
Thyestes Chase Tips: Cromwell Second String No Back Number

A real midweek treat is on the cards for jumps racing fans over in Ireland as the Thyestes Chase takes centre stage at Gowran Park. A bunch of proven stayers will clash and Billy Grimshaw previews the contest for us here...
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The Thyestes often throws up a classy winner and has even chucked out Gold Cup contenders in the past, and although this year's contest doesn't look at first glance to have one who will evolve into a runner that'll be keeping Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File et al up at night this is still a valuable pot and a field packed with classy stayers. Gavin Cromwell's Yeah Man is just about edging favouritism from Nick Rockett at the time of writing and were this a two horse race I'd agree with the market and back Cromwell's charge over the Mullins first string.
I do fancy Yeah Man as well to reverse form with his conqueror last time out Stuzzikini, for all that the Elliott horse battled on well to take out that prize last time out. Yeah Man was poorly positioned that day throughout the race I thought and was badly hampered in the middle of the race. This was also the big Westerner gelding's first run of the season while Stuzzikini was hard fit, so it'd be a bit disappointing were Cromwell's top contender not able to reel that one in.
Nick Rockett has his chance but 11st11 won't help on ground this soft and I think in the fullness of time he could be one who thrives over real marathon trips, so this could end up a little too sharp a test for him unless something bolts off in front. The pace could come from a couple of the Gordon Elliott battalion in Shannon Royale and Coko Beach, although the former may not have the speed and the latter has developed a nasty habit of throwing in a howler or two per race on the jumping front. He also has a big weight so could tire, despite Rob James' claim helping ease that burden.
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I am hopeful however that neither are allowed to lead as my fancy is Gavin Cromwell's second string and a horse I've long held in high regard VELVET ELVIS. He was a promising sort when a youngster for Tom Gibney but seemed to lose his way a touch, particularly in the aftermath of his crack at the Grand National as a seven year old in which he patently did not enjoy the test or stay the slog of a trip.
He switched to Gavin Cromwell last summer and came out and won well on stable debut, which was very pleasing for those like me who had been following the horse for a long time. He was probably fortunate as 1/4 favourite Corbetts Cross tipped up when still holding every chance, but nevertheless it was a sign of life from the horse and he clearly enjoyed lobbing along in front. I am not privy to the reason why he was then kept off the track for almost a year, presumably injury related, but his run on return over hurdles when drifting late and running predictably poorly has not put me off in the slightest.
I imagine Cromwell will have planned for that run over the smaller obstacles as one to blow the cobwebs away in preparation for a bigger target and since the horse returned from whatever was troubling him I'd be surprised if Cromwell hadn't circled this race in his calendar with a big red pen. 20/1 underestimates a horse we know will stay, will like the ground and has such good smatterings of form on his CV and with the potential he could grab the lead, I'll be backing him each-way knowing he won't be stopping even if passed by a few and with a real chance of being an all the way winner.