Percy camp highlight 12/1 Bellshill threat

Presenting Percy’s owner Philip Reynolds says Bellshill (pictured) is the horse the camp fear as they plan for Cheltenham Gold Cup glory.

The eight-year-old is Betfred’s 7/2 favourite with less than a week to go until the Festival’s blue riband event and knows Cheltenham well, having won last year’s RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase, backing up his Pertemps Final success of 12 months prior.

Despite being lightly raced this season – his sole outing being the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park in January – the omens look good for Presenting Percy.

While Paul Nicholls’ Clan Des Obeaux is second in the betting at 4/1 ahead of 9/2 defending champion Native River from Colin Tizzard’s yard, it is Willie Mullins’ 12/1 Bellshill who Reynolds fears the most.

The nine-year-old prepared for next Friday’s feature by winning the Irish Gold Cup and it is one of racing’s great misnomers that his handler has never won the big one at the Festival.

Reynolds says the camp are upbeat about their chances but is adamant they are taking nothing for granted with Bellshill around.

“Looking at the race, there are a number of horses who all have a great chance. There are five or six horses towards the top of the market who all have a chance, but probably the one I worry about is Bellshill,” he said.

“He is a Grade One winner of a bumper, a hurdle and over fences, and jumped very well in last year’s Irish National. He stays, jumps and won’t mind any type of ground, so he has the overall profile of one to watch.

“However, we are pleased with Presenting Percy and we are looking forward to running him.”

Odds subject to change.