Brother Tedd up for the Coral Cup and can thwart Mullins raiders
David Metcalf | March 15, 2016
Brother Tedd has plenty going for him in Coral Cup
Brother Tedd looks nicely treated on the pick of his form and decent each-way value in a typically ultra-competitive renewal of the 2m 5f Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival (14.50).
The Philip Hobbs trained gelding showed progressive form throughout last season when scoring three times, and looked the type who would have plenty more to offer.
That view was confirmed when Brother Tedd overcame a 9lb rise in the weights to make a winning comeback at Kempton, travelling strongly throughout before quickening clear to put the race to bed after taking up the running two from home on the bridle.
Despite being far from fluent at the last, the seven-year-old only had to be kept up to his work on the run-in to beat Silviniaco Conti by four lengths.
Classy performance and given chance by the handicapper
Brother Tedd was value for more than the winning margin and it was a performance which oozed class.
Connections then decided to have a crack at the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle at Ascot, and Brother Tedd ran a blinder to finish a 2 1/2 length third to the classy Rock On Ruby off an official rating of 155.
The son of Kayf Tara, who also ran well when fourth last time out, is now able to race in this handicap off a reduced rating of 150 and that gives Brother Tedd a big shout at the weights on the pick if his form.
Irish raiders Blazer and Diamond King big players
Irish trainer Willie Mullins has two leading contenders in Arbre De Vie and Blazer, and the latter could prove the pick of the pair.
The five-year-old made a mockery of his handicap mark when winning a 16-runner contest at Leopardstown on his third start for Mullins, tanking along through and only having to be pushed clear under a hands and heels ride to score by 3 1/2 lengths.
Blazer was then far from disgraced when turned out quickly and finishing ninth of 22 to Agrapart in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, and although now 6lb higher a mark of 137 should not be beyond him.
The JP McManus owned gelding remains lightly-raced and unexposed, and should have plenty more to offer now stepped up in trip.
Diamond King has a progressive profile and is another big contender for Ireland.
The eight-year-old scored with plenty to spare when last seen in action at Punchestown and has been laid out for the race by his shrewd handler Gordon Elliott whose runners at the meeting always command the utmost respect.
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Coral’s top tip: Brother Tedd has a touch of class and looks worth an each-way wager in one of the most competitive handicaps at the Festival.
