Might Bite has hunger to thrive in Gold Cup

Nicky Henderson’s gifted nine-year-old has been the long-time favourite for the main event of the four-day festival.

Might Bite was a wayward winner of the RSA Chase at the Festival last year but has looked a much more composed horse this season.

Yet the reigning King George VI Chase champion is likely to face stiff opposition from the soft-groundloving Native River, who was third in the Gold Cup last spring.

Definitly Red is also a worthy ally for trainer Brian Ellison, while the Jessica Harrington-trained Our Duke heads a strong Irish challenge.

Our Duke can provide Harrington and jockey Robbie Power with their second successive victory.

The Irish trainer struck gold with her very first runner in the blue riband when Sizing John claimed top honours last season.

Our Duke is a more-than-capable understudy.

The eight-year-old would have been fully entitled to run at last year’s Festival after winning a Grade One novice chase at Leopardstown but connections elected to take a cautious approach and he remained on home soil.

The decision paid off handsomely as Our Duke ran out a fine winner of the Irish Grand National, looking every inch a Gold Cup contender as he jumped and galloped his rivals into the ground under a very big weight.

This season has not been so straightforward for him, with a back problem discovered after a listless comeback at Down Royal — but that was swiftly rectified.

And, after a promising enough effort in the Irish Gold Cup, he gave weight and a beating to star novice Presenting Percy in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.

Because of his i nterrupted campaign he heads into the spring relatively fresh

Harrington’s compatriot, Willie Mullins, has yet to win the Gold Cup. This year he saddles Killultagh Vic, the mount of Ruby Walsh, Total Recall, Bachasson and Djakadam, twice second in the race.

Consistent chaser Road To Respect tries his luck for Noel Meade, with Gordon Elliott set to go into battle with Outlander.

Owner JP McManus is the man responsible for Irish Gold Cup winner Edwulf (Joseph O’Brien), last year’s runner-up Minella Rocco (Jonjo O’Neill) and Anibale Fly (Tony Martin).

American was supplemented for the race by Harry Fry. Also in the line-up are Double Shuffle (Tom George), Saphir Du Rheu (Paul Nicholls) and the Nick Williamstrained Tea For Two, who will be partnered by Lizzie Kelly.

Richard Hobson has also declared Shantou Flyer who finished second to the Kelly-partnered Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima Handicap Chase on Tuesday.

MIGHT Bite is one of 18 declarations for tomorrow’s Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.