Somersby can out big two in the shade
Henrietta Knight knows a thing or two about training Cheltenham festival winners; after all she was responsible for the handling of three-time Gold Cup winner Best Mate.
In the past couple of years Knight has seen things go a little quiet on the winners front, but she is fancied to see her name up in lights again thanks to Somersby, a horse that will no doubt attract plenty of Cheltenham 2011 bets.
The eight year old has run with huge credit at the last two Cheltenham Festivals, where he made the frame both the Supreme Novice Hurdle in 2009 and then when switched to fences for last years Arkle Chase.
Having previously shown his best form at Cheltenham it was mightily encouraging to see Somersby run the race of his life behind Master Minded at Ascot last time. The victor is arguably one of the best two-mile chasers in history, so to run that rival to a short head highlights exactly how good Somersby can be and those following the Cheltenham racing betting should keep a close eye on him.
The stiffer two-mile test at Cheltenham will play right into Somersby strengths and he looks sure to fight out the finish. Big Zeb is the big Irish hope here, he is respected as the reigning champ, but he is becoming a shade tricky these days. His tendency to idle badly when left in front has shown up on his last two runs, and jockey Barry Geraghty will need to give him a very patient ride, or he’ll risk being picked off by Somersby’s strong finish close to home.
