Antepost Punting: Coral Cup

1pt each-way Gowel Road in the Coral Cup at 33/1

Gowel Road was successful over the Coral Cup course and distance in November when running a final circuit time that was slightly quicker than both the 2 mile juvenile hurdle and 3 mile handicap hurdle on the same card, whilst only being marginally slower than the concluding Listed Mares’ bumper (winner carried 10lbs less than Gowel Road).

That was Gowel Road’s second start over a trip in excess of 2 miles and he therefore remains unexposed over intermediate trips. He flew up the hill under a virtual hands and heels ride on that occasion, shaping as though he may have plenty more come.

A half-brother to Grade 1 Challow Hurdle scorer Captain Cutter, the Flemensfirth gelding was far from disgraced when dropping back to 2 miles and placing third behind two progressive rivals – whom received 8lbs and 10lbs respectively – at Newbury subsequently, and a 7lbs rise for his Prestbury Park success looks fair given the authority of his victory.

He is clearly effective over this course and distance and he has already proven himself effective on both good and heavy ground, which is always a bonus when striking an antepost wager.

A price of 33/1 certainly looks fair value with all of that in mind and it’s perhaps worth noting that all three of his previous career victories have been achieved in double-figure fields, demonstrating his ability to perform in competitive heats. While it also factors in the risk of him lining-up in March.

Nigel Twiston-Davies saddled the popular Ballyandy – who was also owned by the Options O Syndicate – to place third in the Coral Cup in 2019, hopefully they can go two places better this year.

Best of luck.