Aux Ptits Soins Heads Open Coral Cup Market

Twenty-six runners go to post in this afternoon`s Coral Cup. The current favourite for the 2m,5f Grade Thee is Paul Nicholls` unexposed Aux Ptits Soins who will be taking his first ride of the season in the 14:40 race, as well as having his first ride under the trainer.

There is of course a risk in being so lightly raced, the five-year-old`s preferred conditions are as yet unknown. What we do know, however, is that the grey is a determined type who can see out closely fought finishes but could just be too short at a price of 9/1 (Numerous).

Activial, Harry Fry`s second favourite is no stranger to big field handicap hurdles, having recorded places in two Grade Threes at Ascot and Newbury in his only two starts of the season. The grey`s class, as a result, is undoubted, though he will be making the step up from 2m here going off a lifetime high mark and the 147 rated hurdler may find this to be too much too soon. The Potensis Bloodstock horse can be backed at 10/1 with most bookmakers.

Like Activial, Goodwood Mirage aims to stay this distance for the first time in his career. The Jonjo O`Neill mount is no stranger to the Festival, however, after being brought down in last year`s renewal of the Fred Winter. Since that day, the Bamford charge has won just once in a 2m class three at Wetherby and failed to complete in either of the Grade Three in which Activial was placed. The mount of AP McCoy will be down in the weights here and should have perfect conditions but will have to show a tonne of improvement. A 12/1 shout at most bookmakers. Marinero is one of a pair of Gigginstown entrants in this handicap hurdle, the owners` other runner being Un Atout. Both horses are available at a price of 16/1 (Marinero - sportingbet, Un Atout - ladbrokes) though these odds are bound to be scooped up soon.

The former makes his first run in mainland Britain and is another who is yet to have experienced the trip, though his most promising win over hurdles came in an 18f big field division two at Fairyhouse and should handle this distance without a problem. Indeed, the horse also has form with yesterday`s Supreme Novices` winner Douvan, finishing six lengths behind him when 2lbs heavier at Punchtown over 2m, so is used to quality company. Conditions should also be perfect for the Irish raider and might be the best of the pair.

Un Atout is one of two Mullins representatives and is already a Grade One victor after following up last season`s Supreme Novices` fourth with such a win at Punchestown at 20f. The issue with this piece of form is that this horse was one of three runners and failed to win convincingly despite being the odds-on favourite. He has already been a beaten favourite this season and will need to bounce right back to form to be in with a chance.

Further down the market are each-way chances such as Lac Fontana, available at 20/1 at a number of bookies. Another Potensis horse, this charge is all too familiar with Cheltenham, having lined up here six times in his career. The six-year-old is a three-time course winner and the reigning Vincent O`Brien champion. The pick of this 151 rated hurdlers form was a success in Aintree`s Mersey Novices` Hurdle last season (20f), a Grade One win that just emphasised his class. Again, the conditions should also be in his favour and could be one to consider.

The best of the rest at larger prices include Volnay De Thaix (20/1 - Numerous), Bear`s Affair (34/1 - BetBright) and Clondaw Kaempfer (50/1 - Numerous).

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11/03/2015     © Frixo 2026