TEMPLEGATE tackles the biggest race of the week absolutely certain of having cracked the Gold Cup code.
Here, our man goes through every runner one-by-one and reveals his tip for the 3.30pm race at the bottom.
Will Willie Mullins’ No1 jockey Paul Townend win the Gold Cup on Galopin Des Champs for the second year in a row?AFP
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Templegate’s Gold Cup guide
BRAVEMANSGAME
IN the Game. Beautiful jumper who was a gallant second 12 months ago after winning the King George. Things haven’t gone to plan this season but he was a solid second at Kempton after being hampered.
He goes on any ground and can go well — but needs luck to reverse last year’s form.
CORACH RAMBLER
RAMBLE on. Has a fine Cheltenham record with two Ultima wins and he showed his staying power when taking the Grand National.
His two runs this season have been short of that but he’s a Spring horse who’ll enjoy this challenge and can show his true colours.
It is hard to see him winning but not impossible to run into the frame, given his love for the course.
FASTORSLOW
HE ain’t Slow. Second in last year’s Ultima before raising his game to beat Galopin Des Champs at the Punchestown Festival.
He proved that was no fluke when beating the him again in November but he had no answer to him at Leopardstown latest.
That was still a good run and trainer Martin Brassil may have left something to work on. Staying won’t be an issue and he looks the main threat.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS
FOLLOW the Champ. Brilliant winner of this 12 months ago.
It was a shock to see him beaten by Fastorslow at the Punchestown Festival but he was clearly feeling the effects of the Gold Cup as he was on comeback there in November.
We saw the true Galopin in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas where he absolutely destroyed a high-class field.
He didn’t have to be as good when beating Fastorslow in the Dublin Gold Cup last time and Mullins will have his spot on for this.
Obviously he is not the biggets price at around 11-10 but is hard to beat and looks yet another Closutton banker bet.
GENTLEMANSGAME
GENTLE touch. He’s talented but little niggles mean he’s hard to get on the track.
Last time he did, he gave Bravemansgame a beating over three miles at Wetherby. He likes soft and jumps well. Mouse Morris has won this before and will have him ready. One of many in the each-way race.
GERRI COLOMBE
CLASSY Col. Beaten on the nod in the Brown Advisory last year before landing Grade 1s in style at Aintree and Down Royal.
He was no match for Galopin in the Savills but a solid second and this longer trip could bring improvement. He looks the best each-way bet in the race.
JUNGLE BOOGIE
BOOGIE off. Respected coming from Henry De Bromhead but he had to battle to win a paltry Tramore Grade 3 last time and this looks way too tough.
L’HOMME PRESSE
PRESSE on. Excellent Brown Advisory winner last year when staying strongly and kicked off this season with a good Newcastle win before running well until a late unseat in the King George.
He jumped left when second at Ascot last time so will be happier back here and he’s yet another with place claims.
MONKFISH
FISH out of water. Won the 2021 Brown Advisory before getting injured at Punchestown and missing two years.
Been hurdling this year and won nicely at Gowran last time. Big call to send him here instead of the Stayers’ and more rain would boost chances. Big ask to win this.
NASSALAM
LAM slammed. Superb winner of the Welsh National in he mud so no worries about his staying power but this is a different kettle of fish.
THE REAL WHACKER
UN-Real. Would be a hugely popular winner and battled to the line when winning the Brown Advisory last year.
Has been below that since including when second in the Cotswold last time and this is tougher.
Templegate’s Gold Cup tip
Willie Mullins will be Galopin off with another Cheltenham Gold Cup.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS was a fantastic winner of this race 12 months ago and looks hard to beat again.
He was better than ever when winning the Savills at Leopardstown before another cakewalk at Christmas.
Fastorslow has beaten him twice but was put in his place at Leopardstown last time. He is still best of the rest.
Moving up in trip will help Gerri Colombe make the frame ahead of last year’s second Bravemansgame.
Favourite columnist Gary Moore runs Nassalam but he could do with some morning rain as he needs a bog.
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