A disappointing turnout for this contest but it remains relatively competitive as all four have a chance, with our vote going to TRABOLGAN ahead of Lysander and Turpin Green. The selection is a former Hennessy winner whose career has been blighted by injuries since, indeed connections had hoped their charge would develop into a serious Gold Cup contender after that stylish Newbury success back in 2005. A three year absence followed and it's taken the gelding time to rediscover any sort of form, but his fourth to The Package at Cheltenham was a step in the right direction and reads well in the context of today's race. The horse has been dropped a pound for that effort and there'll be a loud cheer if he can return to winning ways with AP on board, here's hoping that is the case. The main danger looks to be Lysander who receives weight from all three rivals. Ian Williams' inmate won a similar race at Aintree back in October and although today's 8lb higher mark demands more that remains possible, with the horse's hurdle run last time out representing a really solid effort and advertising his well-being. Today's trip and ground are perfect and he'll be a big threat to all, as will Rambling Minister who has gone well here in the past and will relish the softening ground. Keith Reveley's horse started amongst the market leaders for the Grand National back in April but was pulled up that day and hasn't performed very well since, although this represents a much more realistic assignment for the eleven-year-old and his last visit to the course resulted in an impressive success. Turpin Green completes the line-up with Richard McGrath taking the ride. The old boy showed a bit more life last time when fourth and has been dropped a few pounds for that effort and if returning to anything like his best would have a chance. That best probably came in 2007 when he was third to Kauto Star in the Gold Cup and whilst of course nowhere near that good now he should be competitive off a mark of 142, although our feeling is that this quirky sort might find one or two too good. It's a shame that this race is short on numbers but that at least gives our selection Trabolgan a really strong chance of returning to the winners' enclosure.
Turpin Green (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, mistake 5th, staying on one pace when blundered last and soon weakened, 4th of 11, 13l behind Shining Gale (11-12) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Nov.
Rambling Minster 25-1 (11-2) Always behind, pushed along 10th, hampered next, tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind Calgary Bay (11-10) at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-150 (2) gd.
Trabolgan (IRE) 14-1 (10-6) Held up in rear, headway 16th, blundered 3 out, chased winner approaching 2 out until blundered and weakened last, 4th of 12, 15l behind The Package (10-0) at Cheltenham 3m 1f listed hcp chs (1) sft.
Lysander (GER) 14-1 (9-9) Held up mid-division, chased leaders 4 out, one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 16, 7l behind Diamond Harry (11-12) at Haydock 3m 1f listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Nov.
