Posted: 22nd November 2006

The highlight of the three-day Newbury autumn Festival is the Hennessy Gold Cup due off at 2.40 on Saturday afternoon. Monday’s defection of Star De Mohaison was a blow to antepost punters, but the race remains a tricky puzzle to solve especially as the market has yet to encounter the, almost obligatory, Pipe/Johnson punt.

Last year’s winning owner Trevor Hemmings is doubly represented. Juveigneur (12/1) failed to complete the course in four of his five starts last term, but his seasonal reappearance over timber earlier in the month suggested he was in rude health. Trainer Nicky Henderson reported his last piece of work on Monday as "nothing short of fantastic" and stable jockey Mick Fitzgerald was equally ebullient.

Turpin Green (6/1) is the owners other representative. Trained by Nicky Richards the 7-y-o sprinted clear from Exotic Dancer in a race described as farcical at the time as a result of the desperately slow early pace. The runner up’s subsequent success in the Paddy Power has given the form a more solid look, although the 6lb penalty picked up at Carlisle gives Turpin Green something to find with Copsale Lad on Aintree running back in the spring.

If the ground remains good Copsale Lad (49/1 Betfair) can put behind him a modest effort in the Paddy Power when he was hampered by the early fall of novice Knowhere. The ground was too soft for Copsale Lad at Prestbury Park and he was not given a hard ride once his opportunity had gone, and it is possible that Fitzgerald’s kindness will be rewarded on Saturday.

Montgermont (8/1) will be making his seasonal reappearance at the weekend, and having his first start for trainer Charlie Egerton. Jumping errors blighted his novice season when handled by Lavinia Taylor, but if Edgy can iron out those problems he looks fairly treated and is a stone better off with Turpin Green on Aintree running behind Star De Mohaison when, once again, his jumping let him down.

Presenting Express (16/1) progressed throughout last term, and easily landed the odds at Plumpton on his reappearance, but a 12lb rise looks harsh for an egg and spoon race and this is by far his toughest task to date. Distant Thunder (12/1) ran a cracker having his first start for Noel Chance at Bangor-On-Dee, but he flattered to deceive on more than one occasion for Robert Alner last season including in this corresponding event.

David Pipe has three in the race including Paddy Power runner up Vodka Bleu (25/1) although his supporters will have to take his stamina on trust given he has yet to race beyond 3 miles. He beat Fundamentalist (200/1) at the Berkshire track over 2m 4f two years ago and meets the Twiston-Davies runner on 16lb better terms on Saturday. Don’t be surprised if Vodka Bleu is the late gamble of the race.

State Of Play (6/1) is the apple of Evan Williams eye. He has been raised 17lbs for his facile Aintree success at the National meeting and has run moderately on his two previous visits to the Berkshire track. This has been the plan since that race, however, and some 'shrewdies' have backed him for the Gold Cup in the build up to the Hennessy.

Cornish Rebel (10/1) still had a chance when blundering three out in first time blinkers in the Gold Cup and, without that error, would have looked extremely well handicapped despite top-weight. There is no doubt that Paul Nicholls considered Star De Mohaison his first choice in the build up to the race, but there has been money for Cornish Rebel and he should not be underestimated.

Ardaghey (25/1) promised to win a big handicap on occasions last term, and he could not have been more impressive at Cheltenham on his reappearance, but an 11lb rise looks punitive and his jumping remains a concern.

A competitive if not vintage Hennessy, but the event remains of one of the biggest betting races of the year. So who do you fancy will land the 2006 Hennessy?

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