Stephen Welch's NAP of the Day (13th December)
1 minute Today's NAP runs in Cheltenham's December Gold Cup
1:50 Cheltenham
Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup Handicap Chase
VINCENZO - 9/2
Vincenzo shaped like a horse firmly on an upward curve when returning from a break to finish an excellent second in last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup over this same course and distance. Travelling strongly throughout a fiercely competitive renewal, the seven-year-old only gave best late on to Panic Attack, a rival who franked the form in emphatic style by following up in the Coral Gold Cup and that performance marked him down as a serious player in this sphere.
Sam Thomas’ progressive chaser was a model of consistency during his novice campaign last season, winning twice and placing in all four starts and he appears to have strengthened again over the summer. Crucially, he’s just 2lbs higher than for that Paddy Power effort, remains well treated relative to his upward profile and has already proven he handles both the track and the demands of a big-field Cheltenham handicap.
There are dangers, most notably Jagwar, whose Festival Plate success makes him a formidable rival on his return, while Hoe Joly Smoke and Kim Roque bring solid recent form to the table. However, Vincenzo looks the type to thrive with racing, still has scope for further improvement in this division and arrives without the burden of a big rise or long absence.
Verdict: With proven Cheltenham form, a strong reappearance behind a now top-class handicapper and plenty of untapped potential, VINCENZO looks primed to go one better. A confident Nap Of The Day in a red-hot December Gold Cup.
