Check out our guide to every runner in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, the feature race of the Cheltenham Festival.
Grade 1 winner at Aintree, and does have a course win to his name, but has generally failed to run up to his best at this meeting, including when a well-held sixth in the Ryanair Chase 12 months ago. Up against it despite a recent wind op.
Banbridge
Found the soft ground going against him when well-beaten in last year’s Ryanair before staying on best to land a Grade 1 over two miles at Punchestown the following month. Not at his best in first two runs this season but bounced back to form – upped in distance – when running down Il Est Francais in the King George last time. Should stay this trip, but only if the ground stays quick.
Appreciated the greater emphasis on stamina when storming clear in last year’s four-mile NH Chase here, and has found things happening a little too quickly in four starts since, including over an inadequate trip behind Pic D’Orhy at Ascot last time. This much more his cup of tea and should be staying on well in the battle for a place.
Pulled up in this race last season but performed with more credit (without winning) at the Aintree and Punchestown festivals thereafter. Similar story in two starts this term, including when third to Galopin Des Champs at Christmas, but a place the best he can hope for once more.
Consistent sort who almost emulated his Cheltenham Festival-winning sibling Monalee when second to Fact To File in last year’s Brown Advisory Chase at this meeting. Similar efforts in defeat so far this term, including behind Galopin Des Champs last time, but should enjoy the greater examination of stamina here.
Haydock specialist who won there on his reappearance in November for the third time (fifth course win in total). Disappointing in two staying handicap performances since, both of which should have suited, and this looks too tough an ask at the age of 11 on ground that he will find quick enough.
Effervescent front-runner who failed to show his best when pulled up in this race 12 months ago. Has since added a fifth career win, beating Bravemansgame at Wetherby in November, but was put in his place when fourth in the King George last time out. Would be a shock winner.
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Conclusion
It’s impossible to oppose GALOPIN DES CHAMPS who can emulate the great Best Mate by landing his third Cheltenham Gold Cup. He’s beaten most of these rivals with ease already this season and is expected to see off new challenger Banbridge with little difficulty. The JP McManus pair of Corbetts Cross and Inowthewayurthinkin could provide the stiffest opposition. Monty’s Star is the pick of the rest.
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