Defending champion Minella Indo, last year’s Running A Plus Tard and double winner Al Boum Photo are declared among 11 runners for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Minella Indo saw stablemate A Plus Tard for a memorable week for coach Henry de Bromhead last season and both returned with strong demands despite the defeat on their last outing.
Minella Indo has actually been beaten by each of her three starts this term, but after a fun show at King George in Kempton, there was much more encouragement from her runner-up finish last month’s Irish Gold Cup in Leopardstown.
A Plus Tard made a spectacular start to his campaign in November at the Betfair Chase at Haydock, but he was narrowly rejected by a second Savills Chase in Leopardstown over Christmas after being caught in the shadow of the post of Gordon Elliott-trained Galvin, who once was . again in opposition.
Like Minella Indo and A Plus Tard, Galvin is already a festival winner, proving his perseverance with victory in the National Hunt Chase at last year’s festival.
After back-to-back Gold Cup victories in 2019 and 2020, Willie Mullins-trained Al Boum had to take photos with small honors to third when they bid for the hat-trick 12 months ago.
Just like he has for the past three years, the 10-year-old has warmed up for Cheltenham with a single run and won at Tramore on New Year’s Day.
Here are our pinsticker guides for each of the 11 runners.
1
Photo Al Boum
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Paul Townend
Rating
Dual Gold Cup winner who was a beaten favorite in this race last year. Has a similar campaign this season; can run well without necessarily winning.
2
A Plus Tard
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
Rachael Blackmore
Rating
Multiple Grade 1 winner Chaser who was 2nd in this race last year. Fantastic winner of the Betfair Chase last November and wanted to be back on the premises today.
3
Asterion Forlonge
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
BJ Cooper
Rating
Top-class chaser that was canceled by his jump on more than one occasion. Unexposed at this distance and could surprise some a clear round.
4
Yes right
Trainer
Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford
Jockey
Callum Bewley
Rating
Spicy Chaser, who has been in the shape of his life so far this season. This is by far his hardest task though and looks set to fight in this company.
5
Chantry House
Trainer
Nicky Henderson
Jockey
Nico de Boinville
Rating
Picked up as the favorite for this season’s King George VI Chase. Made amends when victory in the Cotswold Chase but not convincingly convinced that day; little more to prove.
6
Galvin
Trainer
Gordon Elliot
Jockey
Davy Russell
Rating
Winner of the National Hunt Challenge Cup at last year’s festival and has taken his form to a new level in the Class 1 company this season. This test will suit; strong Chance.
7
Minella Indo
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
Robbie Power
Rating
Last year’s Gold Cup winner, however, was not quite in the same shape this year. Could well return to these conditions, but will have to if he is to feel his presence.
8
Protectorate
Trainer
Dan Skelton
Jockey
Harry Skelton
Rating
Empathetic 25 length winner of the Vill Clouds Chase in Aintree last December. Course form in the book but this test looks much harder; Plaz Chance.
9
Royale Pagaille
Trainer
Venetia Williams
Jockey
Charlie Deutsch
Rating
High-class stay chaser that is at its best when the mud is flying. Rain on Wednesday increased its claims; all-way players.
10
Santini
Trainer
Polly Gundry
Jockey
Nick Scholfield
Rating
Narrow 2. in the 2020 Gold Cup, but not the power of old of late. 2. last in the Cotswold Chase; could struggle to make an impact in this area.
11
Tornado Flyer
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Danny Mullins
Rating
Longtime winner of the King George VI Chase in Kempton on Boxing Day, benefited from a strong gallop ahead. Must prove it was not a blow; not without hope.
Chances are provided by Paddy Power, are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change
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