Tidal Bay attracting Hennessy cash

The Hennessy Gold Cup has attracted 22 entries and with stacks of rain around and the real prospect of heavy ground, Paul Nicholls’ Tidal Bay is the one for money.

Tidal Bay has been called some rude names in the past, but his last two outings have been winning ones – in the bet365 Gold Cup at the end of last season and the West Yorkshire Hurdle at the start of this term. Champion trainer Nicholls feels he has found the key to the 11-year-old and on his most recent outings he has looked a far happier horse.

He is a proven stayer who is happy on heavy going and despite having to shoulder top weight, he is the one for money. He has been backed in to 8/1 with bet365 and the signs are that his price will continue to contract.

In contrast, Bobs Worth is easy to back at 10/3. Last year’s RSA Chase winner does not look too badly handicapped with 11st 6lb on his back, but trainer Nicky Henderson has issued a note of caution about the seven-year-old on account of the conditions.

One horse who will positively relish the ground is Teaforthree. His stated aim is the Welsh National but if he is allowed to take his chance he looks sure to run a huge race, given the promise of his seasonal bow at Cheltenham. Rebecca Curtis’ charge can be backed at 16/1.