RESPECT IS NOW DUE
THE Gold Cup claims of ROAD TO RESPECT took on added significance with the result of the Ryanair Chase yesterday afternoon and he is taken to continue Ireland’s remarkable domination this week.
For a trainer of his class, Noel Meade arguably hasn’t enjoyed a Cheltenham record which mirrors his capabilities, but his seven-yearold routed a decent field of handicappers at this meeting 12 months ago and has swiftly graduated into a high-class chaser this term.
A Grade One defeat of Yorkhill at Punchestown in the spring confirmed Meade’s star chaser possessed the substance to bridge the gap between handicaps and Graded races and he reinforced that view with an impressive success in the Leopardstown Christmas Chase.
His chief victim that day was Balko Des Flos, a smooth winner of yesterday’s Ryanair Chase, and victory was achieved despite a serious stumble in the back straight.
That setback may have halted many a horse’s challenge, but Road
To Respect was soon back on the bridle before powering clear of his rivals in the Leopardstown straight.
Admittedly, there is a slight con cern that a fiercely-competitive 18 runner Gold Cup may be a step too far at this stage of a career which is still taking shape, but a big field of battle-hardened handicappers were readily dispensed with 12 months ago so it could be a chance worth taking.
Native River and Might Bite appear likely to vie for favouritism and preference is for the latter who despite producing an x-rated display in last year’s RSA Chase when losing concentration late on, rescued a perilous situation courtesy of his undoubted talent.
As reliable as Native River is, he wouldn’t boast the raw ability of Might Bite, whose powers may only be submerged by a downpour.
Last year’s third, Native River is also trying to defy two major stats to win a Gold Cup as he is yet to win a Grade One chase which all previous winners this century managed, while horses beaten on their first Gold Cup run are 0-66 when running in the race again since the year 2000.
One horse which would relish a gruelling examination would be Our Duke, who beat RSA winner Presenting Percy at Gowran last time.
Although last year’s Irish Grand National winner has undergone an unusual preparation after a setback sustained on his comeback, his latest display confirmed the fire and enthusiasm remains and he is a huge threat to all if he can produce a clean round of jumping.
Willie Mullins fields four in his attempt to win the race for the first time. Djakadam has been placed three times previously and Killultagh Vic is another strong contender. Ladbrokes Trophy winner Total Recall and Bachasson complete his team.
The fact Edwulf is even lining up for Joseph O’Brien is a tribute to the Cheltenham vets who treated him after a major scare at the meeting last year. He recuperated well enough to win the Irish Gold Cup last time out to book his place.
‘He was absolutely flying going into the Irish Gold Cup. He was 100-1 the day before and went off 33s. We’ve been happy with him since and hopefully he goes there with a good each-way chance,’ said O’Brien.