back so close to a run.

'He banged a tendon on his last run and we had to give him the time he needed to come back fit and well.

'He is our number-one hope for the Paddy Power and has a nice, low weight.

'By the looks of it, Taranis will end up with top weight and we can't complain about that.'

Vodka Bleu will be attempting to give the Pipe team their eighth Paddy Power success by following in the hoofprints of Our Vic, who won the race 12 months ago.

Pipe jnr added: 'He had a gallop at Exeter last week which went very well and told us we have him where we want him.

'You look at his form and it's top class, beating Fundamentalist and See You Sometime when the first-named horse was the one everyone was talking about.

'His trip varies from two and a half miles and three and it's just a matter of keeping him in one piece now.

'Timmy Murphy will ride him but with Tamarinbleu we are waiting to get the best jockey we can.'

Tamarinbleu boasts high-class form as a novice including a narrow defeat by Accordion Etoile at the Open meeting last year.

Pipe jnr was equally bullish about his chance ? although Martin Pipe believes there is a slight question mark over his stamina.

David Pipe said: 'He's been brilliant for us. He's run in all the top races and goes extremely well fresh.

'We considered the Haldon Gold Cup but decided to wait for the Paddy Power and I'm glad we did.

'He's only six and has strengthened-up.'

Martin Pipe added: 'It would be an apt victory for Tamarinbleu because he has the same owners as Beau Ranger, who gave me my first big-chase winner in the Mackeson Gold Cup of 1987.

'Vodka Bleu perhaps has a bit more stamina than Tamarinbleu but they both have good chances.

'Tamarinbleu must have a good chance but Vodka Bleu is well-handicapped if he is back to his best.'

Pipe jnr put up Standin Obligation as one of his best chances of success at the Open meeting ? with the gelding earmarked for the Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase on Friday.

A winner over hurdles at the corresponding fixture in 2005, the chestnut has won both his outings over fences and will be returning from a short break with his novice status intact.

Pipe said: 'Standin Obligation did very well for dad and was his last winner at Cheltenham.

'He went up to 153 over hurdles and has done well in two small races this summer ? also being my own first winner as a trainer.

'He is very quick and accurate at his fences and has come back really well from his break.

'He looks really well, acts round the course and his win-to-run ratio is most impressive.'

(C) PA Sport