Cheltenham Gold Cup 2024 odds: Gerri Colombe cut again
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Coral have trimmed Gerri Colombe a further point to 4/1 in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup 2024 odds following his Grade One victory at Down Royal on Saturday.
Gordon Elliott’s gelding was one of a top-class field of four contesting the Ladbrokes Champion Chase, with Elliott and Henry de Bromhead each responsible for two horses.
The quartet travelled as a group for much of the race and turning for home any one of them could have gone on to win, though Minella Indo was the first to fold and Gerri Colombe switched sharply from one side of the track to the other.
Conflated and Envoi Allen were left to jump the last in unison and it looked as though the latter horse may have the advantage, but Gerri Colombe was steadily gaining ground on the outside and just got his head in front to prevail under Jack Kennedy as the 4/7 favourite.
Gerri Colombe was initially cut from 6/1 to 5/1 in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2024 odds but his price has now shortened even further.
Coral’s David Stevens said: “We weren’t overly impressed by Gerri Colombe’s Down Royal victory, initially trimming him just a point to 5/1 for the Gold Cup, but punters felt that was still too big, and he’s now 4/1 second favourite to dethrone Galopin Des Champs next March.”
Reflecting on Gerri Colombe’s victory, Elliott said: “We were delighted with him – we knew there would be improvement in him today, his first run in open company.
“As Brian (Acheson, of owner Robcour) said, he only came back in on September 19, so there’s loads of improvement.
“We’ll have one run now and then the Gold Cup. He showed that he is in the mix now for the Gold Cup, he stays very well and that’s what you need.
“I was delighted that he settled into a rhythm, the other horse (Conflated) was going a bit left and was taking Jack’s horse’s eye off the fence a bit. I was a bit worried the whole way because Conflated does go left, but I did tell Jack to give him a bit of light and get him into a rhythm.
“Jack said he was a bit rusty early, but I thought he was pretty much foot-perfect apart from one for a novice stepping into open company. The sky is the limit.
“He’s a great horse because he shows you absolutely nothing at home – he’s very laid-back, he’s a gentleman.”
Gerri Colombe has suffered just one defeat under rules, when edged out in last season’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Elliott added: “We were all gutted coming out of Cheltenham last year, it just didn’t happen for us on the day but, in fairness to Brian, he said ‘we will be back here in 12 months’ time’.
“Willie’s horse (Mullins, Galopin Des Champs) is very, very good but this horse has a great attitude and, as I said, he is only back in eight weeks. That’s why I think three miles and two furlongs is going to suit him perfectly.”
Galopin Des Champs (pictured below) continues to lead the way in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2024 betting at 6/4, while Shiskin is third favourite for chasing’s blue riband at 10/1.
Acheson said: “In March we have to come up against the best horse, I think, since Kauto Star in Galopin (Des Champs) and a lot of water under the bridge until then. He (Galopin Des Champs) is a rocket.
“Let’s try to get to March first and then we’ll worry about it. It’s great for your man (Elliott), he always said ‘we will be fine for Down Royal’.
“The horse is back in eight weeks and he was in Puppy (Robbie) Power’s for six weeks doing dressage and stuff like that. That horse will come on plenty from that.”
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2024 odds
6/4 Galopin Des Champs
4/1 Gerri Colombe
10/1 Shishkin
14/1 Bravemansgame, Fastorslow
16/1 L’Homme Presse
20/1 Allaho, Corach Rambler, The Real Whacker
25/1 Gaillard Du Mesnil, Gentlemansgame, Stage Star
33/1 Bar
All odds and market correct at date of publication
