Robbie Power identifies a 'Grade 1 horse in a handicap' and says Minella Indo is seven pounds better at Cheltenham A key pointer for Cheltenham Festival success is previous winning experience, which is something Robbie Power and Minella Indo know all about. Both have enjoyed Gold Cup glory - Power aboard Sizing John in 2017 and Minella Indo in last year's renewal. Today, the duo combine their strengths and Power thinks his mount should be favourite. BoyleSports ambassador Power joined us to offer his thoughts on the feature as well as the County Hurdle for which BoyleSports are offering seven places each way. Power says: “It will be interesting to see what Willie Mullins runs in the County Hurdle, State Man could be a big player, he would be the one I would be very wary of. He had a huge reputation when he ran first time out in Leopardstown at Christmas and he fell at the second last when looking like he was going to win easily. He then went and won easily in Limerick. He does lack a bit of experience for a race like the County Hurdle but he could be a Grade 1 horse in a handicap. Power has ridden one of today’s contenders Gua Du Large who has winning experience in big-field handicaps. He says: “A strongly run County Hurdle would suit Gua Du Large, he wants a bit of nice ground, he was a good winner in Fairyhouse at the Drinmore meeting and definitely a big field handicap suits him because that was one as well, it was strongly run so the strong pace in Cheltenham will definitely suit him.” State Man is currently available at 4-1 with BoyleSports Gold Cup Power knows exactly what attributes a horse needs to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and having recently schooled Minella Indo at home, following his promising second in the Irish Gold Cup, Power says: “The Irish Gold Cup was the first time I rode Minella Indo in a race and I got a great feel off him, he felt really good. He arguably ran better in it this year than he did last year and he goes there in good form. I think if he hadn’t run in the King George and had only had the two starts this season, he would probably be favourite for the Gold Cup. “He wouldn’t be the first horse to disappoint in Kempton and then come back and win a Gold Cup so I’m looking forward to him and Henry De Bromhead is very happy with him and all the staff down there are happy with him too. “He’s a horse that goes to Cheltenham and he just seems to improve another seven pounds and hopefully that will be the case again this year. “It is a hot renewal of the Gold Cup, I have huge respect for Galvin, I actually won on Galvin in England last season.” “Al Boum Photo has gone the same path again and I know Willie had said he wanted to get more runs into him and it hasn’t worked out that way, but you still have to respect him as he is a true Gold Cup winner.” 18+. UK & IRE mobile customers only. 1/5 Odds. 25+ must run for 7 places. Applies to the 2.10 pm Cheltenham, County Hurdle. Applies to Each-Way Market only. Race will revert to normal place terms if criteria not met. Applies to bets placed from 8 am on the day of the race. Applies to Outright Betting only. T&Cs Apply. Begambleaware
