Hedgehunter to miss Gold Cup

/ Editor / 22 February 2007 / Leave a Comment

Hedgehunter was the most notable defection from the Cheltenham Gold Cup entries announced on Wednesday morning.

The eleven-year-old is expected to be aimed at the Grand National on April 14, for which he currently trades at 18.5.

Other notable withdrawals include Monet's Garden, Hi Cloy and Sir Rembrandt. Monet's Garden may target the Queen Mother Champion Chase for which the grey can be backed at 26.

Kauto Star remains the 2.88 favourite for the Gold Cup, ahead of last year's winner War Of Attrition on 6.6 and Cheltenham specialist Exotic Dancer on 9.2.

Well Chief has been well supported for the Queen Mother Champion Chase of late and is currently available to back at 2.8, clear in the market ahead of Newmill (5.5) and Voy Por Ustedes (7).

All eleven Championship races are available to trade on Betfair, with some markets already having had £1million matched.

Cheltenham communications manager Andy Clifton said: "The countdown to the Festival 2007 is well and truly underway with less than three weeks to go to the first day on Tuesday, March 13.

"Following the forfeit stage, the potential fields for the 11 championship races look very strong indeed."