Repeat of his superb Christmas display at Leopardstown likely to make Willie Mullins star Galopin Des Champs hard to beat in Gold Cup
Paul Townend will bid to repeat last year's Gold Cup success on Galopin Des Champs in the big race at Cheltenham. Photograph:
Arkle, Best Mate and Cottage Rake were triple winners. L’Escargot, Easter Hero and Al Boum Photo scored back-to-back. Kauto Star is unique in regaining the title, as is Golden Miller for his five-in-a-row between 1932 and 1936. It’s a daunting context when the 11 starters face the tape at 3.30 on Friday, although an exhilarating one too considering the stakes. Irish runners have an edge in quantity but also the overall initiative in quality terms.
However, any Gold Cup ‘curse’ theory was shot to pieces at Christmas when Galopin put up a Leopardstown performance that left veteran observers struggling for comparison. Those who argue that gap might be bridged are presuming a similar preparatory eye hasn’t been employed for Galopin Des Champs’ route back to Cheltenham.
Ruby Walsh has said he believes Galopin Des Champs could be the best we’ve seen since Kauto Star. Based on last year’s display, and particularly that Leopardstown rout, it’s hard to argue with him.
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