Pulled up last time out at Cheltenham on Saturday in the Paddy Power Gold Cup contest over 2m 4f.
He looks easy to dismiss with the inconsistent form, but he is capable of an upset, as we saw at the Cheltenham festival in March with his win over Imperial Alcazar in the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap when he was priced 22/1.
I don’t see him beating L’Homme Presse here but it is worth keeping that in mind.
Returning after a 210 day break, where he won at Sandown over , beating Mister Fisher at 1/1f.
His form had been indifferent prior to that success so his chances depend on whether he can re-produce that winning form again.
He cannot be discarded but he doesn't have the recent form to mix it with the favourite L’Homme Presse.
Finished a disappointing sixth of eight last time out at Aintree behind winner Riders Onthe Storm. His form had generally been good beforehand, with five career wins all coming in the last two years.
He could pose a challenge if he returns to the form he had previously shown, and the distance is fairly familiar. One to watch potentially if bouncing back.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17/11/23 | CHL | 16 | GS | 12-0 | 8 |
| 29/10/23 | AIN | 20 | GS | 10-10 | 7 |
| 04/12/22 | HUN | 20 | Gd | 11-7 | 5 |
| 18/11/22 | ASC | 21 | GS | 11-11 | 5 |
| 23/10/22 | AIN | 20 | GS | 10-10 | 6 |
Returns after a 225 day break, following his third at Aintree in April behind Ahoy Senor. Before that disappointment, he recorded five successive victories, most notably at Cheltenham in March following the favourite Bravemansgame pulling out due to the ground.
If he is back to his best here, it is hard to look past him for victory, especially having the ability to stay the longer trips.
One to beat.
Hitman has placed in his last six races and offers a good chance of each way money as his last win was over a year ago.
He can certainly challenge for victory after his second last time out at Aintree last month.
The play on him would certainly be each way but not completely ruled out considering his good, consistent form and he is arguably the value bet in this race if not heading to his first choice event at Haydock.
