GOLD CUP TRENDS

■ Twenty of the past 23 winners had run 12 times or fewer over fences.

■ Eighteen of the past 22 winners had won or placed at the Festival.

■ Sixteen of the past 22 winners won last time out.

■ Seven of the past nine winners were trained in Ireland.

WINNER of the Martin Pipe in 2021, GALOPIN DES CHAMPS was desperately unlucky not to add the Turners to his c.v. last year and being a lightly-raced, French-bred, second-season chaser who’s stepping up in trip, Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old stands out. Stable-mate Stattler won last year’s National Hunt Chase and is next best.