In the Grade 3 Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot today (3.20), Mister Malarky makes plenty of appeal at 7/1.
This Colin Tizzard trained six-year-old progressed throughout last season when winning three of his six starts and posting some solid efforts in defeat.
In the last of those successes, he stayed on dourly to beat Now McGinty by 1 1/2 lengths in the Grade 2 ReynoldsTown Chase over this course and distance.
Connections then pitched Mister Malarky into the Grade 1 RSA at the Cheltenham Festival and he was far from disgraced in finishing a keeping 18 1/4 lengths fourth of 12 to Topofthegame in what looked a very strong renewal of the 3m contest.
He then went on to round off the camapiagnn with a fine five length second of 18 to the well-treated Kildistart in a Grade 3 handciap chase at the Aintree Grand National Festival off a mark of 147.
A 3lb rise in the weights for that looks more than fair and Mister Malarkey has his optimum condtions and won first time up last season – so fitness is unlikely to be an issue.
He appeals as as the type that will have more to offer this season and a bold bid to land this under Tom Scudamore looks assured.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Mister Malarky (7/1 generally available – use BOG firms paying 5 places)
