Captain Chris faces crucial day
January 27, 2012 10:02:11 UK
Richard Johnson has admitted that Saturday is a crucial day in deciding Captain Chris' Cheltenham destination race.
The Philip Hobbs chaser has looked below-par this term and it will need a very bold showing in the Argento for the animal to have a real shout at lining up in the Gold Cup.
Captain Chris is 23.00 to win the Gold Cup at Cheltenham while Long Run can be backed at 2.75, Tidal Bay at 778.00 and Grands Crus at 6.50.
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
Hobbs was entirely frank in his observation on the horse, admitting he ran poorly in the King George on Boxing Day and declaring: "He was sluggish and it just didn't happen for him.
"But he came to himself in the Spring last year so we are hoping history will repeat itself this time."
Captain Chris still has something to prove this campaign, with Johnson adding: "Saturday will tell us a lot. He is holding engagements for the Gold Cup and Ryanair. He will need to put up a good performance to be seriously considered for the Gold Cup."
He's a lot more upbeat about Saddler's Risk, revealing he came out of his amazingly impressive run really well, and declaring: "He's such a strapping horse it's diffcult to realise he was once a Flat racer.
"He jumps very well and has a great attitude so we are looking forward to his second run."
View all Horse Racing betting