Can Mouse Morris Land Another Gold Cup?

Trainer Mouse Morris knows a thing or about saddling Gold Cup winners, he sent War Of Attrition out to win jump racing's top prize in 2006 and feels he has a chance to land the prize again this year and anyone looking at the Cheltenham betting offers should remember this.

China Rock has always been held in high regard by his trainer and on his efforts this season it is very easy to see why. After winning his first two starts, he then ran a cracker behind Kauto Star at Down Royal and the form showed in that race suggests he has enough to take on the big boys at Cheltenham this year.

The eight-year-old was a little below par in the Hennessy at Leopardstown on his most recent run, but Morris is inclined to put that effort down to the heavy ground and he anticipates a much better effort on the better ground he is likely to face at Cheltenham, although punters may want to keep a close eye on the weather before deciding where to put their money. The Cheltenham racing betting indicates he is in with a chance, but if there is a downpour he probably won't be at his best.

This year's Gold Cup is one of the most competitive in recent years with many of the fancied runners somewhat older than you'd expect of a potential winner. At eight years of age China Rock is still open to some progress and if his shrewd trainer says not to discount him you should do so at your peril.