With so much racing over Christmas, it can be difficult to keep up with where all of the big names are competing. Here is a run down of all the chief Gold Cup contenders, and where they are likely to race between Boxing Day and the New Year.
FACT TO FILE – Savills Chase (2.35pm Leopardstown, 28th December)
The new name atop the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting is Fact To File having won a thrilling edition of the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown. Willie Mullins now has the two clear favourites for the race, and both look set for a similar path to potential Gold Cup glory.
Fact To File’s intended engagement after Christmas is the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown. He has won both of his chase starts at the venue, and with an 80% strike rate so far, is likely to be well fancied to burgeon his reputation even further with a festive success.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS – Savills Chase (2.35pm Leopardstown, 28th December)
Despite dominating the staying chase division for two seasons now, Galopin Des Champs has rarely been on a collision course where it was generally expected he may lose. However, with the emergence of stablemate Fact To File, the dual Gold Cup winner will have a rare point to prove at Leopardstown on the 28th December.
He went down fighting on his hooves in the John Durkan, but returning to Leopardstown, where he is unbeaten in five starts, could well turn the tide back in his favour, especially as he won this race by a yawning 23-length margin 12 months ago. Whatever the result, excitement is guaranteed to build with the two giants set to meet once again.
SPILLANE’S TOWER – King George (2.30pm Kempton, Boxing Day) OR Savills Chase (2.35pm Leopardstown, 28th December)
One of the Gold Cup principals whose target is not yet entirely decided is Spillane’s Tower. Finishing ahead of Galopin Des Champs in your first start in open company is quite an achievement, with the six-year-old finding only Fact To File too good in the John Durkan.
The King George is undoubtedly the more winnable of the two races, but trainer John Joseph Mangan is intent on his charge racing on the right ground. Anything with “good” in the description may persuade him to stay on home territory and take on the big guns once more at Leopardstown.
GREY DAWNING – King George (2.30pm Kempton, Boxing Day)
With only one Christmas entry, it seems all but certain that Grey Dawning will make his next start in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. He was a gallant runner-up to course specialist Royale Pagaille in the Betfair Chase, but the result did little to diminish his reputation.
Whether Kempton’s flat track will suit is debatable, but he is rapidly becoming a serious force among the British staying chase ranks. Dan Skelton is in great form, so there will be significant hope he is over his Haydock exploits and can give another bold showing.
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