4th Apr 2013 | Horse Racing
Aintree Tips: Cue Card
The only horse to have given Sprinter Sacre a proper race. He’s improved since last year’s Arkle and the trip is in his favour.
The Melling Chase (3.05 Aintree) is shaping up to be one of the best races of the season. Sprinter Sacre is the headline act but he faces his stiffest test to date.
Much of the pre-race hype will surround ‘The Black Aeroplane’ and after his demolition job in the Champion Chase he deserves the accolades but horses are not machines. Frankel came within a whisker of losing his unbeaten record in the 2011 St James’s Palace Stakes; even the very best can have an off day.
The only horse to have given Sprinter Sacre a proper race was Cue Card in last year’s Arkle. The gap was seven lengths but there is enough evidence to suggest they will be closer this time round.
Firstly, the race distance of 2m4f is in Cue Card’s favour. He put in a career best effort to win the Ryanair over a similar distance, whereas Sprinter Sacre is stepping up in trip.
Secondly, Cue Card is a much better horse than he was 12 months ago. He’s run a good deal faster than his Arkle performance three times this season, at Exeter, Ascot and Cheltenham. With Flemenstar also in the mix, it should be a cracking contest.
Sprinter Sacre is unbackable at 4/11, leaving all the value with Cue Card at 7/1 (Bet365).
*Best Odds Guaranteed – Bet365
Back Cue Card with Bet365 as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:03 4th Apr, 2013 but subject to change
