Where’s The Money Going? McCoy booking alters Gold Cup picture

A little quiz question to start. When was the last time that a horse ridden by Tony McCoy was sent off at a double-figure price to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and which horse was he riding?

The answer to this question is 2006, when McCoy pulled up 16/1 chance Iris’s Gift behind eventual winner War Of Attrition.

And in the seven renewals since, punters have been wise to latch onto McCoy’s Gold Cup mounts, as he has rewarded each-way backers on five occasions, including when successful on Synchronised in 2012.

This could be one reason, alongside the fact he has been named Champion Jockey in the last 18 seasons, why his rides are so well backed and this support has continued this year for Triolo D’Alene.

Triolo D’Alene has halved in price from 20/1 to 10/1 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, following the news that McCoy will be on board for the first time, giving up his expected ride on Teaforthree in the process.

On his last start, Triolo D’Alene won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and of the last three horses to attempt this double in the same season, two have filled the each-way places.

Triolo D’Alene is not the only horse being backed for Festival glory, with Trifolium and Shutthefrontdoor others to have been notable market movers.

Both horses were touted during the Coral preview evening by Graham Cunningham and Mark Winstanley and the respective videos can be seen below.

Trifolium has already shortened once after winning the Irish Arkle in January, beating the best of the Irish 2m division except Champagne Fever and largely fits in with the trends that have been frequent among previous Arkle winners.

Not only is Trifolium a seven-year-old, he has also been placed at the Festival before when third in a Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, is French-bred and finished in the first two on his last start.

Trifolium is now 4/1 to win the Arkle.

Jockey booking is key for the National Hunt Chase for amateur riders and the fact that Nina Carberry will be on board is one possible reason that Shutthefrontdoor has been supported into 7/2.