Plenty of differing opinions and theories as we go in to a very tight looking Gold Cup this afternoon.

For me Cue Card is the value. The Tizzard yard have maintained a high level of consistency all season and I expect Cue Card to be spot on. Based on the King George run, I have Cue Card and Don Cossack on level pegging. There is the conjecture that if the latter had stood up he would have won.

The positive with Don Cossack is his staying strength, which is so important when tackling the uphill finish at Cheltenham. The negative is the need to niggle him along so he can get into a position to use that strength.

Both Donn and our stats man favour Don Cossack. As Donn says in the charity preview:

‘However, it may be that Don Cossack will shade it.  He probably would have won the King George had he not fallen at the second last fence, and that is the strongest piece of form around.  It is a cracking race, though.  It is the most fascinating race of the week, it is the most intriguing Gold Cup that we have seen in some time.’

Last year’s runner up Djakadam demands a lot of respect. Needs to improve and has the scope to do so. Don Poli has a bit more to find to be in contention.

My prices for the front three are:

Cue Card 5/2

Don Cossack 5/2

Djakadam 7/2

Last year Coneygree was the stand out value in the race. It is a lot tighter this year.

The Cheltenham preview and membership has proved a valuable asset with quite a few very good winners. For example: Minella Rocco (WON 8/1) and Diamond King (WON 12/1). Myself and Donn have also provided some nice forecasts as we respectively analysed the home and Irish challengers including an £208 Exacta.

Hope you enjoy another fantastic day of racing and I will be back tomorrow to look at a feature race or two.