ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE GOLD CUP

HORSE BY HORSE GUIDE

✶✶ ✶✶ ✶ LIKELY WINNER ✶✶ ✶✶ EXCELLENT CHOICE ✶✶ MAY MAKE THE FRAME ✶ WOULD BE A SURPRISE DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY AMERICAN

✶✶ Brittle, but talented stayer who must have deep ground to display his best. Supplemented late in the day for this race but has 8 lengths to find on Definitly Red from Trials Day.

ANNIBALE FLY

✶ ✶✶ Impressed in a big field at Leopardstown at Christmas. Still competitive when falling two out in the Grade One won by Edwulf.

BACHASSON

✶ Useful chaser, but a little lacking in experience for a race of this nature. Yet to win beyond 2m 6f over fences, so questions to answer stamina-wise.

DEFINITLY RED

✶✶ Mud-loving chaser who relishes the opportunity to roll up his sleeves for a battle. Career best required again, but won trial for this race with authority and a danger to all.

DJAKADAM

✶ ✶✶ Runner-up and fourth in the last two renewals, but this century horses beaten on their first Gold Cup run have tried and failed 66 times when running in the race again. Decent place claims.

DOUBLE SHUFFLE

✶✶ Stable enjoying a good week and only beaten a length by Might Bite in the King George. Question marks remain if he is happy at this track.

EDWULF

✶✶ Future looked bleak when he collapsed at the end of the NH Chase last year but an emotional comeback was completed at Leopardstown and boasts frame chance here.

KILLULTAGH VIC

✶ ✶✶ ✶ Would have taken plenty of beating in the Grade One won by Edwulf but for falling at the last. Big chance if confidence not affected.

MIGHT BITE

✶ ✶✶ ✶ Mercurial chaser who often gives supporters a fright, not least in the RSA Chase last year when wobbling on the run-in. This trip on today’s ground an unknown.

MINELLA ROCCO

✶✶ Finished second in this last year after looking well beaten two out. Decent run at Leopardstown over Christmas and recent wind op may help.

NATIVE RIVER

✶ ✶✶ Third in last year’s renewal and returned from lengthy absence to beat two rivals at Newbury with comfort. Must peak again and stats of returning placed horses not encouraging.

OUR DUKE

✶ ✶✶ ✶ Stepped up on comeback run to beat Wednesday’s winner Presenting Percy at Gowran. Big chance if finding some rhythm at his fences.

OUTLANDER

✶ Fine effort to finish runner-up to Edwulf in the Irish Gold Cup having previously also performed with credit at Leopardstown over Christmas. Cheltenham form uninspiring though.

ROAD TO RESPECT

✶✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Impressive winner of handicap here last year and has continued to thrive since. Overcame a stumble to lift Leopardstown Grade One and best fresh so absence no concern.

SAPHIR DU RHEU

✶✶ Honourable sixth in this event last year. Reportedly unfit behind Native River at Newbury and could run well again at a big price.

SHANTOU FLYER

✶ Tough and hardy chaser who posted a fine effort to finish second in a handicap here on Tuesday. Stays well and loves deep ground.

TEA FOR TWO

✶ Unseated at the second fence in this event last year. Good third in King George, but questions to answer at this venue.

TOTAL RECALL

✶✶ ✶ Could develop into a leading National fancy having won the Ladbroke Trophy and confirmed wellbeing at Leopardstown over hurdles. Dark horse of the race.