Stick With Vic To Strike Gold Again It would more than a little foolish to discount Our Vic in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury next Saturday. While bookmakers have been running for cover following the scores of cash wagered on Trabolgan, Martin Pipe is still fancied to pull off yet another famous success in this great race. Pipe saddled the winner of the Newbury feature last year with Celestial Gold, who registered a one-and-a-half-length victory from Ollie Magern after winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup earlier in the month. Although the seven-year-old holds an entry this time around, it is Our Vic who represents Pipe´s greatest chance of success in the Grade Three handicap. The Nicholashayne trainer told anyone within earshot his charge would follow in the footsteps of Celestial Gold with victory at Cheltenham. Indeed, Pipe´s confidence was vindicated as Our Vic, despite being pulled-up twice and a faller on his last three outings, ran out a hugely impressive winner of the Prestbury Park contest. There were hard-luck stories in that race, however, most notably when Redemption fell at the second-last when primed for a bold bid in the run-in. However, the seven-year-old still raised many eyebrows with the manner in which he jumped so fluently. To enhance his profile as a potential Hennessy winner, Our Vic has strong form over three miles, having won the Reynoldstown Novices´ Chase at Ascot in February 2004 and he also put up a pleasing display to finish third in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase behind Rule Supreme last year. What is more, Our Vic will also be saddled with the same 6lb penalty with which Celestial Gold went on to complete the Paddy Power Gold Cup-Hennessy double. To that end, lightning is taken to strike twice in the #125,000 highlight for a yard who always produce the goods when it matters. Paddy Power´s offer of 9-1 for Pipe´s charge to win the Hennessy represents solid value.? PA Sport
