SAM TURNER ON THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS

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 domination. For a trainer of his class, Noel Meade arguably hasn’t enjoyed a Cheltenham record which mirrors his capabilities, but his seven-year-old crushed a decent field of handicappers at this meeting 12 months ago and has swiftly graduated into a high-class chaser. 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 and ready 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. Admittedly, there is a slight concern that a fiercely competitive 18-runner Gold Cup may be a step too far at this stage of a career which is still

BEST BET ROAD TO RESPECT NEXT BEST MIGHT BITE

taking shape, but a big field of battlehardened handicappers were readily dispensed 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, despite an X-rated display in last year’s RSA Chase when he lost concentration late on, but rescued a perilous situation courtesy of his undoubted talent. As admirable and 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 a major stat to win a Gold Cup as he is yet to win a Grade One chase which all previous winners this century had managed. One horse which would relish a gruelling examination would be Our Duke, who snugly beat RSA winner Presenting Percy at Gowran last time. Although last year’s Irish Grand National winner suffered an injury setback on his comeback, his latest run confirmed the fire and enthusiasm remains and he is a huge threat if he can produce a clean round of jumping.