Big Fella Thanks has the stamina and weight to shine in Hennessy
Published:A rare chance to run off a low weight could make Big Fella Thanks a decent each way prospect in the Hennessy Gold Cup.
Ferdy Murphy’s eight-year-old is clearly not without ability after going off as one of the joint favourites for the Grand National in April, where he finished fourth behind Don’t Push It.
However, for many of his races, Big Fella Thanks is normally featured towards the top of the weights, which has made his chances of success that little bit tougher.
But with Denman in the Hennessy, Big Fella Thanks is set to carry the minimum of 10-0.
Murphy believes that his horse is working well at home and could run a big race because of the fact that he is receiving 26lbs from the top weight.
He told At The Races: “He is a smashing horse to have in the yard. He is in tremendous form and we are looking forward to it. With the low weight he will think he is loose.”
Big Fella Thanks is 14/1 in the Newbury Hennessy betting odds market and one factor that is immediately in his favour is that he will have no problem seeing out the 3m2f trip based on his prior performances in the Grand National.
Furthermore, it is unlikely that he will not finish the race as he has only not completed two of his 17 starts and has twice successfully negotiated the stiffest fences of Aintree.
Big Fella Thanks also shaped well on his first race of the season earlier this month at Carlisle and despite finishing second when idling in front, should come on for the run when stepping onto the racecourse at Newbury.
A £10 bet on Big Fella Thanks winning the Hennessy Gold Cup could result in winnings of £140. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
