Any questions that punters may have had about Thistlecrack’s jumping ability was firmly put to bed when the novice went out on Boxing Day at Kempton and romped to victory in the King George, demolishing the supremacy that Cue Card had been holding ahead of the Festive running.
Every single question that punters had about Thistlecrack, even about him being able to stand up to such illustrious competition such as stablemate Cue Card, the likes of which he had never faced up to before, has been answered now and Ladbrokes have rated him at 4/5 to win the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup now.
Thistlecrack had taken plenty of backing prior to the King George, but nothing to get him close to taking over from Cue Card at the head of the market. But the eight year old put in a brilliant performance which turn non-believers on their heads. He became the first novice winner of the King George, romping home three and a half lengths clear with jockey Tom Scudamore in the passenger seat.
The 2016 World Hurdle victor produced a flawless jumping display and produced a stunning turn of foot when it was needed. He was so clear at the final bend that the race was already done and Cue Card had to bust a gut just to get the second place finish behind his stablemate. So now Thistlecrack will get his chance at bigger glory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2017 and the juggernaut is going to be backed to power on.
2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting Odds
Thistlecrack – 4/5
Coneygree – 8/1
Cue Card – 8/1
Don Cossack – 9/1
Djakadam – 10/1
Valseur Lido – 12/1
16/1 bar
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