Hennessy Gold Cup: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

The Hennessy was won by Carruthers last year

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday...

Tidal Bay is a classy but enigmatic performer who outclassed rivals when an impressive winner of bet365 Gold Cup on final 2011/12 run. Followed up in Grade 2 hurdle on return, and a danger to all.

Roberto Goldback is a high-class veteran who posted a career-best when comfortably winning Grade 3 handicap over 3m at Ascot on return from six months off/first start for Nicky Henderson. 12 lb rise to overcome now.

Bobs Worth was an unbeaten novice hurdler who took time to find his feet over fences, though completely different proposition when winning the RSA (from First Lieutenant) when last seen. Could be top drawer.

First Lieutenant improved markedly back at Cheltenham over fences last season when second to Bobs Worth in the RSA. Returned to that level in first-time cheekpieces in 3m Grade 1 last time and stiffer test will suit.

Hold On Julio has good strike-rate over fences, successful first 3 starts at up to 25f. Promising third on return at Cheltenham in October and type to win some good handicaps if brushing up jumping.

Lion Na Bearnai won 3 races last term in second season over fences, rallying gamely to land 29f Irish National on soft going at Fairyhouse. 13 lb higher on return and mammoth effort required.

Carruthers had become well treated and was perhaps aided by fitting of tongue tie when landing pillar-to-post success in this in 2011. Not got close to that level since, left at start on return.

The Package has raced just 3 times in last 2 years but put up best effort yet when impressively winning the Badger Ales in soft ground at Wincanton a month ago. 8 lb higher but likely to go well again

Teaforthree is a mud lover who scored in the four-miler at the Festival. Shaped as if in need of the run on reappearance, where he jumped and travelled well before fading 3 out, and remains of major interest.

Fruity O'rooney is a genuine front runner who scaled new heights when second in JLT Chase at the Festival. Stamina stretched in Scottish National, and shaped as if in need of hurdles return. Headgear back on now.

Saint Are was successful for second year in a row at Grand National meeting when landing 25f listed handicap chase. Run well over hurdles on only previous visit to Newbury and could have more to offer this term.

Duke Of Lucca is a consistent sort who won 3 times in novice campaign over fences last term and ran well after seven months off when 9-length second to Roberto Goldback at Ascot (3m). One to consider.

Diamond Harry is a fragile sort who has shown very little since his impressive jumping display in this 2 years ago off a 13 lb higher mark, last month's return particularly disappointing given record fresh. Risky.

Magnanimity is an Irish raider who has been a creditable second in graded chases on his last 2 starts, 20 lengths behind Sizing Europe at Clonmel a fortnight ago. Cheekpieces on back up in trip now.

Harry The Viking improved almost with each start last season, racking up a four-timer before chasing home Teaforthree at the Festival. Excused both starts since, and remains with potential. Headgear reached for.

Ikorodu Road won handicap chases at Doncaster and over C&D last March. Fair reappearance over hurdles but may benefit from further than this now. Cheekpieces back on.

Frisco Depot won 3m Grade 2 novice chase at Limerick for Dessie Hughes last season, and would have played a hand in the finish on his UK debut at Ascot but for a late fall. Tongue tied now and most interesting.

Soll looked like a chaser with immense promise for Willie Mullins last season, justifying favouritism at Down Royal, and fancied when brought down in four-miler at Cheltenham. Capable of better still.

Alfie Spinner matched useful hurdles form over the larger obstacles last season and fine return when third to Roberto Goldback at Ascot (3m). May need a bit more help from the handicapper.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Hold On Julio
2. Bobs Worth
3. Saint Are

Timeform View: RSA Chase winner Bobs Worth is a danger to all, while Saint Are is another second-season chaser who could feature. However, siding with Hold On Julio looks the call as, while his jumping may not be the most fluent, the former prolific winning pointer has a good strike rate over fences and remains with the potential to improve further.

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