Hedgehunter The Value For Gold Rush

A record number of entries for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup has ensured an immeasurable amount of value for punters. And the each-way thieves could do worse than pile into Hedgehunter at the 20-1 currently available with Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and Coral.

With three-time winner Best Mate sadly no longer with us and reigning champion Kicking King sidelined through injury, the blue riband has an open look to it this year.

Beef Or Salmon looks the likeliest winner, but Michael Hourigan´s charge will probably not be much shorter than the current 5-1 on offer come March 17, so if you are not already on at fancy prices, best leave him alone until the big day.

Another Irish victory in jumping´s holy grail is likely to raise the roof of the already sold-out stands at Prestbury Park, and with the race falling on St Patrick´s Day, those holding 20-1 tickets with Hedgehunter´s name on may be cheering louder than most.

Willie Mullins´ 10-year-old landed the John Smith´s Grand National in emphatic style last April and some may cast doubt on the winner of that race going on to success in jump racing´s most coveted prize.

However, with the likes of Monkerhostin as low as 6-1, Hedgehunter makes plenty of appeal at more than three times the price.

The way the Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding raced to the final fence in the National on the bridle was a sight to behold and he simply took off when given a crack with the whip approaching the Elbow.

He went on to score by a comfortable 14 lengths that day, leaving the Gold Cup fourth Royal Auclair toiling in his wake in second.

The bare form of that race alone would give him a squeak at Cheltenham and he again advertised his claims when lining up against Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Although beaten 17 lengths into fourth on that occasion, Hedgehunter made most of the running and was still in the lead three from home before a lack of fitness took its toll.

A horse who takes time to get fit and who flourishes in the spring, he can be expected to come on for that run and Mullins was adamant we would see a different beast in the Irish Hennessy next month.

An improved effort in that race will see his Cheltenham odds tumble and it would be fair to think further improvement could be expected from the Hennessy to the Gold Cup.

? PA Sport