The Coral Cup has long been the race where punters go hunting for value, and this year’s renewal looks as competitive as ever. Big fields, shifting ground conditions and compressed handicaps often create an opening for a well-treated runner to slip through the net.
Storm Heart heads the early discussion for Willie Mullins after a determined success last time out. He had to dig deep to get past Workahead and Farren Glory, eventually scoring by a length and a half after travelling strongly for much of the contest. It was a performance that justified market support and suggested he can handle a battle, which is no small asset in a race like this.
Iberico Lord, trained by Nicky Henderson, arrives with a different profile. Sent off at 22/1 at Kempton, he defied expectations by surging clear to win by more than four lengths. The step up in trip appeared to bring about marked improvement compared to his previous two-mile effort. That display hinted he may have found his optimum distance, and if that is the case, he could still have more to offer in handicap company.
Another near the top of the market is I Started A Joke, who finished behind Bowensonfire at the Dublin Racing Festival. Much of his form this term has come on soft or heavy ground, yet there is a case to be made that slightly better conditions would suit him. If the ground in March rides a shade quicker, he could be seen in a more favourable light.
Nurse Susan also merits a mention for the Skelton team. She is not certain to line up here, but her earlier wins at Cheltenham and Sandown showed she has ability. Her recent efforts have not matched those peaks, and ground conditions may have played their part. A return to a sounder surface could help her rediscover that spark at one of the spring festivals.
As ever with the Coral Cup, depth is the defining feature. Several runners arrive with solid recent form, others lurk on workable marks, and a few are open to improvement under the right circumstances. It is the type of race that rewards patience and close study, with the winner often emerging from a tightly packed group rather than a clear standout.
13:30 Ballymore Novices Tips
14:10 The Brown Advisory (RSA Chase) Tips
14:50 Coral Cup Tips
15:30 Champion Chase Tips
16:10 Glenfarclas Tips
16:50 Grand Annual Tips
17.30 Champion Bumper tips