Al Boum Photo tops 12 seeking Cheltenham Gold
Last year’s winner one of three for Willie Mullins.
Last year’s winner Al Boum Photo heads a field of 12 after all the five-day confirmations were declared for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday. Al Boum Photo ended Willie Mullins hoodoo in the blue riband of steeplechasing and has trod the same path by winning his warm-up race at Tramore on New Year’s Day. Mullins also saddles Kemboy, who bids to atone for his first-fence departure last year. He went on to win Grade Ones at Aintree and Punchestown, but has been beaten in both his starts this season behind the reopposing Delta Work. His trainer Gordon Elliott is aiming for a second Gold Cup, following the triumph of Don Cossack four years ago. Real Steel is Mullins’ third string. The Irish contingent is completed by Patrick Kelly’s Presenting Percy and the Henry de Bromhead pair of Monalee and Chris’s Dream. The home team is headed by Nicky Henderson’s Santini, who took the Cotswold Chase on Cheltenham Festival Trials day in January.Paul Nicholls has high hopes for dual King George hero Clan Des Obeaux as he bids to equal Tom Dreaper’s record of five Gold Cup wins. Betfair Chase winner Lostintranslation and Elegant Escape are Colin Tizzard’s two representatives while the field is completed by the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Bristol De Mai, who was third in last year’s Gold Cup.
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.