Ruby Walsh: Cyrname was impressive but didn’t scream Gold Cup winner

Cyrname silenced the doubters but talk of being a potential Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is premature says Paddy Power Ambassador Ruby Walsh.

Cyrname Harry Cobden Ascot February 15, 2020

By / Horse Racing Tips / 3 years ago

*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules.

Ruby Walsh was impressed by Cyrname’s win in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, as the eight-year-old defied critics who questioned his ability to run anti-clockwise over a three-mile trip, but our jockey-turned-pundit is not convinced the victory automatically makes the Paul Nicholls runner a Gold Cup challenger.

Cyrname, who has developed a reputation as an Ascot course specialist after three wins from four outings there since January 2019, was originally aimed at the Down Royal meeting last weekend but was unable to travel due to coronavirus restrictions.

Nicholls instead decided to take a chance running in unfamiliar conditions at Wetherby and the Somerset-based trainer was rewarded when Cyrname jumped flawlessly to cruise home by a couple of lengths, setting up a tilt at the King George VI Chase at Kempton in December before potentially entering the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Speaking on the latest episode of Paddy Power’s twice-weekly From The Horse’s Mouth podcast, Ruby said: “I watched Cyrname at Wetherby and he won really well.

“To be honest, I never envisaged that he would get out as far as 7/2 in the betting on the day.

“He was most definitely the best horse in the race and you were only betting on whether he would go left-handed or not – and he did go left-handed!

“But I don’t know what that form amounts to? Vindication was second and Aye Right third – it’s a long way from Gold Cup form, but he’s going to the King George next.”

Cyrname Paul Nicholls stable visit February 10, 2020

Nicholls was effusive in his praise of Cyrname after the win, and even called out ITV Racing presenter and Paddy Power columnist Matt Chapman in a case of mistaken identity.

Motor-mouth Matt and racing commentator Mark Johnson assessed Cyrname’s Charlie Hall chances during ITV’s The Opening Show on Saturday morning, with the latter claiming the Johnny de la Hey-owned ace categorically would not win.

Our man Matt opted to stir the pot by playing devil’s advocate in the conversation, but was actually surprisingly balanced about the chances of Nicholls’ chaser at Wetherby.

Unfortunately, the 11-time British Jump Racing Champion Trainer didn’t see things the same way and blasted poor MC.

As for Paddy, he was left stunned by Cyrname’s display and feels there was plenty left in the tank under Harry Cobden.

“He hosed up, to be fair,” said Paddy. “I thought there would be doubts around the trip, especially early in the season, but that performance shuts me up.

“I thought it was very impressive. He never looked extended and was never more than hands and heels. Vindication and Aye Right were off the bridle well before the second last, so I think he had quite an easy race.

“I agree with Ruby – on paper it doesn’t look the strongest form – but visually I thought it was impressive.”

*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules.

Read More:

Get over to PaddyPower.com for all the latest racing odds

THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

What do you think?