MULLINS SET FOR PHOTO FINISH

AL BOUM PHOTO can be the first Irish-trained horse in almost 50 years to land back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups. While Best Mate won three in a row for trainer henrietta Knight (2002-04), you have to go back to Dan Mooretrained L’escargot (1970-71) for a repeat Irish winner. Trainer Willie Mullins has adopted a Knight-like patient preparation with Al Boum Photo. Following the same route as last year, the Paul Townendridden eight-year-old has only had one run this season, winning at Tramore on New Year’s Day. Lots of people dismissed that as no more than a piece of work, but it should not be underestimated. I expect an Irish 1-2 with Irish Gold Cup winner Delta Work

following him home. But Britain holds all the aces in a strong Triumph hurdle and I like what I have seen of GOSHEN.

Mullins-trained CIEL DE

NEIGE ran a massive race when second to Pic D’Orhy in the Betfair hurdle and is a lightly-raced runner who looks to be on the upgrade — just what you need in a competitive race such as the County hurdle. LATEST EXHIBITION is a battle-hardened Grade One winner who will love the three-mile test of the Albert Bartlett Novices hurdle.