Trainer, David Pipe bidding for a back-to-back in the Gold Cup through Grands Crus
Just when the much awaited Cheltenham meeting is just around the corner, the connections are eager to send in their best for creating an impact and bringing back to the stables the much prestigious titles. One of the trainers anxious for success at the Paddy
Power Gold Cup is, David Pipe.
His under charge, the seven-year-old, Grands Crus, will make it to the lime light after quite a long time. The last that he raced was at the same race course on 14th March, however the fourth position was the least expected outcome of the race
that came right after a hat-trick that was achieved at the closing of the 2011 season.
Two of the successes that took Grands Crus to strike a hat-trick, were graded wins.
The top-class staying hurdler landed the Grade 2 GPG Novices’ Chase on 24th November, 2011 at Newbury over three miles.
The favourite entry defeated Sonofvic by two lengths while riding with jockey, Tom Scudamore.
The French grey gelding then took on his form to the Grade 1 williamhill.com Feltham Novices’ Chase on 26th December, 2011 at Kempton over three miles.
The trainer, David Pipe, won the last edition of the race through his entry, Great Endeavour, and winning it this time will make him post in back-to-back success at the race.
Grands Crus had his chances surged for landing the race when on Monday his official handicap mark was at 157.
In context of bestowing the stable with a tenth win, the trainer commented:
"I have made no secret of the fact that I consider a mark of 157 to be reasonable enough, especially with the likes of Silviniaco Conti franking the form in no uncertain terms in the Charlie Hall Chase."
"He has always shown plenty of speed so the trip of 2m4½f for him first time up should be ideal - they will be going a good clip and that should help him settle early on. He will be my only runner in the race."
The race will not turn out to be an effortless attempt as the highly accomplished trainer, Paul Nicholls, has sent in Al Ferof who is not far behind on the list for the favourites of the race.
Trainer, Nicky Henderson, too has sent some entries that will make the race challenging.
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